Haikou Travel Guide

Haikou is the main city on Hainan Island Province in south China. It sits at the top of the island and is the main gateway to this slice of Chinese paradise. Haikou has a busy airport and great shopping.

Worth It?: Yes, for access to Hainan Island.
What to Do: shop, relax, party.
Best Time to Go: the December through February cool season.
How Long?: A couple of days or less in Haikou.
Trivia: Haikou has a population of around 830,000 and is Hainan's largest city.

It is an unhurried place, differing enormously with most other cities on the Chinese mainland. The city is green with fresh air and many streets are lined with huge coconut palms. Wandering down Old Street is a popular pastime, loaded as it is with street vendors, restaurants, and bars.

Attractions in Haikou include the nearby Wugong Temple, for a look at traditional China; the Tomb of Hairui in Xiuying district; and the 19th century coastal fort of Xiuying Battery. For beaches, take a bus west or east. Holiday Beach is a few minutes to the west.

Travel to Haikou - Getting There

Haikou Meilan International Airport is the best way in, with short flights from Hong Kong (2 hours, 30 minutes), Beijing (3 hours, 20 minutes), as well as from Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. The Nanning-Guangzhou Expressway runs to Zhanjiang, from where the G207 heads to Hai'an port. Ferries go direct to Haikou form here. Combination train/ferry tickets can be had from Guangzhou. Buses also do this route and the ferry crossing is 1 hour, 30 minutes.

Haikou Things to Do

Haikou Attractions

Wugong Temple

a short taxi ride from downtown, the city's most high profile temple hails from the Ming dynasty.

Side trips from Haikou

Holiday Beach: a fun beach backed by bars and restaurants, which is accessed by bus number 40 via Xixiu Beach.
Haikou Shishan Crater Cluster National Geological Park: situated 15kms southwest of Haikou, this protected area is one of the most beautiful on Hainan.

Events

Hainan International Coconut Festival: Hainan's largest festival takes place annually in Haikou in March/April.