South Bay Monkey Island (also known as Nanwan Monkey Islet).

Despite its name, Nanwan Monkey Islet is actually a protected peninsula and the only island-style nature reserve in the world dedicated to endangered macaques. The adventure begins before you even arrive, via a scenic 2,138-meter journey on China’s longest over-water cable car from Xincun Harbor. Once on the peninsula, you are outnumbered by more than 2,000 free-roaming monkeys living across a lush, 1,000-hectare tropical sanctuary. It is a highly active, matriarchal wildlife environment rather than a traditional zoo, meaning visitors get an unfiltered look at troop behavior, feeding, and daily macaque life. Just keep a close eye on your loose belongings—these curious residents are notorious pickpockets. It is a singular Hainan excursion that pairs conservation history with coastal views.