Cultural Immersion Guide to Yalong Bay Tropical Paradise Forest Park

Yalong Bay Tropical Paradise Forest Park is not only an ecological treasure of Hainan Island, but also a "Shan Hai Jing" (Classic of Mountains and Seas) that carries the Li and Miao culture, film and television memories, and natural beliefs. The tropical rainforest and human history are intertwined here, and every vine and every trestle bridge is engraved with the password of time. Follow this guide to unlock the cultural genes of this forest and embark on a dialogue that transcends time! 🌿 Cultural totem in the rainforest: natural beliefs of the Li and Miao people This rainforest was once the habitat of the Li and Miao people of Hainan. They worshipped mountains and trees, and traces of them can still be found in the Orchid Valley of the park. In the valley, ancient vines are coiled like dragons, and areca trees soar into the sky. Legend has it that the ancestors of the Li people held sacrifices here, praying for good weather and rain510. Stroll through the valley, the stream gurgles, and hundreds of orchids bloom. The Li people regard orchids as "messengers of the mountain gods," and their fragrance is considered a medium of communication with the gods5. The "root-hugging stone" spectacle (tree roots wrapping around huge stones) is also endowed with the cultural implication of "tenacious symbiosis," becoming a symbol of the Li and Miao people's spirit10. 🎬 Film and television memories: film and television IP and love sanctuary The forest park became famous because of the movie "If You Are the One 2," and the "trial marriage room" in the movie is still preserved next to the Guojianlong Cable Bridge. This 168-meter cable bridge spans two mountains. When walking on it, the rainforest under your feet is like a surging wave, just like the romantic scene of "walking on the clouds" in the movie510. Another must-visit is the "wedding hall," with a pure white dome standing on the top of the mountain, with a view of the lush mountains and the azure sea. It is not only a witness to modern love, but also a wonderful echo of the Li people's traditional "March 3" marriage customs. Li and Miao young men and women used to sing and fall in love in the mountains and forests. Now, tourists can experience the sense of ritual of "swearing to the heavens and the sea" here56. 🏯 Mountain and sea epic: ancient architecture and ecological wisdom Climb the Cang Hai Lou (Sea View Tower), a three-story hexagonal wooden tower, inspired by Hainan's traditional boat house. You can overlook the entire Yalong Bay from the top. In ancient times, fishermen regarded this building as a "beacon of the sea." The building's carved windows and doors are similar to the Li people's brocade patterns, telling the philosophy of symbiosis between the ocean and the forest5. The cliff pool under the "Thousand Umbrellas" on the top of the mountain was once a place for ancient merchants to rest and fetch water. The remaining cliff carvings on the huge stones by the pool vaguely record the records of the Ming Dynasty merchants passing by here10. 🌺 Intangible cultural heritage experience: handmade and culinary culture Li brocade weaving: In the original hand-painted workshop on Creative Street, you can experience the traditional Li people's dyeing, weaving, and embroidery techniques, and make a brocade belt with coconut tree patterns5. Ancient salt art: The "Old Salt Shop" on the top of the mountain inherits the ancient salt field technology of Danzhou, Hainan. Tourists can participate in the production of hot salt and experience the healing wisdom of the thousand-year-old intangible cultural heritage5. Rainforest feast: The Yun Ding Ge restaurant on the top of the mountain offers Li and Miao specialty "five-color rice," which is dyed with plant juice and symbolizes the gifts of nature. It is paired with bamboo tube wine, which reproduces the ancient Bo people's tradition of drinking with bamboo510. 📜 Two-day cultural in-depth tour itinerary Day 1: Natural beliefs and film and television tour Morning: Orchid Valley (root-hugging stone, orchid viewing area) → Guojianlong Cable Bridge ("If You Are the One 2" trial marriage room) Afternoon: Glass Bridge (mountain and sea view) → Wedding Hall (love culture) → Cang Hai Lou (Sea View Tower) (explore ancient architecture) Day 2: Intangible cultural heritage and ecological dialogue Morning: Creative Street (Li brocade handmade, ancient salt experience) → Rainforest Magic Cinema (immersive rainforest cultural film) Afternoon: Rainforest rafting (through the thousand-year-old rainforest) → North Latitude 18° Post Office (send cultural postcards) 📌 Practical guide Ticket discount: During February 2025, Trip.com users can enjoy a 20% discount on tickets booked through Trip.com. The joint ticket includes the glass bridge and the cable bridge for only CNY180 per person25. Transportation: Take bus No. 15 from Sanya city center to the park, or drive along Yalong Bay Road for 30 minutes. Along the way, you can see coconut groves and Li totem sculptures56. Cultural accommodation: It is recommended to stay in the "Peacock Room" of the Bird's Nest Resort. The treehouse design incorporates elements of the Li people's boat-shaped house. You can see the sea of clouds and rainforest from the window