I was trying to buy entrance tickets to Nanshan Guanyin in Hainan but realize that via Trip.com, Klook, these only offer a boat ride ticket, not the entrance to the park.
I even went to Wechat mini program to see if I could buy the beforehand & was overwhelmed by the chinese characters & various options that I gave up. Simply decided to buy on-site.
Scoot flies direct from SG to Haikou. To get to Nanshan Guanyin which is closer to Sanya, I simply book a High Speed Rail (HSR) from Meilan station to Yazhou station. I chose Yazhou rather than the Sanya station as there's a direct public bus from Yazhou to Nanshan Guanyin.
Once out from Yazhou station, straight ahead there is a bus stop. Take public bus 301. The bus fare is RMB 2/Pax. It comes like every 20 to 30min. This bus ends at Nanshan, so basically, it's point to point. At this bus stop, you will also get pestered by drivers, which I told them no need.
At Nanshan, ANYONE WHO IS 70 YEARS OLD & ABOVE, it is FREE ENTRY. Park entrance tickets is at RMB108/ Pax. There are park attendants at the ticketing kiosk to help as well. So basically for my mum& aunties, they all went in for free. I'm glad that I did not buy the tickets online.
As the park is quite big, you can pay for the park tram vehicle ( RMB30/Pax) which will stop at each site of interest within the park.
Going to Nanshan Guanyin is an excellent day trip activity from Haikou.
... Read moreVisiting Nanshan Guanyin from Haikou can be a smooth and rewarding experience if you plan your transit and ticketing carefully. From my own travel, the key is understanding the best transportation options and entrance procedures so you save both money and time.
Firstly, if you’re flying in, Scoot offers direct flights from Singapore to Haikou, which makes the trip convenient. Once at Meilan station in Haikou, booking a High Speed Rail ticket to Yazhou station is a smart choice since Yazhou offers a direct public bus (bus number 301) to Nanshan Guanyin. The bus fare is very affordable at RMB 2 per person, and it runs roughly every 20 to 30 minutes.
When you arrive at Yazhou train station, the bus stop is straight ahead, so it’s easy to find. However, be prepared for some persistent offers from drivers at the bus stop – politely declining will keep your trip hassle-free. The bus route is direct and ends at Nanshan, perfect for visitors.
An important tip I found useful is that the park grants free entry to anyone aged 70 and above, which can save a significant amount on entrance fees (RMB 108 per person otherwise). There’s a staffed ticket kiosk onsite, so buying tickets immediately before entry is straightforward and saves the confusion of navigating online Chinese platforms or third-party sellers, who mostly only offer boat ride packages rather than park access.
Inside the park, it’s quite expansive, and if you want to conserve your energy or have limited time, the park tram costs RMB 30 per person and stops at all the main attractions. It’s a great way to maximize your sightseeing without the walking strain.
From my experience, Nanshan Guanyin makes for an excellent day trip from Haikou, blending cultural exploration with natural beauty. Make sure to bring comfortable shoes, stay hydrated, and allow time to soak in the serene atmosphere of the Guanyin statue and the scenic surroundings.
Lastly, keep an eye out for clear signage and tourist information centers at the park entrance that provide guidance in both English and Chinese, enhancing your visit. This approach helped me have a smoother trip and a deeper appreciation for this remarkable cultural and spiritual site.