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Lingao (临高) is a county in the northwestern part of Hainan Province, China. Located along the coast of the Beibu Gulf, Lingao is known for its fishing traditions, coastal scenery, and local culture. Visitors can explore its seaside landscapes, experience the everyday life of local fishing communities, and enjoy the distinctive food and customs of northwestern Hainan. Lingao offers a quieter alternative to the island's more developed tourist destinations.
Understand
[edit | edit source]Lingao is best known for Cape Lingao (临高角; Língāojiǎo) - the site of a historic lighthouse and the main landing site for the People's Liberation Army (PLA) during the Hainan Campaign of the Chinese Civil War. The area around Cape Lingao is now known as Hainan Liberation Park.
The county seat of Lingao is the town of Lincheng (临城; Línchéng).
History
[edit | edit source]Lingao has a history dating back to ancient times, when the area was part of the early administrative regions of Hainan. In 607 AD, Bishan County (毗善县) was established during the Sui dynasty. In 622, it was renamed Fuluo County (富罗县), and Linji County (临机县) was established in the same year. In 713, during the Tang dynasty, Linji County was renamed Lingao, the name still used today.
During the Song dynasty, the county seat was moved, eventually settling in the area of present-day Lincheng. Over the centuries, Lingao developed as a coastal agricultural and fishing region. Its ports and fishing communities became important parts of local life, while distinctive traditions such as the Lingao fishermen's folk songs and puppet shows developed and were passed down through generations.
In 1950, Lingao became part of the newly established local administration following the Hainan campaign. In 1958, it was merged with Chengmai County to form Jinjiang County, but Lingao County was restored in 1961. In 1988, when Hainan became a province, Lingao came under Hainan Province.
Orientation
[edit | edit source]Lingao is located in the northwestern part of Hainan Island, in Hainan Province, China. Lingao County faces the Beibu Gulf to the west and is connected to other parts of Hainan by road. The county seat is an important local center for transport, shopping, and daily services.
The main settlements and attractions are spread across the county, including coastal areas, fishing villages, and cultural sites. Visitors can use local buses, taxis, or private vehicles to travel between the county seat and nearby attractions. It is useful to plan transportation in advance when visiting places outside the main urban area.
Climate
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Lingao has a tropical savanna climate, with warm weather throughout the year. Summers are hot and rainy, while winters are generally mild and drier. Most rainfall occurs from May to October, with August typically being the wettest month. The best time to visit for those who prefer cooler and drier weather is generally from November to April, although occasional rain can still occur.
Get in
[edit | edit source]Lingao may be reached by both bus and train. Some visitors prefer to take the bus because the train station is quite far (about 16 km by road) from Lincheng's town center whereas the Lingao Bus Station is in a much more central location.
By bus
[edit | edit source]- 1 Lingao Bus Station (临高汽车站), Jiangnan Road, Lincheng (临城镇江南路) (in Lincheng's town center, at the intersection of Jiangnan Road and Linmei Road), ☏ +86 898 28284323. This is Lingao’s main bus station. There are frequent buses to this station from Haikou. These buses generally depart from Haikou West Bus Station. Buses to Lingao are also available from Sanya, Danzhou and Wenchang.
By train
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- 2 Lingao South Railway Station (临高南站), Bohou Town (博厚镇) (about 16 km southeast of the center of Lincheng; the train station is linked to the bus station via bus nos. 10 and 30). The station is on the western section of Hainan's high-speed railway line, which follows a circular route around the island. Trains services to Lingao are available from all major coastal cities on the island, including Haikou, Sanya, Dongfang, Wenchang, Qionghai and Wanning.
Get around
[edit | edit source]By bus
[edit | edit source]Local buses connect the main towns and communities in Lingao County. They are a relatively affordable way to travel, but services to smaller villages and coastal attractions may be limited. Check routes and departure times before setting out.
By taxi
[edit | edit source]Taxis can be convenient for short trips around the county seat and for reaching places that are not well served by public transport. Confirm the fare with the driver before starting the journey if the meter is not used.
By car
[edit | edit source]Driving is a practical option for visitors who want to explore Lingao’s coastline, fishing villages, and rural areas. Roads connect the county seat with other towns and attractions. Visitors should check directions in advance, especially when travelling to less-developed areas.
On foot
[edit | edit source]Walking is suitable for exploring the county seat, local markets, and nearby streets. Some coastal areas and attractions are farther apart, so another form of transport may be needed.
See
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- 1 Hainan Liberation Park (海南解放公园, formerly known as the Cape Lingao Tourism Area 临高角旅游区), County Highway 311, Lincheng (临城镇311县道) (about 10 km north of the center of Lincheng; take bus no. 6 from outside Lingao Bus Station; some long-distance buses also stop here). 08:00-17:00. Lingao's main tourist attraction. It commemorates the landing of PLA troops during the Hainan Campaign of the Chinese Civil War. Notable sights within the park include a giant statue representing the PLA soldiers; a museum about the Hainan Campaign, the remains of a trench used during the war, and a historic lighthouse built by the French in the 1890s. Free.
- 2 Lingao Lighthouse (临高角灯塔). Open all day. Lingao Cape Lighthouse is a historic lighthouse on the coast of northwestern Hainan. Built in 1894, it features a distinctive red-and-white striped tower and has served as a navigation landmark for ships passing through the Qiongzhou Strait for more than a century. Located within Hainan Liberation Park, it can be visited alongside the park's memorials and coastal scenery. The lighthouse is a protected historical structure and is also recognized for its heritage value. Free.
- 3 Lingao Confucius Temple (临高文庙), Jiangbei Road, Lincheng (临城镇江北路) (about 500 meters west of Lingao Bus Station). 08:00-18:00. Founded during the Song Dynasty, the temple was destroyed during the Yuan Dynasty and rebuilt at its present location during the Ming Dynasty. Free.
- 4 Wenlan Cultural Park (文澜文化公园, Lanjiang Cultural Park 澜江文化公园), Shizheng Avenue, Lincheng (临城镇市政大道) (take either bus no. 4 or bus no. 6). Open all day. One of Lingao’s newest attractions. The park was established in the 2010s. It features a long line of memorial arches. Each set of arches has a unique style, representing different periods in Chinese history. A night market is held here every night from about 19:00. Free.
Do
[edit | edit source]- 1 Lingao County Cultural Park (临高县文化公园), 30 Wenming Road, Lincheng (临城镇文明路30号) (about 1 km northwest of Lingao Bus Station; take bus no. 9). Open all day. A park with indoor and outdoor sporting facilities, as well as a stage for traditional opera and puppet shows. Free.
- 2 Lingao County Art and Culture Center (临高县文化艺术中心), Intersection of Shizheng Avenue and Jinlan Avenue, Lincheng (临城镇政大道与金澜大道交叉口) (near Wenlan Cultural Park). The main art center in Lingao County. It hosts both visual art exhibitions and performing arts shows.
Buy
[edit | edit source]- 1 Fuluo Plaza (富罗广场), No. 22, Xingzheng Road (Located on Xingzheng Road in central Lingao County). Fuluo Plaza is a shopping and entertainment complex in central Lingao County. The mall offers shopping, dining, leisure activities, and entertainment. It is located on Xingzheng Road and is a convenient place for visitors to shop and eat. Free entry.
Eat
[edit | edit source]- 1 Chen Ji Roasted Suckling Pig (陈记烤乳猪), No. 218, Erhuan Road, Lincheng Town (On Erhuan Road in Lincheng Town.), ☏ +86 18889352113. On Erhuan Road in Lincheng Town.. Chen Ji Roasted Suckling Pig is a local restaurant in Lingao known for Hainanese cuisine. Popular dishes include roasted suckling pig, oysters with eggs, and local vegetables.
- 2 Jin Yiwei Roasted Suckling Pig (金奖烤乳猪·金一味), No. 133, Xinqiao South Road (On Xinqiao South Road, near the center of Lingao County), ☏ +86 18075531416. 09:30–22:00. Jin Yiwei is a Hainanese restaurant in Lingao. It specializes in roasted suckling pig and also serves local dishes, including handmade tofu and seafood. ¥81.
- 3 Liu Liu Shun Congee House (六六顺粥馆), No. 15, Yuejin Road, Lincheng Town, ☏ +86 136 2752 0967. 06:30-24:00. Liu Liu Shun Congee House is a casual restaurant in Lingao serving congee, rice noodles, and other simple Chinese meals. It is an option for visitors looking for an inexpensive local meal.
- 4 Yu Ren Gong She Seafood City (渔人公社海鲜城), Near Jinpai West Port, County Road 303 (Near Jinpai West Port, along County Road 303), ☏ +86 182 8938 3222. 09:30–22:00. Yu Ren Gong She Seafood City is a seafood restaurant near Jinpai West Port in Lingao County. Its location makes it an option for visitors exploring the port area and looking for local seafood.
- 5 Da Ziran Fishing Port Restaurant (大自然渔港), 350 m east of the opposite side of Jinpaiwan Seafood Park, along County Road 303, ☏ +86 898 2854 6598. 10:00–22:00. Da Ziran Fishing Port Restaurant is a local restaurant in Lingao serving seafood and Chinese dishes. It is listed as a place to try seafood and local specialties, including roasted suckling pig. ¥111 per person.
Drink
[edit | edit source]Sleep
[edit | edit source]- 1 Country Garden Xiaocheng Zhichun Holiday Hotel (碧桂园小城之春假日酒店), 3 Jiangbei Road East, Lincheng (临城镇江北东路3号) (about 1.5 km northeast of Lingao Bus Station; take bus no. 5, 7 or 8), ☏ +86 898 36288888. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. A three-star hotel. Room rates start from ¥356 per night.
- 2 Vienna Hotel Lingao (维也纳酒店海南临高店), 107 Erhuan Road, Lincheng (临城镇二环路107号) (about 1 km south of Lingao Bus Station; bus no. 11 stops nearby), ☏ +86 898 28319999. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. A three-star hotel. Room rates start from ¥268 per night.