If you’re looking for a mini break far from the maddening crowd while still being able to relax at a great beach front location, then this one may be for you.
Bozong village, Dongying Town, Lingao 临高县东英镇博纵村 is a small undeveloped hamlet on a pristine stretch of beach, nestled between the sea and a small forest. There’s not much going on here, if you’re looking for excitement then this is not for you.
The village is located in the southwest of Dongying Town, with a total population of 608 and an area of 3.79 mu of arable land. It is primarily a fishing village with deep roots in both Buddhism and Taoism.
The beachfront village is perfect for a one night (2 days) mini break, (or beach camping) where all you do is relax, stroll on the beach, go swimming (the water is relatively clear), chill in a seafront coffee shop and dine on local cuisine in a small beach restaurant.
The restaurant is on the beach, it serves local dishes at reasonable prices and is popular mostly for its seafood. Unfortunately, as the fishing ban was in effect when we visited, we didn’t get to try it and settled for chicken instead.
The chicken and bamboo rice are wrapped in tinfoil and roast in coarse sand which has been heated over a wood fired oven. The dishes are only slightly seasoned with just a hint of garlic, ginger and salt.
Prices at the restaurant are reasonable, a roast chicken, 2 vegetables, bamboo rice for 3 people and plate full of local roast sweet potatoes cost 267 yuan, (we did order a lot of food).
Accommodation
There are 2 homestays in the village, the Sea View Homestay (prices start from 259 yuan per night), and the more expensive Starlight Sea View bed and breakfast which we stayed at.
Rooms cost 950 yuan a night, which is considerably more than we’d usually spend on a hotel, but as we were celebrating a milestone birthday we decided to splash out.
Would I recommend it?
Even if money’s no object it’s a hard sell, you’re essentially paying for the decoration and the view. While there is a swimming pool on the roof there’s not much else.
Breakfast was basic and we were asked to pay an additional 50 yuan for two cups of coffee (which we refused), they also wanted to charge extra for a cup of milk.
A much better option is to stay at the Sea View Homestay, but then you don’t have the fantastic view.
Overall
If you’re camping or staying at the cheaper homestay, it’s a great budget location to unwind, eat, drink, stroll on an empty beach and watch fantastic sunsets.
If money is no object and you don’t expect much in the way of service, then the more expensive Starlight Sea View offers more stylish rooms with a fantastic view from your balcony.
Related article: Looking for something different for your next Hainan break? Then this may be for you!
