I spent an unforgettable day wandering through Sanya Rice National Park, where winter transforms into a sea of colorful blooms. While northern China was blanketed in snow, I found myself surrounded by 200 acres of dancing Gesang flowers, their pink and white petals swaying in the warm breeze. The two-kilometer Bauhinia flower avenue felt like walking through a Japanese romance film, with petals falling like snow in slow motion. This hidden gem in Sanya offers more than just beautiful scenery—it's a photographer's paradise and a peaceful escape where you can forget the world exists. If you're visiting Hainan between January and March, this floral wonderland is an absolute must-see.
Trip Overview
When: January 2021 (Best: January–March for peak blooms)
Duration: 1 day
Travelers: With friends
Budget: ~78 RMB (~$11 USD)
Transportation: Bus or taxi from Sanya city center
A Winter Day Among the Flowers
While most of China was shivering under heavy snow, I found myself in Sanya (三亚), where winter means something entirely different—an explosion of color and life. My destination for the day was the Sanya Rice National Park (三亚水稻国家公园), a place I'd heard whispered about among local photographers but rarely mentioned in international guidebooks.
As soon as I stepped through the entrance, I was greeted by waves of Gesang flowers (格桑花)—those delicate, colorful blooms that Tibetans call the "happiness flower." Stretching across more than 200 acres, these flowers danced in the winter sunshine like countless butterflies taking flight. The park had planted them specifically for this season, and their blooming period runs from January through late March.
Whether you're a photography enthusiast looking for that perfect shot or simply someone who loves beautiful scenery, this place has something magical for everyone. I found myself stopping every few meters, unable to resist capturing another angle of the vibrant blossoms against the clear blue sky.
Beyond the Gesang flowers, the park features nearly 500 acres of additional floral displays. I wandered through fields of marigolds in brilliant oranges and yellows, admired the deep reds of thousand-day-red flowers (千日红), and spotted孔雀草 (peacock grass) adding splashes of color throughout the grounds. The park has truly made floral culture its signature, creating immersive experiences that make you feel like you've stepped into a living painting.
🎯 What to Expect
Gesang Flower Fields: 200+ acres of colorful blooms (peak: Jan–Mar) Additional Gardens: Marigolds, thousand-day-red, peacock grass Best Photo Spots: The elevated viewing platforms offer panoramic shots Pro Tip: Visit on a weekday morning to avoid crowds
The Bauhinia Avenue: A Pink Dream
Just when I thought the day couldn't get more beautiful, I discovered the park's crown jewel—the Bauhinia flower (紫荆花) avenue. Stretching for two kilometers, this tree-lined path was in full bloom, creating a canopy of delicate pink flowers overhead.
Walking beneath these flowering trees felt like stepping into a scene from a Japanese romance film. Each blossom was a perfect shade of pink—soft yet vibrant, like nature's own watercolor painting. The trees stood tall and proud on both sides of the path, their branches meeting overhead to form a floral tunnel that seemed to go on forever.
The entire avenue was a spectacle of vivid color. Looking up, I felt surrounded by a sky of pink blossoms. Every step revealed a new perspective—sometimes the flowers formed delicate patterns against the blue sky, other times they created a solid pink ceiling that filtered the sunlight into a soft, romantic glow.
I found myself slowing down, unable to rush through such beauty. Local visitors told me that these Bauhinia trees bloom most profusely in winter, making this the perfect time to visit. As I walked, a gentle breeze stirred the branches, and petals began to fall around me like pink snow. It was one of those moments you wish you could bottle up and keep forever.
The two-kilometer walk took me much longer than expected—every few steps, I'd stop to take another photo or simply stand in awe of the pink world surrounding me. Layer upon layer of pink blossoms hung from the branches above, creating what felt like a living flower net ready to catch anyone who looked up in wonder.
By the time I reached the end of the avenue, my camera roll was full and my heart was light. I'd captured what locals call the "Rice Park Pink"—that specific shade of Bauhinia pink that has become iconic to this place. The photos have a dreamy, film-like quality that needs no filter.
If you're planning to visit, mark this location now. The "Rice Park Pink" is at its peak during winter months, and trust me—you'll want to bring a friend who can take photos of you surrounded by this pink paradise.
Practical Information
🕐 Opening Hours
Park Hours: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM Ticket Sales: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM Rice Field Restaurant: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
📍 Location & Getting There
Address: Sanya Rice National Park, Haitang Bay (G98 Highway Linwang Exit, 800m on the right)
Chinese Address: 三亚市海棠湾水稻国家公园（G98高速林旺出口800米右侧）
🚌 Public Bus Routes:
Route 23: Phoenix Island → Rice National Park → Nantian Farm (First: 5:50 AM, Last: 7:20 PM) Route 28: Phoenix Island → Rice National Park → Wuzhizhou Island (First: 5:50 AM, Last: 6:10 PM) Route 33: Nantian Farm → Rice National Park → Phoenix Airport (First: 7:45 AM, Last: 7:20 PM) Haitang Bay Route 1: Wuzhizhou Island → Rice National Park → Nantian Hot Springs (First: 7:00 AM, Last: 6:30 PM)
🚗 Driving Directions
Navigation: Search for "三亚房车体验区" (Sanya RV Experience Zone) on Baidu Maps or Tencent Maps
From Haikou: Take G98 East Ring Expressway → Haitang Bay Interchange Linwang Exit → Rice National Park From Sanya: Yingbin Road → Lizhigou → G98 East Ring Expressway → Daomao Tunnel → Haitang Bay Interchange Linwang Exit → Rice National Park
💡 Pro Tips
Best Time to Visit: Late morning (10 AM–12 PM) for optimal lighting for photos What to Wear: Light, comfortable clothing and walking shoes; bring a hat and sunscreen Photography: The golden hour (late afternoon) offers the most magical light for the Bauhinia avenue Duration: Plan for 3–4 hours to fully enjoy both the flower fields and the Bauhinia avenue Food: The Rice Field Restaurant serves local Hainan cuisine, or bring snacks for a picnic among the flowers