China (Hainan) South China Sea Museum
Located beside the fishing port of Tanmen Town, Qionghai City, Hainan Province (9 kilometers from Bo'ao), it officially opened on April 26, 2018. It is a national first-class museum and a 4A-level scenic spot.
Spanning 150 acres with a building area of 70,593 square meters, its exterior design evokes the theme "Chasing the Waves of the Silk Road, Ships of the South China Sea." It is divided into north and south sections: the south section houses the main exhibition, while the north section houses temporary exhibitions and a multi-functional area.
The museum houses over 90,000 artifacts, including relics from the Huaguang Reef No. 1 shipwreck, export porcelain, and marine life specimens. The permanent exhibitions cover eight themes, including South China Sea history and culture, natural ecology, underwater archaeology, and fishing culture.
Admission is free (reservations required). Regular opening hours are Tuesday to Sunday, 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM (closed on Mondays, with extended hours on public holidays). The museum also offers cultural and creative products, interactive children's activities, and guided tours.
The museum is quite large with many exhibition halls, and there are several must-see exhibits, such as the Huaguang Reef No. 1 shipwreck, the "Genglu Bu" (a navigation guide), a 1:1 scale replica of an ancient ship, and whale specimens. There are drinking fountains inside, and the air conditioning is quite strong, so you may want to bring a light jacket. It's definitely worth a visit for a deeper understanding of the South China Sea and shipwrecks.