Hainan Space Study Programme · Info Sheet
Where to stay near the launch coast.
Participants arrange their own accommodation. This free information sheet tells you which area we recommend so the cohort stays close together, how to get there, and what to know before you book. It's guidance only — you book directly with any provider you choose.
The recommended area
Recommended — stay here if you can
Longlou Town (龙楼镇), Wenchang
Longlou is the small coastal town right next to the Wenchang Space Launch Site — it's where space enthusiasts base themselves for launches. Staying here means you're minutes from the public launch-viewing areas and from our morning meeting points, with no long drives on launch day.
- Closest town to the launch site and viewing beaches
- A growing cluster of hotels and guesthouses across budgets
- Where the GlobalMinds cohort and staff will be based during the programme
Alternative
Wenchang city centre (Wencheng, 文城)
The main town of Wenchang, roughly 40–60 minutes by road from the launch site. More hotel choice and amenities, but you'll need to arrange transport to Longlou each morning — and launch-day traffic can be heavy. Choose this only if Longlou is fully booked.
Not recommended as a base
Haikou (海口)
Hainan's capital is where most participants will fly in (Haikou Meilan International Airport, HAK), but it's around 1.5–2 hours from the launch site — too far for daily programme activities. Fine for a night on arrival or departure.
Getting there
- Fly: Haikou Meilan International Airport (HAK) is the main gateway to northern Hainan.
- Rail: The Hainan East Ring high-speed railway connects Meilan Airport to Wenchang station in about 20 minutes; from there it's a taxi or ride-hailing trip to Longlou.
- Road: Taxis and ride-hailing (DiDi) operate island-wide; the drive from the airport to Longlou is roughly 1–1.5 hours.
Booking tips
- Book early. Rooms in Longlou sell out fast once a launch window is announced — book as soon as your participation is confirmed.
- Use a platform with English support. International platforms such as Trip.com list most Longlou and Wenchang hotels in English; domestic platforms often have more inventory if you read Chinese.
- Choose flexible rates where possible. Launch windows can shift; refundable or amendable bookings protect you if dates move.
- Bring your passport. It's required for hotel check-in in mainland China, and not all small guesthouses can register foreign guests — check "accepts foreign guests" before booking.
- Payments: WeChat Pay and Alipay (both support international cards) are used almost everywhere; carry a little cash as backup.
Once your registration is confirmed, we'll share the exact programme meeting points in Longlou so you can pick accommodation nearby, and we'll connect the cohort so participants and their groups can coordinate where they stay.
Please note: GlobalMinds Edventures is an education provider. We do not sell, arrange, or broker travel, accommodation, or transport services, and we receive no commission from any provider mentioned above. This sheet is general information only — availability, prices, entry requirements, and services change, so please verify details directly with providers before booking. All bookings are made by you, directly with the providers of your choice.