Riyue Bay

Surfing arrived in China late and settled here: Riyue Bay on Hainan's east coast picks up swell from the South China Sea reliably enough through the winter monsoon that it became the country's surf capital, hosting international competitions and training the national team. The bay has a sandy point and a reef break, a row of surf schools and hostels along the road, board rental and lessons in English as well as Chinese, and a small resident community of instructors. Waves are modest by international standards but consistent, which suits learners, and the water stays warm enough to surf without a wetsuit most of the year.

What you actually see

• The point and reef breaks - the two main waves in the bay.
• The surf schools - lessons, rental and instructors along the road.
• The competition season - contests through the winter months.
• The surf village - hostels and cafés built around the beach.

When to go

October to March for the northeast monsoon swell, which is the main season; summer is flat apart from typhoon swell, which is dangerous and unpredictable. Water is warm year-round.

Honest expectations

Waves are small and inconsistent by international standards; experienced surfers may be disappointed. Facilities are simple and the area is spread along a road rather than a town.

Nearby

Boundary Island lies south; Sanya is further southwest.