Xiuying, Haikou Travel Guide
City City in Hainan, China, coastal area
Xiuying faces Hainan’s coast with palm-lined roads, seafood stalls and ferry links to offshore islets. People stop for Hainanese chicken rice, seaside promenades, and Haikou’s low-rise Qilou arcade streets where morning markets sell tropical fruit.
Why Visit Xiuying, Haikou? #
Xiuying district brings a coastal Hainanese flavor to Haikou, with warm beaches, seafood markets and the island’s tropical culinary specialties. Dishes like Wenchang chicken and fresh shellfish are local draws, and Xiuying’s port and shoreline offer an easy escape from urban Haikou. Travelers come here for relaxed seaside life, lively local markets and the chance to taste Hainan’s distinctive coastal cuisine in neighborhood eateries.
Who's Xiuying, Haikou For?
Xiuying District offers coastal parks, rocky shorelines and Xiuying Fort ruins for short nature walks and sunset views. Marine birdlife and small fishing harbors add interest, though the best tropical beaches are further around Hainan island.
Haikou’s Hainan specialties are accessible in Xiuying: seafood stalls, coconut-based desserts, Wenchang chicken and tropical fruit markets. Many local restaurants are modest and very affordable, aimed at residents rather than high-end tourism.
Xiuying works for family stays with beachfront parks and calm neighborhoods; public beaches have lifeguard stations in season. Accommodation ranges from family-run guesthouses to midrange hotels in Haikou, though large resort amenities are more common in Sanya.
Xiuying has local administrative offices and port facilities supporting Haikou’s trade; small business hotels and straightforward road links to the airport make short business trips practical. International conference infrastructure is concentrated elsewhere on the island.
Top Things to Do in Xiuying, Haikou
- Haikou Qilou Old Street (骑楼老街) - Historic arcade-lined street showcasing colonial-era architecture, cafes, and local snacks.
- Xiuying Fort (秀英炮台) - 19th-century coastal battery with preserved gun emplacements and sea-view promenades.
- Haikou Holiday Beach Park (海口假日海滩) - Sandy shoreline popular for evening strolls, seafood vendors, and waterfront recreation.
- Xiuying Port (秀英港) - Active harbor area where ferries arrive and local seafood stalls line the quays.
- Xiuying Port Fish Market - Early-morning market where fishermen sell fresh catch and locals haggle over prices.
- Haikou People's Park (海口人民公园) - Green city park with morning tai chi groups, lotus ponds, and vendors.
- Guoxing Avenue (国兴大道) - Tree-lined boulevard with bars, cafes, and nightlife favored by younger locals.
- Local seaside promenades - Less-touristed stretches along the coast for sunset walks and informal seafood stalls.
- Bo'ao (博鳌) - Coastal town hosting the Bo'ao Forum, beaches, and scenic coral-lined bays; easily reachable.
- Wenchang Satellite Launch Center (文昌航天发射场) - Coastal rocket launch facility with visitor centers and occasional public viewing opportunities.
- Dongzhai Port Mangrove Reserve (东寨港) - Extensive mangrove reserve ideal for birdwatching and quiet boat tours through channels.
- Qionghai - Historic coastal city near Bo'ao with local markets, waterfront promenades, and ferry links.
Plan Your Visit to Xiuying, Haikou #
Best Time to Visit Xiuying, Haikou #
Visit Xiuying (Haikou) between November and April, when weather is drier, milder and far less humid than the long May-October monsoon and typhoon season. Winters are pleasantly warm and spring gets hot but remains good for beaches and sightseeing.
Best Time to Visit Xiuying, Haikou #
Xiuying, Haikou's climate is classified as Tropical Monsoon - Tropical Monsoon climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and mild winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 15°C to 33°C. Abundant rainfall (1771 mm/year), wettest in August with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is mild with highs of 21°C and lows of 15°C. The driest month with just 24 mm and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
February
February is mild with highs of 22°C and lows of 16°C. Moderate rainfall (36 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
March
March is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 19°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
April
April is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 22°C. Regular rainfall (98 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
May
May is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (191 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
June
June is hot, feeling like 35°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (259 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is the hottest month, feeling like 36°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (268 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
August
August is hot, feeling like 34°C with oppressive humidity. The wettest month with heavy rain (282 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
September
September is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (249 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
October
October is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Heavy rain (204 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
November
November is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 20°C. Moderate rainfall (75 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
December
December is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 16°C. Moderate rainfall (35 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
How to Get to Xiuying, Haikou
Xiuying is a coastal district of Haikou on Hainan Island. Most visitors arrive via Haikou Meilan International Airport (HAK) or by high‑speed train at Haikou East Railway Station (海口东站).
Haikou Meilan International Airport (HAK): Haikou Meilan is the main airport serving Haikou and the wider Hainan island. From the airport you can take airport shuttle buses to Haikou city centre and to Haikou East Railway Station (airport express services) for roughly RMB 20-30; journey time to central Haikou is typically 30-45 minutes depending on traffic. Taxis and ride‑hailing (Didi) are available outside arrivals; a taxi to central Xiuying/Haikou centre usually costs around RMB 70-120 and takes about 25-40 minutes depending on traffic.
Train: Haikou East Railway Station (海口东站) is the main high‑speed rail hub on the Hainan Eastern Ring Intercity Railway; frequent high‑speed services connect Haikou with Sanya and other Hainan towns. Travel time Haikou East ↔ Sanya is roughly 1.5-2 hours; typical second‑class tickets are in the region of RMB 100-150. Haikou Railway Station (海口站) also handles some conventional services and local trains.
Bus: Haikou’s long‑distance buses depart from the main long‑distance terminals (commonly referred to as Haikou Long‑distance Bus Station/海口长途汽车站) and connect to towns across Hainan; intercity journey times and fares vary widely by destination (short intercity trips often RMB 20-80). Within the city, public buses are very cheap (typically RMB 1-3) and cover most districts including Xiuying, though journeys can be slow in peak hours.
How to Get Around Xiuying, Haikou
Getting around Xiuying is easiest with a mix of buses for cheap travel and taxis/Didi for convenience. For trips off the island or between major towns, the high‑speed rail from Haikou East is the fastest, most reliable option.
- Public bus (RMB 1-3) - Haikou's municipal buses cover the city and suburbs including Xiuying; routes are extensive and cheap but can be slow during peak traffic. Use bus route information at major stops or check local apps (and show the Chinese name when asking drivers). Buses are the most economical way to get around if you have time and aren't carrying heavy luggage.
- Taxis & Didi (RMB 10-60) - Taxis are plentiful and metered; the flag fall in Haikou is around RMB 8-10, with most short trips across the city costing RMB 10-60 depending on distance. Didi (China's main ride‑hail app) works in Haikou and is often more convenient for route confirmation and payment. Expect higher fares from the airport or during peak times and public holidays.
- High‑speed rail (Intercity) (RMB 100-150) - The Hainan Eastern Ring Intercity Railway operates from Haikou East Railway Station, providing fast, reliable connections around the island (notably Haikou ↔ Sanya). Trains are punctual, comfortable, and the best option for travel between major towns on Hainan; buy tickets at the station or via official apps/WeChat services. Allow time for security checks at the station.
- Bike‑share & e‑bikes (RMB 0.5-2 per 30 min) - Dockless bike‑share and electric bikes are common for short trips and waterfront riding in Haikou; they are convenient for last‑mile travel and sightseeing along the bay. Use the usual Chinese bike apps or scan QR codes; watch for local rules about parking and helmet use. Bikes are ideal for short, flat rides but avoid them in heavy rain or on busy roads.
- Car rental & driving (RMB 200-400/day) - Renting a car gives flexibility for exploring Hainan beyond Haikou, but you will need a valid Chinese driving licence (or an accepted international permit and temporary licence procedures) and to be comfortable with local driving conditions. Fuel and parking are affordable, but traffic congestion and limited parking in central areas can be a hassle. Consider a rental only if you plan day trips around the island.
- Walking - Xiuying and central Haikou are pleasant to explore on foot in many neighbourhoods, especially along the coastline and around local markets. Walking is the best way to discover local streets, shops and food stalls, but be prepared for heat and humidity in summer-carry water and plan shade breaks.
Where to Stay in Xiuying, Haikou #
- Hilton Haikou - Occasional deals in shoulder season
- Haikou budget hotels (search) - Many low-cost local options
- Haikou Sheraton Dongjiao Hotel - Reliable mid-to-upper range chain
- Conrad Haikou - Modern rooms and amenities
- Hilton Haikou - Full-service international brand
- Rosewood Haikou (regional luxury) - High-end amenities and location
- Haikou Sheraton Dongjiao Hotel - Good location for new visitors
- Hilton Haikou - Helpful concierge services
- Conrad Haikou - Family rooms and kid-friendly services
- Hilton Haikou - Pools and family amenities
- Hilton Haikou - Stable internet and business center
- Conrad Haikou - Good Wi‑Fi and quiet workspaces
Where to Eat in Xiuying, Haikou #
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Xiuying, Haikou's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Nightlife in Xiuying, Haikou #
Shopping in Xiuying, Haikou #
Xiuying is a Haikou district where shopping blends local markets with several neighborhood malls and seafood stalls. Expect to find fresh Hainan produce, tropical fruit vendors, and stores selling coconut-based snacks and teas. For name-brand shopping you’ll need to head into central Haikou; locally, focus on markets for food and small specialty shops for island souvenirs.
Best Bets
- Xiuying Market - Local wet market for seafood, fruit and vegetables.
- Neighborhood Convenience Shops - Everyday goods, snacks and basic household items.
- Tropical Fruit Stalls - Buy fresh coconuts, mangoes and local Hainan fruits.
- Seafood Vendors - Island seafood sold fresh or prepared locally.
- Nearest Haikou Malls (city center) - For brands and electronics head into central Haikou.
- Local Tea & Snack Shops - Hainan teas and packaged island specialties.
.jpg?width=600)
_(cropped).jpg?width=600)
