Wenchang Travel Guide

Wenchang is a county-level city in northeast Hainan Island. It is the home of the Wenchang Satellite Launch Center and makes for a decent daytrip from the capital, Haikou.

Worth It?: Yes, to see the Wenchang Satellite Launch Center.
What to Do: see the space center, play golf.
Best Time to Go: year-round, but best between November and February.
How Long?: Wenchang is best done on a day trip from Haikou.
Trivia: Wenchang was promoted from a county to a city in 1995.

Wenchang is directly connected by expressway from Haikou, about 60kms to the northwest. It has around 100,000 people and was the main port where migrants came in. Many Hainanese originally came from Singapore, bringing their customs and dialects with them.

Wenchang Satellite Launch Center (WSLC) is near to Wenchang and is the main attraction. It has decent exhibitions on China's space program, including rockets and satellites. The WSLC is the fourth such spaceport in China and its southernmost.

Wenchang is surrounded by coconut forests and scenic spots, while the Confucius Temple is perhaps the best preserved ancient building in Hainan Province. Golfing types will enjoy the Hainan Wenchang Golf Club.

Travel to Wenchang - Getting There

Wenchang is a 30-minute bus ride from Haikou along the S201 or expressway. Buses also come up from Sanya in around 3 hours. Meilan International Airport is the gateway and is on the road to Wenchang. Trains come in from Guangzhou and Shanghai by way of ferry.

Wenchang Things to Do

Wenchang Attractions

Wenchang Satellite Launch Center (WSLC)

China's southernmost space center is one of four in the republic. It has space exhibitions galore and is a must-see during a launch.

Side trips from Wenchang

Confucius Temple: a fairly austere temple, yet nonetheless well preserved and featuring a stunning interior.

Events

Hainan Happy Festival: celebrated in November with costumed locals and lots of festivities.