Hey Lykkers! Have you ever dreamed of a tropical paradise where you can soak in the sunshine, explore rich history, and enjoy mouthwatering seafood? Welcome to Haikou, the capital of Hainan Province!
As the gateway to China's only tropical island province, Haikou blends coastal beauty, cultural heritage, and modern vibrancy, making it an ideal destination for travelers. Let’s dive into the ultimate guide to exploring this fascinating city!
1. Exploring Qilou Old Street – A Walk Through History
Qilou Old Street is a must-visit for those who love history and architecture. The old town area features beautiful arcade-style buildings influenced by Southeast Asian and European designs. These structures, some over a hundred years old, reflect Haikou’s rich trading history.
- Location: Deshengsha Road, Longhua District, Haikou
- Opening Hours: 24/7 (Shops typically open from 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM)
- Admission Fee: Free
- How to Get There: Take Bus No. 1, 2, or 3, or grab a taxi from downtown (approx. $2)
- Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon to enjoy the sunset and avoid the midday heat
- Tips: Bring sunscreen and a hat! If you love seafood, check out the beachside restaurants for fresh grilled fish and prawns.
2. Discover the Haikou Volcano Crater Park
For nature lovers, Haikou Shishan Volcanic Cluster National Geopark is a must-see. This park features extinct volcanic craters, lava rock formations, and lush green landscapes. You can hike up to the main crater for a stunning view of Haikou.
- Location: Shishan Town, Qiongshan District, Haikou
- Opening Hours: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
- Admission Fee: $8 per adult, $4 for children (under 1.2m free)
- How to Get There: Bus No. 45 or taxi (approx. $7 from downtown)
- Best Time to Visit: Morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat
- Tips: Wear comfortable shoes for hiking. Don’t forget to visit the volcanic museum inside the park!
3. Haikou Cloud Cave Library – A Modern Architectural Gem
If you love books and modern architecture, the Cloud Cave Library is worth a visit. This futuristic library, with its curved white design and open spaces, is not only a reading paradise but also an Instagram-worthy spot!
- Location: Haikou Bay, Longhua District, Haikou
- Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Admission Fee: Free
- How to Get There: Bus No. 28 or taxi (approx. $3 from downtown)
- Best Time to Visit: Morning for a quiet reading session or sunset for beautiful views
- Tips: Photography is allowed, but silence is required inside. The library also has a café with great coffee!
4. Haikou’s Food Scene – What to Eat and Where to Find It
Food lovers, get ready! Haikou offers some of the best seafood and Hainanese cuisine in China.
Must-Try Dishes:
- Wenchang Chicken : A famous Hainanese dish with tender poached chicken
- Hele Crab : Fresh local crab with a slightly sweet taste
- Hainan Rice Noodles : A savory and slightly spicy noodle dish
- Coconut Rice : Rice cooked inside a coconut for a naturally sweet flavor
Best Places to Eat:
- Longhua Road Night Market : Great for street food (open 5:00 PM – midnight)
- Yefeng Seafood Market : Fresh seafood at reasonable prices (open 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM)
- Huochetou Wenchang Chicken Restaurant : Best place for Wenchang Chicken (open 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM)
- Tips: Most restaurants accept cash and mobile payments. Be sure to ask for prices before ordering seafood to avoid surprises!
Getting to Haikou and Around
- By Air: Haikou Meilan International Airport (HAK) has direct flights to major Chinese cities and some international destinations. A taxi to downtown costs about $7.
- By Train: Haikou is connected to Sanya via high-speed rail. A one-way ticket costs $12 and takes about 1.5 hours.
- Getting Around: Buses are cheap ($0.15-$0.30), and taxis start at $1.50. Ride-hailing apps like Didi are also convenient.
When to Visit and Final Tips
Best Time to Visit: November to April – pleasant weather and no typhoons! Avoid June to September, as it’s hot and rainy.
Essential Tips:
- Packing: Light clothing, sunscreen, and an umbrella for unexpected showers.
- Language: Mandarin is widely spoken, but some taxi drivers may only speak Hainanese.
- Currency: Most places accept WeChat Pay and Alipay, but bring some cash for small vendors.
See You in Haikou!
So, Lykkers, Haikou is waiting for you! Stroll through historic streets, relax on sandy beaches, and savor the local flavors. Every corner of this vibrant city has something special to offer. Pack your bags and get ready to experience the charm of Haikou firsthand!
Haikou China Travel Guide: 16 BEST Things To Do In Haikou Hainan
Video by Taylor & Jordan Travel
