Haikou Volcanic Crater National Geopark

　　The Volcanic Crater National Geopark is situated in Shishan Town, Xiuying District, Haikou City, about 20 kilometers from the city center. It features a cluster of dormant volcanic craters formed by eruptions that occurred between 27,000 and 1 million years ago. The largest crater has an elevation of 222.2 meters and a depth of 90 meters, making it one of the most well-preserved extinct volcanic craters in the world. Shaped like a saddle, it is also known as Ma’anling and is the highest point in northern Hainan. There are also dozens of smaller extinct volcanic craters or vents nearby.

　　The Volcanic Crater National Geopark is Hainan’s only volcanic wonder, located in Shishan Town, Xiuying District, Haikou City, about 20 kilometers from the city center. The volcanic relics are naturally spectacular and represent one of the best-preserved volcanic craters in the world. Within a 10-kilometer radius, there is a volcanic cluster formed by 36 craters, among which Ma’anling stands out with an elevation of 222.6 meters, making it the highest peak in northern Hainan. There are 72 underground lava caves, notably the renowned Wolong Cave and Immortal Cave. The area is covered with lush tropical fruit orchards and pristine vegetation, creating a naturally perfect landscape. The unparalleled volcanic scenery, which cannot be replicated by humans, is artfully combined with a meticulously designed hexagonal beehive garden system by master architects, presenting a grand and impressive sight well worth visiting.

　　Natural Scenery

　　Volcanic Crater Cave Cluster

　　Beneath the ground lies a cluster of volcanic rock caves, products of volcanic eruptions, hailed by geologists as a sizable volcanic cave museum. Among them, the Immortal Cave and Wolong Cave are the most magnificent. Although undeveloped, they can still be entered for exploration. The Immortal Cave is 4 kilometers from the Ma’anling volcanic crater. On the basalt at the cave entrance, the striking stone carving “Stone Chamber Immortal Trace” catches the eye. Inside the cave, there are more caves, and during the 1950s when mud and sand were being cleared, polished stone tools resembling axes and chisels were discovered, possibly indicating that it was once a habitat for human ancestors. The Wolong Cave is less than 1 kilometer from the Immortal Cave, stretching 3 kilometers in length, 7 meters in height, and 10 meters in width, with a capacity to hold tens of thousands of people. The Volcanic Crater Park served as the main venue for China's '96 World Tourism Day (Hainan), and hiking trails have been constructed along the flow of volcanic lava.

　　Ma’anling of the Volcanic Crater

　　A beautiful and moving legend is associated with Ma’anling of the Volcanic Crater Park. It is said that long, long ago, a fairy descended to the mortal world,

　　and married a hardworking and honest farmer named Chunteng.

　　Upon learning of this, an evil fire demon kidnapped the fairy and imprisoned her in a volcanic cave. Determined to rescue her, Chunteng vowed to fight the fire demon and extinguish the flames. He practiced martial arts diligently in the valley every day, calling upon the wind and rain, his voice echoing through the clouds. His actions moved the Jade Emperor and the immortals, who sent one of their own to teach him spells to counter the fire deity. The Mountain God forged two huge mountains into water vats and a towering sacred tree into a carrying pole, both of which were given to Chunteng. The Wind and Rain Gods guided him to a water source. Chunteng brought back water from two ponds and four pools, but when he arrived at Ma’anling, the fire demon noticed and cast a spell, preventing him from lifting the two vats of water. In a moment of inspiration, Chunteng kicked the carrying pole away, which landed steadily and transformed into a mountain ridge shaped like the character “一” (one), pinning down the neck of the fire demon. With another kick, he shattered the water vats, causing a sudden storm that subdued the demon and rescued the fairy. From then on, peace reigned over the land for hundreds of miles, and all things flourished. Later, the two water vats turned into two mountain ridges — today’s Ma’anling.

　　Highlights of the Scenic Area

　　The Shishan Volcanic Crater has been developed into a theme park showcasing volcanic culture, ecological gardens, and distinctive architecture. The volcanic ecological plaza, the majestic hiking trails, the ancient tree-lined promenade with its diverse forms, the remnants of a volcanic crater from ten thousand years ago, along with the simple local customs, unique handicrafts, and rustic mountain cuisine, have made it a popular tourist destination on the outskirts of the provincial capital and one of Hainan’s outstanding scenic spots. The Volcanic Crater National Geopark meets the lifestyle needs of contemporary people by fully utilizing precious volcanic resources through scientific planning and rational development. The park’s hexagonal beehive-style garden layout reflects a modern flair, while the volcanic stone steps and honeycomb-patterned lava stone pathways showcase local characteristics. There are exquisitely built volcanic gates, elegant garden roads, a beautiful and expansive central plaza, and a distinctive volcanic-themed area. There is also a Mountain God Temple built during the Qing Dynasty’s Daoguang era, rare wild pineapple groves, a mountaintop sightseeing trail, viewing platforms offering views of Haikou’s towering skyscrapers, distant vistas of the surging Qiongzhou Strait, and glimpses of the Wuzhi Mountains in central Hainan, as well as opportunities to explore ten-thousand-year-old volcanic caves. Today’s Volcanic Crater Park unfolds like a beautiful painting before your eyes, ready for you to admire. Near the park, there are notable dining spots such as Liwan Wine Village, where you can savor the uniquely flavored Shishan Lamb Banquet.