Haikou

Haikou combines Southeast Asian-style architecture, lively neighborhood streets and coastal scenery. With its relaxed pace and generally affordable prices, it is well suited to an easygoing 3–4-day visit. The guide below uses a 3-day, 2-night trip to outline the sights, itinerary and practical arrangements.

• Qilou Old Street: This area preserves China's largest collection of Southeast Asian-style arcade buildings, and admission is free. For photography, try visiting around 4 p.m., when the light is softer. After dark, head to Shuixiangkou for local snacks.

• Cloudscape Library: This coastal landmark has a striking white exterior and cave-like spaces that give it an artistic feel. Entry requires an advance reservation through its mini program. In the evening, you can also watch the sunset turn the sea orange.

• Xixiu Beach: Fine sand and clear water make this a pleasant spot for cycling, camping or watching the sunset. A lone coconut palm with a sloping trunk stands by the shore and makes a good photo subject.

• Evergreen Park: In central Haikou, this large tropical coastal park has coconut groves, lawns, lakes and walking paths. It is a good place for a leisurely walk, a bike ride or a picnic.

• Leiqiong Haikou Volcanic Cluster Global Geopark: Climb to Haikou's highest point for views over the city and the Qiongzhou Strait, and explore ancient volcanic landscapes and tropical rainforest. Admission is about RMB 45–60.

• Hainan Museum: Hainan's only comprehensive museum houses artifacts from South China Sea shipwrecks, along with Li brocade, huanghuali rosewood items and other collections. Admission is free, but advance reservations are required. It is closed on Mondays.

3-Day, 2-Night Itinerary

• Day 1: Southeast Asian-Style Streets and Night Market Flavors
  • Morning: Start with a walk through Qilou Old Street, admire the carved arcade columns on Zhongshan Road, then head to Shuixiangkou for Hainan rice noodles.
  • Afternoon: Photograph the Clock Tower, a city landmark, or visit the third-floor rooftop terrace at Jianwai Guesthouse for panoramic views of the old streets.

• Evening: Have dinner at Hainan University South Gate Night Market, where around RMB 30 per person can buy a filling meal. Local specialties worth trying include qingbuliang, zaopocu and fried shrimp cakes.

• Day 2: Coastal Relaxation and Sunset Views
  • Morning: Stroll along Xixiu Beach, feel the sand underfoot and enjoy the sea breeze, or rent an electric scooter and ride along Binhai Avenue.
  • Afternoon: First visit Guanhaitai Viewing Platform to photograph its red-and-white lighthouse, which has a feel reminiscent of a Hayao Miyazaki film. Then head to Cloudscape Library for a walk around the grounds.

• Late afternoon: Watch the orange sunset reflected on the sea from Cloudscape Library or Century Park. After dark, head beneath Century Bridge to enjoy the city lights.

• Day 3: Local Culture and Departure
  • Morning: Start the day with Haikou's distinctive laoba tea, enjoying tea and assorted snacks at the city's relaxed pace. Alternatively, visit Hainan Museum to learn about the history of South China Sea shipwrecks.

• Afternoon: If time allows before departure, climb to a viewpoint at the Leiqiong Haikou Volcanic Cluster, or shop at Haikou International Duty Free City, then begin your journey home.

Local Foods to Try in Haikou

Haikou's local flavors are closely tied to everyday neighborhood life. Desserts, tea snacks and other local specialties can all be worked into your meal plans.

• Qingbuliang: A chilled coconut-milk dessert with a variety of toppings, ideal for cooling down. Try it at Hainan University South Gate Night Market or Wenchang Dengji Qingbuliang.

• Laoba tea: Tea with snacks is part of everyday life in Haikou. There is a wide selection of snacks to enjoy at a leisurely pace. Options include Hengxingfa Tea Shop and Jufu'an Traditional Laoba Tea.

• Hainan rice noodles: Thin rice noodles are mixed with a rich sauce, crunchy peanuts and pickled greens for a smooth, satisfying bite. Try them at Fujie Gold Medal Hainan Rice Noodles or one of the long-established shops in Shuixiangkou.
• Zaopocu hot pot: This distinctive Hainan hot pot has a sour, spicy broth that works well with seafood and beef. Ye Xiao Ji · Qiongzhou Zaopocu is one dining option.

• Wenchang chicken: Ranked first among Hainan's four famous dishes, it is known for its crisp skin and tender meat, served with a special dipping sauce.

• Zhazha: This local Haikou snack consists of assorted deep-fried ingredients brushed with a special sweet-and-spicy sauce. Shisan Xiao Zhazha Shop holds childhood food memories for many local residents.

Where to Stay

• Longhua District: In central Haikou, this district offers hotels and guesthouses across a range of budgets, convenient transport, and plenty of nearby sights and dining options. It is a good choice for first-time visitors.

• Xiuying District: Coastal attractions here include Holiday Beach and Xixiu Beach. Consider this area if you want more sea views during your stay and prefer quieter surroundings.

• Meilan District: Closer to Meilan Airport, this area can reduce travel time to and from the airport. Accommodation generally offers good value, making it worth considering for an early flight.

• Qiongshan District: Accommodation is relatively affordable, with plenty of local snacks nearby. It suits travelers who want a taste of everyday life in Haikou.

Transport and Practical Advice

• Getting around: Meilan Airport is about 25 km from the city center. An airport bus runs directly into the city for RMB 20, while the suburban high-speed train takes about 10 minutes. For short trips around town, electric scooters can be rented for about RMB 30–50 per day; wear a helmet when riding. Bus fares can be paid by scanning a QR code.
• Cloudscape Library reservations: Book entry in advance through the official reservation channel. The library is closed on Mondays. If you cannot secure a reservation, you can still walk and take photos along the seaside path outside.
• Sun and wind protection: UV levels in Haikou are strong, so use sun protection outdoors. The coast can be windy in the evening; carry a light jacket.
• Yellow lantern chilies: This Hainan specialty is very hot. Choose carefully when ordering if you are not used to spicy food.
• Buying local specialties: Prices on Qilou Old Street tend to be higher. Larger stores are often a more affordable option for gifts to take home.

Helpful Tips

From November to April, Haikou's weather is relatively comfortable, making it a good choice for a winter trip away from the heat. July–September is typhoon season, so check the forecast before departure. For bluer seas, travel from Haikou to Wenchang or Wanning along the island's coastal tourism highway.