Haikou

Haikou (海口 Hǎikǒu) is the provincial capital of Hainan Province in southern China and is at the north end of the Hainan Island.

Understand

Haikou is a tropical coastal city with a population consisting mostly of immigrants from other provinces. As one of the least developed provincial capitals, Haikou has a somewhat laid-back atmosphere but many development projects are in progress.

Many streets in Haikou are quite different during the day compared to the evening. You will soon notice the abundance of coconut trees within Haikou. Most streets are lined with them. It is greener than most Chinese cities and has decent air quality.

The downtown does not have many tourist attractions and the water in its only beach area is murky but as a transport hub, it can be conveniently served as a base for traveling to some cities on the north of Hainan.

Get in

Haikou is a transport hub with flights to many cities and boats to nearby mainland cities such as Beihai and Zhanjiang.

By plane

• 🌍 Haikou Meilan International Airport (海口美兰国际机场), Lingshan Town, Meilan District (美兰区灵山镇), ☎ [phone]. The airport has two terminals, including a domestic terminal and an international terminal. A free shuttle bus service conveys passengers between the two terminals. (updated Mar 2019)

Flight examples below with one-way economy class prices (Mar 2017). Discounts of up to 50% are not unusual.

• From/to Beijing (3hr50min) ¥2,700
• From/to Guangzhou (1h10min) ¥1,340

Local airlines Hainan Airlines has domestic flights to many Chinese cities as well as some international destinations such as Bangkok, Osaka, Sydney, Melbourne and Rome. In addition, Haikou is well-served by other Chinese airlines, particularly China Southern Airlines.

There are also international flights to Hong Kong on Hong Kong Airlines, Taipei on China Airlines, Seoul on Jeju Air Singapore on Scoot Tigerair and Jetstar, Kuala Lumpur on Malaysian Airlines, Penang on Malindo Air, Phnom Penh and Siem Reap on Cambodia Angkor Air and Bandar Seri Begawan on Royal Brunei Airlines.

By train

There is a train link between Haikou and Guangdong province (the trains are loaded onto ferries to cross the strait). So you can get the train from Guangzhou to Haikou. The trains actually start and finish in Sanya, but it takes about an hour by bus to get from downtown to the train station, and the train station in Sanya is also far from that city's downtown area. There are scheduled services from Beijing West, Shanghai South and Guangzhou.

By high-speed train

A new high-speed Eastern Ring railway connects the major towns on the east coast of Hainan. It takes 1½–2 hours from Sanya to Haikou. The trains also serve Haikou's Airport. Haikou to Sanya costs around ¥90.

The train stops at the following places in Hainan: Sanya (三亚), Tiandu (田独), Lingshui (陵水), Wanning (万宁), Bo'ao (博鳌), Qionghai (琼海), Wenchang (文昌), Haikou Airport (美兰), Haikou East (海口东; main city stop), Haikou West Train Station (海口).

By bus

Buses connect Haikou to many cities on the Chinese mainland, including Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guilin, and Nanning. Most buses are overnight sleepers. Buses are loaded on to ferries and arrive in Haikou at either Xingang port or Xiuying port. Here are a few examples of journey duration and price (Mar 2017):

• From/to Guangzhou (10 hours) ¥190-230
• From/to Guilin (13 hours) ¥338

By boat

There are frequent daily ferries between Haikou and Hai'an. Takes around 1½ hours and costs about ¥42. There are bus connections from Haian to other cities, but the options are limited compared to Haikou, especially in the evening.

There are daily Haikou-Beihai ferries, leaving Beihai at 6PM, taking around 12 hours and costing between ¥120-400 per person, depending on number of people sharing a cabin. For those of you traveling in China by bicycle, you can also take your bike on the ferry for an additional ¥20.

Get around

There are four main forms of public transportation in Haikou:

• Taxi which is the most expensive option. They are easily hailed everywhere in the city. The meter starts at ¥10, but it is customary to bargain before you get on, and a typical fare for a shorter trip is ¥15. The taxi from the airport is half an hour to the city centre. On arrival you will have a familiar experience in China of a number of drivers shouting taxi at you. These are illegal taxis, and you risk at least paying extra for your journey by taking these. Instead, walk out of the terminal building and you will see a line of licensed taxis. Before departing, insist on using the meter (dabiao) even if they are reluctant to do so. It should cost ¥50-60 to the city centre.
• Buses are very inexpensive, but you need to know the routes. If you choose to get the bus from the airport, show the address of your hotel to the attendant who will show you the bus that will take you closest. There is an airport shuttle that cost ¥15 per person from airport to Home Inn (formerly Civil Aviation Hotel) at Haixiu Avenue in downtown Haikou.
• Motorbike taxis are mostly electric and you can get anywhere within the city for between 5 and 10 yuan.
• Additionally you may also rent a bicycle or an electric scooter. Haikou is very bike friendly, with wide side ways for both bikes and scooters. The riverside road 滨江路, for instance, is equipped with a beautiful car free biking and running path all along the river. Additionally, Haikou is also a major starting point for long-distance traveling on bicycles around the island of Hainan.

See

Historical sites

• 🌍 Wugong Temple (五公祠; wǔgōng cí), 169 Haifu Road, Qiongshan District (琼山区海府路169号) (10 minutes taxi ride from the city centre. There is a bus stop named after the temple, which is served by multiple bus routes, including routes 1, 4, 11, 12, 14, 27, 37, 38, 41, 44, 45, 99, 106 and k3), ☎ [phone]. 8AM-6PM. A Ming dynasty construction dedicated to five officials who were banished to Hainan during the Tang dynasty for criticism of the government. This is a pretty temple in a tropical setting, surrounded by ponds filled with lilies, winding bridges and exotic palm trees. The main building is the Wugong temple housing life like statues of the five officials and known as the first building of Hainan. The Song dynasty poet, Su Dongpo, is also commemorated here. A Song-dynasty stone tablet, with an inscription dated from 1119 AD, held by a stone turtle (bixi) is one of the important historic artifacts. The Haikou City Museum (listed below), which is not in any way associated with the temple, stands directly opposite the temple. Everything is in Chinese only. ¥20.  
• 🌍 Tomb of Hairui (海瑞墓; hǎiruì mù) (Yabin Village, Xiuying District). Hairui Tomb is a key national cultural protection unit. Hairui, a famous official in the Ming dynasty, was born in Qiongshan and was known as "Hai Qingtian" (incorruptible official). The tomb was built in 1589 and it is said that when people was carrying Hairui's coffin, suddenly the rope broke, and then people decided that this should be the place. Hairui Tomb has an area of 3 ha (7.4 acre). In the middle, there is a high archway on which is written "Yue Dong Zheng Qi". The grave path is paved with granite and there are three memorials on the way. On the sides of the path leading to the tomb, there stands stone statue shaped like sheep, horses, lions, tortoises, and human beings. Hairui Tomb was completely built by granites at three meters and formed like an ancient bell. Evergreen trees are planted around the cemetery. Hairui Cultural Exhibit Hall is also in the cemetery. 
• 🌍 Xiuying Battery (秀英古炮台 Xiuying Gupaotai). A 19th-century coastal fort near Evergreen Park. It can be visited for ¥10 (you may have to wake up the ticket seller). The exhibition hall inside the fort is closed, but you can still see the replica cannons, the underground chambers, and many banyan trees. ¥10.  
• 🌍 Qiongtai Academy (琼台书院), 8 Zhongshan Road, Fucheng Town, Qiongshan District (琼山区府城镇中山路8号) (Take bus no. 1, 4, 44 or 58 and get off at Qiongtai Normal University (琼台师院)), ☎ [phone]. 9AM-5PM. Established in commemoration of Qiu Jin, believed to be the most brilliant scholar in Hainan and a renowned Ming Dynasty academic. Construction began in 1705. The two-storey main building is made of brick and wood and is rich in traditional ethnic characteristics. The well-preserved academy is now the site of Qiongtai Normal University. The academy became celebrated after a well-known Cantonese and Qiong drama was written based on events there. ¥5. 

National Parks

• 🌍 Haikou Shishan Crater Cluster National Geological Park (in Shishan and Yongxing Towns southwest of Haikou City, close to Qiongzhou Strait, 15km from Haikou downtown, take bus 24 from the city centre to XiuYing Xiao Zhan (fare ¥1) and from there take the XiuYing-ShiShan minibus to the Geopark (fare ¥3)). 8:30AM-5:30PM. Covers 108km². China hosts one of the few dormant volcanic clusters from the Holocene period (about 10,000 years ago). The volcanic cluster comprises 40 volcanoes and some 30 caves, however, most visitors only see the most spectacular volcano and crater. The lava rock villages in the volcano area offer a unique countryside scene and a glimpse into countryside life/culture. Notable villages in the area include Rongtang and Meishe. Park ticket ¥60.  
• 🌍 Dongzhai Harbor National Nature Reserve (东寨港国家级自然保护区), Yanfeng Town, Qiongshan City (take a minibus from Wugong Temple to Fusheng in Qiongshan city, a pedicab will take you to the forest park from here). 8AM-6PM. The Red Forest Nature Reserve (Hong Shu Lin) is an unusual and intriguing evergreen forest peculiar to the subtropical coastal area of Hainan. Despite the name, the trees here do not actually have red leaves. When the tide is in, the roots of the trees are surrounded by water, giving the appearance that the trees grow directly from beneath the sea. This aquatic environment is ideal for breeding fish and shrimp and the leaves on the trees here are also said to have medicinal value. This particular type of tree produces seeds which sprout and propagate within their own shell. Tide times vary according to season, but when the tide is in there are some really fun boat trips to be enjoyed, winding in and out of the tree trunks and then on to the tiny island nearby, ripe with pineapple trees. The boat leaves from the entrance of the park when the tide is in. Each trip takes approximately one hour.  

Parks

• 🌍 West Coast Linear Park (西海岸带状公园). Beach park between Xixiu Beach and Holiday Beach. 
• 🌍 Baishamen Park (白沙门公园), Haidian Sixth Road East, Meilan District (美兰区海甸六路) (Bus routes 游1, 19, 21, 36, 44, 71, 83, 203). Located at the northern end of Renmin Avenue (人民大道), in Baishamen Park on Haidian Island in the northern end of the city. Includes a small amusement park. Entrance free, rides ¥10.  
• 🌍 Evergreen Park (万绿园), Binhai Ave (Bus routes 3， 6， 7， 17， 18， 37， 39， 42， 43， 54， 57， 72， 76， 83， 92， K2, express bus 6 (快速公交6号线), night bus 2 (夜2路), tourist bus 1 (游1路), tourist bus 2 (游2路), tourist bus 5(游5路), tourist bus 6(游6路), tourist bus 7(游7路)). Beautiful park with green grass, palm trees, and ocean views. Popular with families and runners. The park normally organises special activities for Chinese festivals such as the Spring Festival and the Lantern Festival. Free.  
• 🌍 Golden Bull Ridge Park (金牛岭公园), Haixiu Middle Road, Longhua District (龙华区海秀中路) (Bus routes 16, 22, 24, 30, 35, 36, 41 or 94). Features a botanical gardens and a cemetery for PLA soldiers who lost their lives during the campaign to liberate Hainan from Nationalist forces in 1950. The cemetery, like most cemeteries in China, is a hive of activity during the Qingming Festival.  
• 🌍 Haikou People's Park (海口人民公园) (next to East Lake, in between the old centre of Haikou and Haixiu Rd; more than 20 bus routes stop near the park). Established in 1935, this is probably Haikou's oldest modern park. The park contains a memorial built in 1954 to honour those who gave their lives for the Chinese Revolution. Free.  
• 🌍 Hainan Tropical Wildlife Park and Botanical Garden (海南热带野生动植物园), 27km point on Haiyu Central Highway, Dongshan Town, Xiuying District (秀英区东山镇海榆中线27公里) (Catch tourist bus no. 2 (游2路) from Evergreen Park. The bus fare is ¥20. Alternatively, catch the Fucheng-Dongshan minibus from Hongcheng Lake bus stop.), ☎ [phone]. 08:00-18:00. ¥128. (updated Dec 2017)
• 🌍 Fengxiang Wetlands Park (美舍河凤翔湿地公园), Yehai Avenue, Qiongshan District (琼山区椰海大道) (Take bus no. 21, 76, 94 or 96 and get off at the Huihua Steel Market (惠华钢材市场)). Not just a park, this is part of an ongoing environmental project aimed at rehabilitating the Meishe River (美舍何). The project has been heavily promoted by the local media and touted by some government officials as a model for other cities in China. Before and after photos appear to show that the river is much cleaner than before. The main highlight of the park is the artificial wetlands, which have been designed to act as a biofilter for pollutants entering the water. A museum is being constructed at the park to educate visitors about the local ecology. Free. (updated May 2018)

Theme Parks

• 🌍 Feng Xiaogang's Movie Town (冯小刚电影公社). (updated Dec 2017)

Museums

• 🌍 Hainan Provincial Museum (海南省博物馆), 68 Guoxing Ave (Take Bus Nos. 12, 27, 33, 43, 51, 52, 56, 67, 68，游4, or 游5), ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. Tu-Su 9AM-5:00PM. This provincial museum is focused on the history and culture of Hainan Island/Province. The museum is located on the east side of the city across the street from the provincial government buildings. The museum is housed in a new, gleaming architectural masterpiece structure. There are exhibits about the people and history of the island. Free.  
• 🌍 Haikou City Museum (海口市博物馆), 169 Haifu Road (琼山区海府大道169号) (Located opposite the Wugong Temple), ☎ [phone]. 8AM-6PM. A small museum focused on art and local history. The main exhibition halls are on the second floor. Free (provided you don't come here via the Wugong Temple, which charges a fee of ¥20). (updated Jan 2018)
• 🌍 Hainan State Farms Museum (海南农垦博物馆), Levels 1 & 2, Finance Building, 103 Binhai Ave, ☎ [phone]. Mo-Fr 9AM-5PM. This museum depicts the history of Hainan State Farms (HSF). Focuses especially on the development of Hainan's rubber industry. Also includes an exhibition on the Down to the Countryside Movement - a movement during the Cultural Revolution in which urban youths were required to relocate to rural areas, including rubber plantations on Hainan Island. The captions for individual objects are generally in Chinese only, but the introductions for each section are in both Chinese and English. Free. (updated Dec 2017)
• 🌍 West Coast Museum of Contemporary Art (西海岸当代艺术馆), Binhai Avenue, Xiuying District (秀英区滨海大道) (Inside a pedestrian underpass near the Guanhaitai (观海台) bus stop. Take bus nos. 28, 35, 37, or 86). Mainly devoted to oil paintings and calligraphy. Free. (updated Mar 2019)

Beaches

• 🌍 Holiday Beach (假日海滩) (follow Binhai Xilu out of the city to the west until after Xixiu Beach and [the beach park], bus no 40 ¥2) or a taxi (around ¥50)). Nice beach with a number of restaurants and cafes. Free entry, ¥30 (off season) or ¥50 (high season) rent for beach chairs and a parasol.  
• 🌍 Xixiu Beach (西秀海滩; xīxiù hǎitān) (follow Bīnhǎi Xīlù out of the city to the west until just after the harbour area). Nice beach with a few restaurants. Watch the locals windsurfing and jogging. Not as much activity as at Holiday Beach, but closer to the city centre. Free. 
• 🌍 Baishamen Beach (白沙门海滩) (on the north coast of Haidian Island and on the north side of Baishamen Park.). 
• 🌍 Guilinyang Beach (to the east of Haikou). 

Do

• Old Street (老街; lǎo jiē). Explore old city streets, markets and shops. Located along Bo2 Ai4 Lu4, which is bounded by Chang2 Di1 Lu4 and Hai3 Xiu4 Dong1 Lu4. This is the only area in Haikou where the old buildings are preserved, giving rise to an authentic atmosphere. It has an eclectic range of shops: e.g., pets (puppies, chicks, cats, rabbits), household drapes, kitchen tools, hardware, roast duck, toys. You can walk into some of the old courtyard style buildings and see the original wood work and details. In the Old Street area visit Dongmen market (East Gate) to see all the exotic foods for sale. 
• Sea Turtles 911. The only non-profit organization promoting sea turtle conservation in China, Sea Turtles 911's primary facility is a floating sea turtle hospital in Lingshui near Nanwan Monkey Island, and programs in Sanya and Haikou. While on Hainan Island visitors are welcome to volunteer with the sea turtles and the organization's educational programs. Recommended donation. Go to www.seaturtles911.org for more information. 

Buy

• 🌍 Haikou Antique City (海口古玩城), Yishenghe Department Store, 20 Haixiu Road East (海秀东路20号亿圣和百货) (At the corner of Haixiu Road East and Lantian Road. Take bus no. 1, 2, 13, 15, 16, 19, 22, 24, 29, 36, 40, 41, 93 or 98 and get off at either the Yishenghe Department Store (亿圣和百货商场) or the No. 9 Middle School (市九中)), ☎ [phone]. 9:30-22:30. Haikou Antique City occupies the 3rd to 6th levels of the Yishenghe Department Store. It claims to be the largest and oldest center in Haikou for the sale and purchase of antiques. Contains almost 600 antique stores. (updated Jan 2018)
• 🌍 Hainan Antique City (海南古玩城), Huafa Building, 25 Datong Road, Longhua District (龙华区大同路25号华发大厦) (Located a short distance from Haikou Antique City, near the west gate of Haikou People's Park), ☎ [phone]. Hainan Antique City occupies the first four levels of the Huafa Building on Datong Road. Like its similarly named rival, this is not one shop, but a center containing numerous small independent antique stores. (updated Jan 2018)
• DC Computer Town (DC电脑城), 10 Haixiu Road East (海秀东路10号). Haikou's largest and most popular center for buying computers and other electronic devices. Contains shops and stalls representing all major brands. (updated Jan 2018)

Eat

The tropical weather of Haikou has attracted the Chinese all over the country to move to this island, along with their specialty. While most tourists don't come to Haikou for food, an impressive choice of foods is a hidden gem. The cooking style is a fusion of Cantonese, Hokkienese and certain Southeast Asian elements and seafood is impressive.

Prices have surged as the tourism industry is booming. However, prices are still generally lower than many other Chinese cities if you can avoid being overcharged. Compare to other places such as Sanya, Haikou is less touristy and a way cheaper to taste the local food.

Things to eat

• Chao Bing (炒冰; chǎobīng) Literally 'stir-fried ice' in Chinese, it is a fresh-made sorbet-like dessert. First select your fresh tropical fruits. The fruits are blended. A device that looks like a frying pan is used to freeze the juice in a minute. This process, due to its super chill temperature, yields a very fine ice crystal and make the sorbet so smooth. Perhaps try a combination of Mango and Passion Fruit. Costs just ¥5. Good Chao Bing vendors can be found on San Xi Lu, just off Renmin Dadao, on Haidian Island in the north of Haikou.
• Betel nuts (檳榔 bīnglang) Illegal in some western countries, betel nuts are common in South East Asia and India. Chewed for their effects as a mildly euphoric stimulant, attributed to the presence of relatively high levels of psychoactive alkaloids. Spot the locals who chew betel nuts by their red teeth. Popular with bus drivers. Available on street corners for around ¥1. Shops also sell the dried variety. These are not as potent.

Areas to eat

• Hainan University Night Market It is a busy night food market outside the Hainan University and caters for the wallet of undergraduates, which means food is cheap and reasonably priced. Common items include Chao Bing, Qingbuliang (various beans and jelly in iced coconut soup), BBQ. Operates​ until 11PM-midnight.
• People's Bridge Night Market. On Haidian island connected by a bridge to the mainland, this area is 3 minute away from the Hainan University Night Market. It has a night market for cheap clothing and cheap food. In May 2011, you can have around 6-8 oysters (depending on their size) or 4 scallops for ¥10. Meat skewers start from ¥0.5 (mini sized one). ¥1 for grilled tofu and ¥3 for a grilled corn. Overcharging can often happen if you don't speak Chinese so compare the price first. Operates​ until 4AM.
• Banqiao Road Local Restaurant Area This large covered outdoor restaurant area is a unique local experience. To begin with have a look around the integrated fresh food market and choose what you want. There is much to pick from; coconut rice to strange seafood to Cobra snakes. It’s all alive when you purchase so you know its fresh and half the fun is just looking at what’s available. Each set of tables has its own kitchen and the food is cooked however you want. Expect to pay ¥30-40 per person.
• The area south of East Haixiu Road has a number of small streets with small local restaurants cooking the food out in the street and with tables both in and out. Expect to pay ¥20-30 per person.
• Local street BBQ food (烧烤 shāokǎo) Popular with locals, these vendors come out in the evening and serve a variety of BBQ'ed food. Choose what you want and take a seat while its cooked. Food is inexpensive and you can also buy cheap local beer. Locals eat, drink and play cards at these places until early morning. Many vendors can be found on Haidian Er East Rd (海甸二东路) on Haidian Island in the north of Haikou. Expect to pay ¥30-40 per person.
• Haida South Gate Snack Food St, 3 West Rd (Sanxi Lu) (Outside the south gate of Hainan University (Haida)). Evening. Regarded by locals as the best place to eat street food. There are around 40 stalls to choose from. Foreigner friendly because you can look at the food first and choose what appeals. Inexpensive ¥3-10. 
• Haikou Snack Street (海口骑楼小吃街), 2 Datong Road (Bus Routes 2, 4, 5, 8 10, 15, 22, 28, 28b, 32, 34, 38, 60, 93, 98, 106, Night Bus 夜班 1, Night Bus 夜班 2. The name of the bus stop in Chinese is Tailongcheng 泰龙城, but the English announcement on the bus calls it Haikou Snack Street.), ☎ [phone]. Haikou Snack Street is a food court set inside a large Qilou-style building. There are food outlets selling a wide variety of dishes from differerent parts of Hainan, as well as from some other parts of China and Asia. The food here is generally cheap and of good quality. The place is very popular and can get very crowded on weekends. To purchase food here, one must first obtain a payment card from the cashier at the front of the building and put some money onto the card. The card can be used at any of the food outlets. After eating, you may return the card to the cashier and get a refund for any unused funds. (updated Jan 2018)

Restaurants

Budget

• Noodle King (老面馆; lǎomiànguǎn), Haixiu Middle St 49 (海秀中路49号), ☎ [phone], [phone]. Northern cuisine specialising in noodles, but also with other courses. Other branches on Xi1 Sha1 Lu4 11 (西沙路11号, 66713785) and Bai2 Long2 Nan2 Lu4 61 (白龙南路61号, 65203748). Noodles around ¥10, main courses at around ¥30. 
• Coconut Garden (椰乡人美食园 yē xiāngrén měishí yuán), Haifuyiheng Street (海府一横路) (east of Bailong South St), ☎ [phone]. Try the local variant of hotpot in a cosy partly outdoor environment close to small river. Several similar restaurants on the same street. ½kg of sheep meat is ¥30. 
• The Manchurian (东北人), Multiple locations. The flagship restaurant is located at 49 Haixiu Avenue (海秀大道49号) near the Longhua Road intersection. See English website for other locations., ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. This restaurant chain was established in Haikou in 1993 by a group of migrants from northeastern China. The chain has been fairly successful and has established branches in several other cities, including Sanya, Shenzhen, Zhuhai and Shanghai. The flagship store on Haixiu Avenue is one of the largest dumpling restaurants in Haikou. Besides dumplings, the restaurant also serves various other northeastern dishes. Dumplings are ¥22-¥25 per plate.. (updated Jan 2018)

Mid-range

• Sea food restaurant at Xixiu Beach, Bīnhǎi Xīlù, Xīxiù Beach (滨海西路西秀海滩) (follow Bīnhǎi Xīlù out of the city to the west until just after the harbour area), ☎ [phone]. until 1:30AM. Large upscale seafood restaurant by the Xīxiù Beach (西秀海滩), which also serves vegetable and meat dishes. Do not expect a menu card, but follow the waitress around and look at the fresh food and living fish etc and point at what you want (price signs at each dish). Main dishes around ¥50. 
• Little India (印度泥泊尔菜), Shop 002-3，D Zone, Yusha Capital City, 21 Yusha Road (玉沙路21号玉沙京华城D区002-3号铺), ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. Operated by a group of people from the Indian subcontinent. Serves a wide variety of Indian and Nepalese dishes. (updated Jan 2018)
• Hainan Restaurant (Qiongcaifang 琼菜坊), Multiple locations (The most centrally located branch is on the ground floor of the Overseas Chinese Hotel on Datong Road, close to Haikou People's Park). Haikou-based restaurant chain specializing in Hainanese cuisine. Very popular with the locals. (updated Jan 2018)

Drink

Haikou has a vibrant night life. The city has many clubs and bars, most of which are busy on any night of the week.

Night clubs

There are several clubs on Guomao Road in the business district of Haikou. There is a bar/club area at Haikou Bay, next to Evergreen Park.

Guo Mao District

• High Love. 
• Candy Land. 
• Smuse. 
• M2. 
• Chao Chao. 
• True Colors. 
• Song & Song. 
• Soho. 
• 66 Club. 
• 123 Ya Nuo Da. 

Haikou Bay

• Beach 18, Haikou Bay, next to Evergreen Park. 
• Muse, Haikou Bay, next to Evergreen Park. 

Pubs and bars

Hai Dian Dao (Hai Dian Island)

• Xuewu near Heping road on Haidiandao offers a decent outdoor environment and a pub style indoor area and night BBQ. The whole BBQ chickens are recommended by other travelers.
• Heping Road on Haidian Island has many small outdoor places to drink inexpensive local beer.

Cafes

• Fushan Coffee (福山咖啡; fúshān kāfēi), Bailong South Rd, 白龙南路琼苑广场道层, ☎ [phone]. Large cafe with primarily male guests hanging around for hours drinking coffee and smoking. Other branches at Bin4 Hai3 Da4 Dao4 (滨海大道会展中心附楼), Nan2 Sha1 Lu4 59 (南沙路59号), Yi4 Long2 Lu4 (义龙路市人大宾馆道层). Imported coffee at ¥15-25 a cup, local brew at ¥12 for as much as you like. 
• Coffee World Lighthouse Store, Bin Jiang Hai An (Bin Jaing Hai An Riverfront is just off the Heping Da Dao Bridge in Hai Dian Island), ☎ [phone]. 9:30AM-11:30PM. Offers 32 specialty drinks and an array of freshly made sandwiches and a nice selection of cakes and ice creams. Outdoor dining provided as well as a fully air conditioned restaurant. Coffee World Lighthouse is a Haikou City Landmark having one of the nicest outdoor balconies situated alongside the river. A relaxing environment to meet friends and entertain guests. English speaking staff. Moderate. (updated Apr 2016)

Other

• Drink a fresh coconut. Vendors will chop the top off the coconut and give you a straw to drink the juice inside. Costs ¥3-4. Available on most street corners. Some shops have cold coconuts in the fridge. Some people find the cold ones more refreshing.

Sleep

• As in other Chinese cities you may check apps like ctrip for hotels in Haikou, see the pictures and visit the hotel to check the rooms in the spot.
• Haikou Banana Hostel, 3-4 Liyuan Villas, Renmin Da Dao (behind the 'yi jia yi), ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. A member of International Youth Hostel association has English speaking staff. All rooms have private bathroom with hot water shower. Double/twin and dorm rooms have western toilet and air-con. Wi-fi is free. English book exchange. Italian cook serving authentic Italian food in evenings. Prices starts at ¥40-45 for the dorm, or ¥80 for a private room. 
• Haikou Hotel, 4号 Haifu Rd, Meilan Qu, ☎ [phone] ext 7800, e-mail: [e-mail]. A 4-star business hotel offering 196 rooms with 4-star amenities. Business facilities include conference rooms and business center. Leisure facilities such as sauna and fitness center are also available. From ¥240. (updated Mar 2017)
• Hainan Airlines Business Hotel, 38 Datong Rd, Longhua District, ☎ [phone]. Four-star hotel with rooms with Internet access. Multifunction banquet hall, function rooms and business center available. Japanese-Korean restaurant. From ¥274. (updated Mar 2017)
• Hainan Huatian Hotel, No. 9-1 North Longkun Road, Longhua District, ☎ [phone]. This four-star hotel is also near a number of city attractions, shopping malls, and business establishments. Each of the hotel’s Hainan accommodation is furnished with air-conditioning, cable TV, and Internet access. From ¥226. (updated Mar 2017)
• Hainan Xinyuan Hot Spring Hotel, 18-8 Haixiu Rd. Longhua District. The 4-star hotel provides natural hot spring water in each of its 351 rooms. It also boasts KTV rooms, bar, restaurant, sauna cabin, spa, and a 300-capacity conference hall with translation systems. Rates around ¥300. 
• Home Inn. Has two branches: one is at 61 Bailong Rd and the other is more centrally at 91 Haixiu Middle Rd. This nationwide chain offers two-star European standard with broadband cabling in each room. Staff helpfulness makes up for limited English though you can get lucky with one or two at the reception almost half the time. The member's card costs ¥40 and obtains a 10% discount on all room rates nationwide. Single ¥169. 
• International Financial (Jasper) Hotel, 29 Datong Rd. Longhua District. The 4-star hotel particularly suits business travelers, as it provides deluxe rooms and meeting spaces, and low-key recreation nooks. Online booking available on the website. ¥250-600. (updated Mar 2017)
• Crown Spa Resort Hainan, 1 Qiongshan Av, East Riverside, ☎ [phone]. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: Noon. This five star hotel is ideal for individuals wishing to enjoy spa services and a first class hotel in a seaside setting. The rooms are deluxe with appropriate amenities. There are five restaurants within the resort offering a wide array of cuisine dining options. In addition there is nightly entertainment in the resort's lobby area. There is a separate Convention Center and a separate Spa Center. The Spa has those ex-foliating fish, very ticklish at first. The resort has wonderful gardens and has a large pool area with a high temperature outdoor pool. The resort offers its guests a courtesy shuttle bus service to the city center of Haikou for those wishing to explore the city. 

Stay safe

Cars and motorbikes often do not signal, but otherwise are safe. At night, many vehicles use high beams.

Go next

• Wenchang (文昌) is one of the provincial of Hainan Province in southern China and is located at the north-east coast of Hainan Island. Is the centre of Han settlement and the place where standard Hainanese is spoken. It is also one of the main sources of Hainanese migration overseas (Malaysia, Singapore & Thailand). It takes about 60 minutes by car from Haikou to Wenchang. A bus leaves from the East Bus Station (Haifu Rd.). It takes about 1 hour and costs ¥17/person. Buses leave 6:40AM-8:30PM every 30 minutes. East Bus Station, Haifu dadao, opposite Wugongci (Wugong shrine). Telephone: [phone]
• Bo'ao (博鳌) is a small town on the East coast of Hainan Island, China. At the mouth of the Wanquan river Boao is best known for the annual Boao Forum for Asia. Because of this prestigious event the town is impeccably maintained year round with blooming planters and clean swept streets. It has a diverse selection of ethnic restaurants as well as one of the most well known seafood eateries on the island. Peaceful and quiet, Boao is the perfect place that combines international savvt with small town appeal. Dotted with ancient temples and surrounded by lush rice fields, Boao is the perfect beach getaway for those who want to avoid the crowds and high prices of Sanya. Take the bus from Haikou to QiongHai(¥35)then bus #2 to Boao.
• Sanya, at the southern side of the island, is famous for its beaches and offers the best tourist facilities on the island. The bus journey to Sanya takes 3.5 hours from Haikou and costs about ¥78. The high speed trains to Sanya are faster (2 hours), but a bit more expensive (around ¥100).
• Central Mountains. You have not really seen Hainan if you do not visit the mountains. Largely undeveloped, very scenic.
• There are sometimes tours to Vietnam and the Philippines, by boat out of Haikou. These are designed for Chinese rather than international tourists, so they tend to give good value for money but not Western comforts. Boats depart from Xiuying Port. At present (December 2017), cruises are available to Halong Bay, Da Nang, and Nha Trang in Vietnam, and Manila and Laoag in the Philippines. Cruises are operated by Diamond Cruise (钻石国际邮轮公司).
• Haikou is a major starting point to explore Hainan island by bicycle. Many travelers on bikes choose either track along the Western coast, the Eastern coast or the central island track, all leading to Hainan's southern city Sanya, or of course circle the island following the coast line.