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)