Haikou Tour: Are you ready for the sun and sand?

Haikou, the capital of Hainan Province, is a gateway city in the northern part of Hainan Island. It blends tropical charm, historical culture, and modern urban life. Here's a detailed travel guide to help you explore Haikou! ⏰Best time to visit: ◾️November to April: Cool and dry climate, suitable for outdoor activities. ◾️Avoid the rainy season: Typhoons and heavy rain are common from May to October, but airfare and hotel rates are lower. ◾️Language: Hainanese is the main language, but Mandarin is widely spoken. ◾️Cost of living: Moderate, lower than Sanya, with dining averaging around ¥50–80 per person. 🏜Must-see attractions: 1⃣Qilou Old Street Features: A century-old architectural complex with Southeast Asian influences, a photographer's paradise. Things to do: Stroll through "Shui Xiang Kou" for spicy soup rice, and check in at "Guo Xin Bookhouse" (a filming location for the movie "Youth"). Night tour: Even more charming after dark, with street-side Qingbuliang (a refreshing dessert) a must-try. 2⃣Haikou Crater Park (Leiqiong Global Geopark) Highlights: The only tropical volcanic cluster in China. Climb to the top for a panoramic view of Haikou. Tips: Wear non-slip shoes. Don't miss the volcanic lychees (May–June). 3⃣Holiday Beach Activities: Swimming, beach barbecues, sunset strolls (free admission). Nearby: West Coast Viewing Platform and Sailing Base, perfect for photos. 4⃣Five Officials' Temple A must for history buffs: The most complete ancient architectural complex in Hainan, where you can learn about the stories of exiled officials. Combined ticket: Includes Su Gong Temple and Qiong Yuan, ¥30/person. 5⃣Feng Xiaogang Movie Town Travel back to the Republican era: Nanyang Street, 1942 Street (filming location for "Youth"). Night tickets are more cost-effective: ¥158 includes three scenic areas, with stunning light shows after 19:00. 6⃣Evergreen Park A local favorite: A large green space in the city center, perfect for cycling, kite flying, and enjoying the sea view. 🍽Food recommendations: ◾️Must-try list: ▪️Wenchang Chicken: Recommended restaurants include "Qiong Cai Wang" or "Longquanren Coconut Chicken". ▪️Hainan Rice Noodles: Sour and spicy, a local breakfast favorite. ▪️Qingbuliang: Try "Deng Ji" or "Lao Peng Ji", add coconut milk smoothie for extra refreshment! ▪️Spicy Soup Rice: "Yao Ji Lao Zi Hao" at Shui Xiang Kou, served with pork offal soup, is simply amazing. ▪️Seafood: Banqiao Seafood Market (choose your own and have it cooked), or Dingcun Seafood Plaza. 🌑Night market recommendations: ▪️Hainan University South Gate Night Market: A student paradise, eat your fill for around ¥30 per person (opens at 6pm). ▪️Fudi Food Street: A hub for traditional snacks, perfect for experiencing local culture. 💁Suggested itinerary (3 days, 2 nights): ✅Day 1: History and culture tour Morning: Five Officials' Temple → Hainan Provincial Museum Afternoon: Qilou Old Street (lunch + photo ops) → Clock Tower Evening: Hainan University South Gate Night Market ✅Day 2: Natural scenery + entertainment Morning: Haikou Crater Park Afternoon: Holiday Beach (water activities) → West Coast Viewing Platform Evening: Feng Xiaogang Movie Town (night visit) ✅Day 3: Leisure and shopping Morning: Cycling in Evergreen Park Afternoon: Riyue Plaza Duty-Free Shop/cdf Haikou International Duty-Free Shopping Complex Evening: Enjoy one last bowl of Qingbuliang before heading home! 🚏Transportation guide: ◾️Airport: Meilan International Airport, direct subway to the city center (approx. ¥5, 30 mins). 📌City transportation: ◾️Bus: Fares range from ¥1–2, covering major attractions (supports Alipay "Haikou Bus Card"). ◾️Car/scooter rental: Electric scooters are recommended (approx. ¥50/day) for flexible travel through the old streets and alleys. ◾️Taxi: Starting fare is ¥10, fares between attractions are generally no more than ¥30. 🏡Accommodation recommendations: ◾️Convenient city locations: ▪️Near Qilou Old Street: Boutique guesthouses like "Huanke 1921" (vintage style). ▪️Guomau Business District: Many chain hotels, convenient for shopping and dining. ◾️Seaside resorts: ▪️West Coast: Shangri-La, Marriott Hotel (private beaches, suitable for families). ◾️Budget-friendly options: ▪️Haidian Island area: Close to Hainan University, affordable prices, and plenty of food options. 💡Things to note: ◾️Sun and mosquito protection: Strong UV rays, essential to bring SPF50+ sunscreen, a sun hat, and mosquito repellent. ◾️Duty-free shopping: ▪️Requires departure plane/ferry ticket, annual limit of ¥100,000 per person (30 cosmetic items). ▪️Recommended to pre-order on the "cdf Hainan Duty Free" app and collect at the airport. ◾️Tips to avoid scams: ▪️Keep an eye on the scales at the seafood market to avoid being shortchanged. ▪️Be cautious of "low-price attractions" recommended by taxi drivers. ▪️Eco-friendly travel: Protect the beach environment, do not litter. 💁Hidden gems: ▪️Morning jog or bike ride: Evergreen Park is less crowded and more beautiful in the early morning, perfect for experiencing the slow island life. ▪️Local morning tea: Jinshuimen Teahouse ("Lao Ba Cha" culture, eat your fill for around ¥20 per person). 📸Unique photo spots: ▪️The "Lonely Tree" at Baishamen Park ▪️Cloud Cave Library (stunning silhouettes at sunset)