When I moved to Haikou a few months ago, I didn’t know much about the city. It was a work-related move, and it wasn’t as if I had much choice in the matter. But, being the eternal optimist, I knew I needed to make the most of this chapter of my tropical adventure in Hainan – lovingly nicknamed China’s very own Hawaii. And as a lover of nature and animals, it seems like this tropical island might just be the perfect place to explore my interests.
Arriving in Haikou in the middle of winter only to be met with warm weather and green trees all around was such a breath of fresh air. Then, something caught my eye on the way to town from the airport – a giant sign for Haikou Volcanic Cluster Global Geopark, also known as Shishan Volcano Cluster or simply Crater Park. What? I get to see a real extinct volcano!? This city is looking pretty good.
Located barely on the outskirts of the city, the drive to the base of this geological marvel was so short that it hardly felt like we even left the city. The locals recommend a trip to the park as one of the “must see” places in Haikou, and judging by the size and sheer convenience of their parking lot, the park knows it too. There’s plenty of parking spaces as well as day-trip buses shuffling groups of visitors there on a daily basis. Unlike at many famous tourist spots in China now, there’s no need for advanced booking online. You simply stroll up to the ticket counter like in the olden days and purchase your ticket right then and there. It’s a small detail, but great for those like me who don’t like sightseeing on a fixed schedule.
Even after years of being one of the top spots in Haikou, ticket prices are still reasonable. Adult tickets cost 54 yuan (US$7) per person, kids between 1.2-1.4 meters, seniors (from any country) between 60 -69 years old and students who are undergrad and below in a Chinese school are 27 yuan (US$4), and kids under 1.2 meters and seniors over 70 are free of charge.
Strolling into the park, the first thing you’ll notice is how different the ground looks. Instead of finding stone or concrete, you see hole-filled volcanic rocks right beneath your feet. Kind of cool! Then, you’re met with a more modern sight than you would expect from an extinct volcano. Like at many nature sites in China, there will be vendors selling everything from toys for kids to ice cream and snacks for hungry visitors. If you’ve got picky eaters, be sure to pack your own snacks because you won’t be able to find healthy options here. It distracts from the natural beauty, but when you’re hungry, they sure come in handy.
This park covers an area of about 108 square kilometers, and it takes at least half a day to fully explore it all. There are hiking trails of varying difficulty levels, allowing both casual walkers and more experienced hikers to enjoy the scenery. There are also picnic areas where families can relax and enjoy a meal and surrounded by nature.
This volcanic cluster here is the result of eruptions that occurred over 10,000 years ago. These eruptions left behind a landscape of volcanic cones, lava tunnels, and volcanic rock columns.
The most popular crater is the Ma Anling Crater. Covered in thick green vegetation, its bowl-shaped depression sits between two peaks, one of which is Fengluling Crater, where, if you hike to the top, you’ll be able to see Haikou from its highest point. And if you happen to own a drone, this is the perfect place to let it fly for some unbelievable shots.
These circular craters, filled with lush greenery that can only be found year-round in a tropical climate like Hainan, create a breathtaking sight that reminds you of the Disney movie Moana, where, over time, the fiery destructive force of a volcanic eruption turns into a beautiful green paradise like no other.
If you want to get a real feel of the extinct volcano, you’ll need to be ready to walk. The lower part of the mountain, although filled with plenty of extremely photogenic spots in its own right, is definitely more touristy and modern. What do I mean by modern? Well, there are kids’ craft activity stalls and cotton candy machines as well as man-made stone resting areas and a small museum that explains the history of this and many other extinct volcanoes around the world.
But keep hiking, and you’ll be met with one of the highlights of the park – the lava tunnels. These tunnels were formed when the outer part of the flowing lava cooled and solidified while the hotter lava continued to flow. As a result, hollow channels were left behind. Exploring these lava tunnels is like going on an adventure into the center of the Earth. Inside, the walls are filled with unique lava formations, some resembling stalactites and stalagmites found in regular caves but with a distinct volcanic texture. The dim light, cool air and mysterious atmosphere add to the allure of these underground passages.
But this park isn’t just for those who are interested in learning more about volcanoes. The park is a wonderland of geological marvels, local history and lush tropical scenery. It’s a place where visitors can learn about the park’s ecosystem, which has adapted to the nutrient-rich volcanic soil, creating a unique habitat for both flora and fauna. As you hike, if you look carefully, you’ll even see some pretty cool animals, like tiny lizards that call the park home.
The volcano is also a huge part of the culture. The local people have lived in harmony with the volcanic environment for generations. Traditional villages built with basalt stones can be found within the park, and if you linger around for a bit, one of the many tour groups is bound to come by for you to eavesdrop in on an explanation.
Usually, when people plan their trip to Hainan, it’s to the white sand beaches of Sanya. But Haikou, rich in history, is definitely worth a visit. There are not many places on the planet where you can explore a volcano and look into the center of the Earth. It’s home to a park that leaves visitors with memories and stories that will last for years to come.
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