Riyue Bay (Wanning)
- Wave, Shortboard
- Best for
- Beginner
- Skill Level
- Ocean, Mixed
- Spot Type
- Moderate
- Crowd Level
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
Riyue Bay is widely recognized as a flagship surf destination associated with consistent winter swell and a classic point-break character, alongside nearby beach-break options for improving surfers. The shoreline is described as fairly exposed, with long, peeling left-hand rides on the point when wind and swell line up. Surf conditions are shaped by seasonal monsoon-driven wind and swell. Northeast swell is highlighted as the optimal direction, while northwest winds can act offshore and help the surfing feel cleaner. Winter months (roughly November through March, with strong mention of December and winter overall) are commonly framed as the most reliable period for good waves and dependable surf culture conditions. Safety is a major focus: strong rip currents are repeatedly noted, and shallow reef/rocks at the point increase the consequences of mistakes. Reports also mention crowding during peak times, so choosing the correct zone matters—beginners are advised to favor more forgiving beach-break areas rather than tackling the point in heavy conditions. Water temperatures stay warm even in “cooler” months, so long sessions are usually comfortable. One practical note is that while the water can be around the mid-to-high 20s °C, a thin wetsuit can be useful for comfort when wind is present.
- China’s iconic point-break surfing destination
- Warm water even in winter
- Long, peeling rides on the point in the right swell window
- Winter monsoon conditions provide consistent wind and swell opportunities
- Iconic, consistent surfing destination
- Warm water year-round (generally above 20°C)
- Offshore northwest winds can help groom conditions
- Long rides are possible on the point break
- Dangerous rip currents
- Shallow reef/rocks and reef breaks create injury risk
- Line-ups can be crowded, and the point can become heavy
- Typhoon season can bring very large (and risky) swell
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- NW, N, NE, E
- Offshore directions
- NW
- Wind Range
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — Winter trade/monsoon regime with consistent wind.
- Reliability
- 73% blown (consistent in the surf guide data).
- Gust Factor
- Steady — Steady overall; moderate gusting mentioned by one provider.
- Best Months
- January, February, March, April
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Ocean, Mixed
- Beach
- Sand — Sand beach.
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Small — Baseline small wind swells; can increase to much larger, typhoon-driven swells in late summer/early fall.
- Chop Level
- Light chop — NE winds that drive swell can make conditions messy; offshore NW is preferred.
- Launch
- Medium — Beach access with sandy space for launching and entry.
Through the year
Sometimes crowded overall; peak crowds during Chinese New Year and winter weekends.
Typhoon season typically runs from July to October, bringing heavy rain and potential storm surges.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Possible during winter monsoon conditions when NE winds align with swell, though the spot is primarily a surf destination and conditions are often side-onshore.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Occasionally practiced when winter monsoon brings strong NE winds and swell.
- Sail Sizes
- 4.5–6 m²
Suitable near the beach-break area; surfers have priority in the line-up.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes — Foil-friendly conditions reported.
- Min Depth
- 1.5 meters
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Fairly exposed point break with reasonably consistent surf, plus beginner-leaning beach breaks that transition into shallow reef options. The point is known for long, peeling rides.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- NE
- Swell Height
- 1–3 m
- Optimal Tide
- All tides, Mid — Mid tide is noted as best by one source; surf guide indicates all-tides.
- Shelter
- Semi-sheltered
- Wind Effect
- Offshore winds from northwest are ideal. Northeast winds that bring swell can also make conditions messy; sheltered from northeast winds at some areas.
- Bigger Swell
- Point break holds significant size while the beach break can close out; typhoons in late summer/early fall can bring powerful swells.
- Wave Quality
- Good — Good to excellent quality depending on wind and swell.
- Wave Power
- Soft — Soft to moderate depending on swell; can become heavy and crowded for the point.
- Wave Shape
- Peeling
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Long — Extended ride length on the point break.
- Typical Ride Length
- 150 m
- Ride Length Details
- Point break provides extended ride length; left point rides can be very long on optimal swells.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Riyue Bay (Wanning) in the full forecast view.
Riyue Bay (Wanning) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–13 ktsGusts 27 kts
- Direction
- NE45°
- Strongest day
- Wed, Oct 2813 kts
- Windy days
- 1/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.3–1.4 m7s period
- Temperature
- 23–31 °C
Over the next 7 days, Riyue Bay (Wanning) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–13 kts, peaking around 13 kts on Wednesday, October 28 with gusts to 27 kts. The prevailing direction is NE. Waves run 0.3–1.4 m with a period of about 7s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- Dangerous rip currents
- Strong rip currents near the point during large swells
- Shallow reef / shallow reef sections
- Reef breaks
- Rocks at the main point
- Crowded lineups
- Jellyfish during certain seasons
- Fishing nets
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal — Local lifeguards operate seasonally in the primary bay area.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Local surf clubs and seasonal lifeguards operate in the primary bay area; dedicated kite/wind rescue is limited.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest major medical facilities are in Wanning City; emergency services can be reached via 120 (medical) or 110 (police).
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild — Some local crowding and experienced-rider focus is noted; choose the beach-break area if you are newer.
Rules of the spot
Standard surfing etiquette applies. Avoid designated swimming areas; respect zone priorities set by local surf operations.
- Motorized watercraft restrictions in surfing zones
- Negotiate dangerous rips carefully.
- Watch for shallow reef sections and rocks at the point.
- Beginners should stay at the beach break area; the point can get heavy and crowded.
- Early morning sessions often have the lightest wind.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Wanning
- Nearest Town
- 田头
- Nearest Airport
- Haikou Meilan International Airport
- Parking
- Paid parking lots available near the main beach access and surf clubs; accessible by car.
- Public Transport
- High-speed train to Wanning Station followed by a taxi or local bus to Riyue Bay (also possible via Shenzhou Station + taxi).
- Access
- Accessible by car from Wanning or Shenzhou; nearest high-speed train station is Shenzhou.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Chinese (Mandarin)
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Near — Surf hostels, hotels, and guesthouses are located near/behind the beach.
- Food & Drink
- Food and drink options are available adjacent to the beach including surf cafés, bars, and local seafood restaurants.
- Equipment Rental:
- Surf board rental available via local clubs along the beach.
- Gear Storage
- Gear storage available at most surf clubs for daily or monthly fees.
- Gear Repair
- Basic fiberglass/epoxy board repair services and surf board repair available from local operators.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
A relaxed surf-town area with nearby coastal scenery and attractions around Wanning and Xinglong.
A national AAA Tourist Attraction.
A picturesque coastal drive offering views of the South China Sea and access to secluded beaches.
A historic garden showcasing tropical flora and the region's coffee-growing heritage.
A major destination for learning to surf in China with many professional schools.
An evening hangout for the local surf and kite community.
Tours demonstrating how coffee is grown and processed in this microclimate.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Riyue Bay (Wanning)?
The best overall months at Riyue Bay (Wanning) are October, November, December, January, February, March, April. The best wind months are January, February, March, April.
Which wind directions work at Riyue Bay (Wanning)?
Riyue Bay (Wanning) works with NW, N, NE, E winds. Offshore directions are NW.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Riyue Bay (Wanning)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Riyue Bay (Wanning): Kitesurfing: 9–12 m² · Windsurfing: 4.5–6 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 15–25 kts.
What skill level is Riyue Bay (Wanning) suitable for?
Riyue Bay (Wanning) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Windsurfing: Advanced · Wingfoiling: Intermediate · Surfing: Beginner.