A SHORT drive along the Eastern Expressway brings travellers to Hainan Island's enchanting garden counties. Wanning and Lingshui in the province's East Coast Area offer breath-taking natural beauty with mountains, tropical rainforests, coconut groves and botanical gardens like no others in Hainan. The area is also marked by its winding coastline and sweeping seascapes.

A tour of the East Coast Area also provides sightseers with a window on the island's fascinating culture and colourful past as reflected in the ancient temples located near Wanning City and handicrafts of the indigenous Li, Miao and Hui nationalities. Holidaymakers will also take delight in the area's natural hot springs and world-class golf course.

Of special note in the East Coast Area are Nanwan Monkey Island, Coconut Island and Diaoluoshan Forest Park. Visitors are also advised to sample the area's lobster, crab, speciality dishes and coffee. The East Coast Area is also a centre for pearl cultivation.

More East Coast Area Sights.