How do I get to Luhuitou Park from Dadonghai?

You can take bus 55 from the stop opposite the Ananas shopping center, or take a taxi from your hotel. We took a taxi from our hotel and it cost us 20 yuan each way.

What are the park's opening hours?

I'm not sure about the park's official opening hours, but we visited in the morning and it was already bustling with people.

Can I take a guided tour of the park?

Yes, you can take a guided tour of the park, but we didn't do it ourselves.

Are there any amenities or services available at the park?

I'm not sure about the park's amenities or services, but it looked like there were some food stalls and restrooms available.

Can I bring my dog to the park?

I'm not sure about the park's pet policy, but it looked like there were some dogs around.

Are there any entrance fees to the park?

No, there are no entrance fees to the park, but you'll need to show your passport.

Can I swim in the park?

I'm not sure about the park's swimming policy, but it looked like there were some areas where you could swim.

Are there any restaurants or cafes near the park?

Yes, there are some restaurants and cafes near the park, but we didn't try any of them.

How do I get around the park?

The park's relatively small, so you can easily walk around. There are also some benches and rest areas where you can take a break.

Luhuitou Park: A Hidden Gem in Hainan

Hello fellow travelers!

I'm super excited to share with you one of the top spots to explore in Hainan, and it's completely free! I'm not even kidding, I went crazy for the beauty I saw here.

Today, I'm talking about Luhuitou Park, which is literally a must-visit when you're in Hainan. The best part? It's super easy to get to, close to Dadonghai, and the best part? No entrance fee! You can just walk in and enjoy the scenery.

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We visited Hainan in mid-November, just as the season was starting to kick in. And let me tell you, the weather was absolute perfection! It was warm enough to swim and sunbathe, but not too humid or hot. We were loving the comfortable 25-28 degree weather, with cooler evenings that weren't too bad.

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To get to the park, you can take bus 55 from the stop opposite the Ananas shopping center. But we took a taxi from our hotel instead – it cost us 20 yuan each way.

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The good news is that entrance to the park is free, but you will need to show your passport.

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You can take a guided tour of the park, but honestly, it's way easier and cheaper to just get there on your own. Plus, you'll have all the time you need to explore without any time limits or hefty fees.

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The best time to visit is a couple of hours before sunset, so you can enjoy the stunning views from the observation decks.

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So, where did the name 'The Deer Turned Its Head' come from? It's actually tied to an ancient Chinese legend. In Chinese culture, the deer is a symbolic and multi-faceted animal, and the whole park is basically built around that.

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Here's what the entrance to the park looks like.

Even before you step foot inside, you can already see a lot of beauty and some pretty cool photo spots. I really liked this little fountain with deer, for example.

There's another interesting area with a frame and deer.

And just nearby, there are some hills with mini-waterfalls.

As we continued on our way to the monument with the deer and the high viewing platform with views of Phoenix Island, the entire path looked like a paved road winding its way up like a spiral staircase. Climbing up was a real challenge, and we had to hike up a steep incline of about 5 kilometers. You can actually buy a ticket on the bus for 28 yuan, which will quickly and efficiently take you to the site. But we love hiking, so we decided to put our endurance to the test once again and not take the bus.

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If you do decide to take the bus, it's not a closed one, and you can enjoy the scenery during the ride. The best seats are definitely the back ones, which offer a full view of the surroundings. However, the bus does shake a bit during the ride, and there are no seatbelts, so we had to hold on tight to the handrails the whole time

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As we hiked, we couldn't help but take in the breathtaking views around us.

And the higher we climbed, the more stunning the views became, with wider and wider vistas unfolding before our eyes.

I was blown away by how densely populated the island of Hainan is, with buildings packed tightly together.

Along the way, there are little pocket parks and cozy benches. Kudos to whoever set up these parks – they gave my partner and me a lovely couple of minutes of romance to ourselves

As you walk, you'll also come across some really cool photo ops. It'd be a shame to miss them if you're just taking the bus.

I was amazed to spot a hummingbird here! It's zipping around this blooming flower, and I was blown away by how tiny it is – like a mosquito! And trying to capture it on camera was next to impossible – it's so quick and agile with its wings.

Looking around, you'll also notice some beautiful plants and flowers.

I was getting close to the peak of the park, and I think I finally understood why the Chinese tend to stay so fit and healthy with age - their parks and walkways are designed to get you climbing to the top all the time. I was actually getting a bit winded and my heart rate spiked when we reached the summit!

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So, what did we find at the top?

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There were tons of little shops selling souvenirs. I ended up buying a really cute postcard.

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One of the shops was being guarded by this adorable Chinese cat. Talk about a proud little fella!

Of course, there were more photo zones. Given the Legend of the Deer is all about love, the zones were all themed for couples.

The main attraction, of course, was the Deer Statue with its head turned. I was once again reminded that China is a country of massive statues. It's really beautiful and colorful, especially at night when it's all lit up.

Watching the sunset over Phoenix Island was the highlight of our trip. It's mesmerizing to see the sky light up and the skyscrapers come alive.

Here's what the island looks like in the daylight.

And here's how it looks at night, as the sun sets.

The sunsets here are truly magical!

I've got to say, we're witnessing a real light show here! The Phoenix skyscrapers are changing colors and it's an absolute visual treat.

After we finally got a good look at the island, we decided to take a stroll through the park, exploring all the nooks and crannies. And, as it turned out, there's plenty to see here! I'd read in reviews that, apart from the Elk, there's not much to look at - complete nonsense.

We'd heard rumors of a monkey enclosure in the park, but we couldn't seem to find it. I guess they must head off to bed when it gets dark, and it's best to track them down when it's still light out.

And when we were heading back to the exit (it's a lot easier and more fun to walk down than up), we got to enjoy the same locations, this time with the added bonus of lighting.

Sanya looks like a mini Las Vegas – everything's lit up like a big, noisy island!

When we headed back to the hotel, we took a taxi. There are local touts waiting near the park, offering to give you a lift. My advice? Haggle and don't be afraid to negotiate – they can really knock off some cash. Or, even better, use the Didi app to book a taxi – it's way cheaper!

Some park quirks! There are loads of stalls selling souvenirs, but there's nowhere decent to grab a bite to eat. A few stalls do sell food, but it's just ice cream and random snacks – you won't find a proper meal here. So, before heading to the Oleny, make sure to fuel up properly. And don't forget to bring plenty of water – it's scorching hot, and you'll be parched!

I've got to advise against visiting the park early in the morning or during the day. It can be a real snooze-fest in the daylight. Instead, hit the beach in the morning, and then head to Oleny around 4 pm. That way, you'll get to see the park's full range of awesomeness.

Honestly, I don't think I can add much more. I just can't see any reason why you wouldn't want to visit Oleny Park when you're on holiday in Hainan. It's a must-see, if you ask me! One evening of relaxation is definitely worth dedicating to this place.

Good luck, and until next time! See you later!