Why Hainan Is the Coconut Island

Hainan calls itself the Coconut Island — and the numbers back it up: the island produces about half of China's coconuts, and the palm shapes its food, crafts and skyline.

The Dongjiao grove

Wenchang's Dongjiao Coconut Grove is the island's most famous — millions of palms along bays and villages. Locals say every part of the tree is used: water, meat, shell, fibre and leaves.

Coconut everywhere

From coconut milk hot pot to coconut rice and coconut candy, the palm runs through Hainanese cooking. Dried and fresh coconuts are a common roadside snack across the island.

Best ways to experience it

Cycle or drive the lanes through Dongjiao, stop for fresh coconut water at a roadside stall, and try coconut rice in Wenchang town. Sanya and Haikou sell coconut products everywhere, from oil to handicrafts.

Read next Follow the coconut thread into our food channel — coconut rice and Qingbuliang are the sweetest places to start.