Mission Hills Haikou — Shanqin Bay Golf Course

— About

About Mission Hills Haikou — Shanqin Bay Golf Course

Shanqin Bay at Mission Hills Haikou is one of the most dramatic and celebrated golf courses in Asia, carved through an ancient lava field on the tropical island of Hainan. Designed by Scottish architect David McLay Kidd — the man behind Bandon Dunes — the course occupies a spectacular coastal setting where volcanic rock, Pacific winds, and turquoise water combine to produce something unlike any other course in China. The lava-field terrain meant no tree-planting was possible; instead, the course sprawls along cliff tops and through natural ravines formed over millennia. Several holes play directly along the South China Sea with views that rival the best coastal golf anywhere. The 16th, a cliff-top par-3 with a drop to the ocean below, is the most photographed hole in Chinese golf. Mission Hills Haikou also houses more than a dozen other courses on the same vast resort complex, but Shanqin Bay — with its raw volcanic drama and sea views — stands alone as the jewel of Asian resort golf.

— History

History of Mission Hills Haikou — Shanqin Bay

Mission Hills Haikou was developed as part of the world's largest golf club complex on the tropical island of Hainan, with Shanqin Bay designed by David McLay Kidd — the architect behind Bandon Dunes — and opening in 2010. Kidd was given the remarkable challenge of routing 18 holes through an ancient volcanic lava field that offered extraordinary natural drama but almost no soil or vegetation for planting. The solution was to embrace the lava: paths were carved through the rock, greens were constructed in natural clearings, and the raw volcanic landscape became the course's defining identity. The course quickly became recognised as one of Asia's premier resort golf experiences.

— Signature Holes

Signature Holes at Mission Hills Haikou — Shanqin Bay

The clifftop par-3 16th is Shanqin Bay's signature — a tee shot over the South China Sea to a green perched on the edge of the volcanic cliff, with blue water visible on three sides on a clear day. The par-4 7th plays through a volcanic ravine with the lava field encroaching on both sides of the narrow fairway — a hole unlike anything in conventional course design. The par-5 18th finishes along the coastline with sea views throughout the hole, completing a round with one of the most dramatic natural finishes in Asian golf.

— Best Time to Visit

Best Time to Visit Mission Hills Haikou — Shanqin Bay

October through May is the best season on Hainan island, when temperatures are 20–28°C and humidity is manageable. June through September is the typhoon season — hot, humid, and subject to significant rainfall and occasional storm disruption. Hainan's year-round warmth means winter golf is an excellent escape for mainland Chinese and Asian visitors; booking well in advance for peak winter months (December–February) is recommended.

— Practical Tips

Tips for Playing Mission Hills Haikou — Shanqin Bay

Shanqin Bay is part of the Mission Hills Haikou resort complex — tee times are available to resort guests and visitors. Green fees range from USD 200 to 350. Caddies are provided as standard at Mission Hills. Haikou Meilan International Airport is approximately 40 kilometres from the resort — 40 minutes by car. The resort's comprehensive hotel and dining facilities mean multi-day stays are entirely self-contained.

— Highlights

Why Play Mission Hills Haikou — Shanqin Bay

• ▸ Carved through an ancient volcanic lava field — the most dramatic terrain in Chinese golf
• ▸ Designed by David McLay Kidd of Bandon Dunes fame
• ▸ Clifftop par-3 16th with views over the South China Sea
• ▸ Ranks among the top 5 courses in Asia on most global rankings
• ▸ Located on Hainan Island — China's tropical golf destination with year-round play

— FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Mission Hills Haikou — Shanqin Bay

How much does it cost to play Shanqin Bay?

Green fees range from USD 200 to 350 depending on season. Caddies are included as standard at Mission Hills Haikou.

When is the best time to visit Shanqin Bay?

October through May is ideal — comfortable temperatures (20–28°C) and lower humidity. The typhoon season (June–September) brings heat, heavy rain, and occasional storm risk.

What makes Shanqin Bay's terrain unusual?

The course was carved through an ancient volcanic lava field on Hainan Island — the raw rock formations, natural ravines, and coastal cliff positions create a setting unlike any other course in China.

Is Shanqin Bay open to visitors without a resort stay?

Yes — day visitor tee times are available, though resort guests receive booking priority. Staying at the Mission Hills resort hotels simplifies access and logistics.