When planning your trip to Dongfang, it’s worth considering the different highlights in Basuo: the coast and its lighthouses, railway history, and Miao handicrafts. This lets you choose a hotel based on the themes you want to explore during your stay, rather than treating all the destinations as a single itinerary.
Coast: Lighthouses and Tides
Fish Scale Isle in Basuo has a beach of small stones, a lighthouse and wind turbines. The lighthouse stands on a rock about 20 to 30 metres high and is an important navigational landmark in the Gulf of Beibu. At Duntou Beach, the coastal stretch formed by shells and sand is a popular place for beachcombing at low tide. The small lighthouse on the beach is a popular photo spot with visitors. These are two distinct coastal attractions: the scenery of Fish Scale Isle and Duntou’s tidal beach.
The bay at Fish Scale Isle has shallow water and white sand and is considered a natural coastal swimming spot. If swimming is part of your plans, check local conditions before visiting. This helps distinguish this stretch of coast from places that focus more on photography, scenery or beachcombing.
Railway History, Old Street and Miao Handicrafts
The Hainan Railway Museum in Basuo has three historical themed exhibitions and an outdoor area with railway vehicles. It opened in 2008 and was renovated in 2021. It is also considered the only railway culture museum in Hainan operated by a railway company. The exhibitions and outdoor vehicles offer two distinct aspects of railway history to explore at the museum.
Beili Old Street offers a different way to experience local culture. Several Nanyang-style arcaded buildings have been preserved there. During holidays, galleries, studios and teahouses attract visitors. Those interested in architecture will find a contrast here to the railway museum’s specific theme: the Old Street combines historic architectural styles with galleries, workshops and teahouses.
At the Pan Family Miao Embroidery and Batik Workshop, visitors can watch demonstrations of a nationally recognised intangible cultural heritage craft and experience traditional Miao culture. The workshop employs 22 professional artisans and also offers embroidery, batik, brocade weaving and the making of traditional Miao clothing. The workshop complements the historical exhibitions and architecture with an insight into crafts and textile culture.
Fishing Village and Getting There
At Gangmen Fishing Village in Basuo, you may be able to buy freshly landed fish from returning fishermen. This opportunity differs from the fixed cultural themes of a museum or exhibition: it depends on whether fishermen have returned and fresh catch is available.
The island-ring high-speed railway runs through Basuo and stops at Dongfang Railway Station. Check the current timetable for your travel date. If you’re looking for a hotel in Dongfang, you can prioritise the coastal spots, museum, Beili Old Street and Miao handicrafts according to your personal interests.
Discover more destinations: Baoting, Ding'an, Haikou, Wanning, Wenchang, Ledong, Xinzhuzhen, Qionghai
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