Hainan Island: mountain towns

In Hainan I told myself I shouldn't just stick to the touristy cities of Haikou and Sanya but should at least venture up into the interior to visit a mountain town or two.

To find the villages, I had to trek some distance outside the town but the effort was worth it. I got to meet some farmers, and talked to them.

A farming couple outside the home up in the hill. Their pet dog provides company in this isolated place.

The house they built with their own hands.

Haikou Park: Hainan Island, China

Travel guide, Lonely Planet, is enthusiastic about Haikou Park in Haikou, the capital, so I decided I had to see things for myself.

Haikou Park is a huge leafy and well-maintained park in the town centre. I was surprised to see all sorts of activities going on in the park: table tennis, jogging, singing, ball games, taiji etc.

Dance group: Many dance groups like this one practise in the  park to blaring music. They attract a lot of attention from visitors. You're welcomed to join them.

Calligraphy: Using just water, this gentleman uses a huge brush to show off his calligraphy skills. If you think you're equally skillful, he'll gladly lend you the brush.