Tropical gateway to Hainan Island's beaches and heritage
Haikou is the capital of Hainan Province and the main entry point to China's only tropical island. The city blends a relaxed coastal atmosphere with a rich history reflected in its distinctive Nanyang (Southeast Asian–influenced) colonial architecture in the old Riding Road district.
Meilan, the eastern district housing the international airport, has grown rapidly with modern malls, business hotels, and easy access to the broader city. Despite its urban expansion, Haikou retains a laid-back pace, warm weather year-round, and a strong local food culture rooted in fresh seafood and Hainanese cooking traditions.
- •Qilou Old Street — photogenic colonial arcaded shophouses dating to the early 20th century
- •Wugong Ci (Five Officials Memorial Temple) — historic complex honoring exiled Tang and Song dynasty scholars
- •Haikou Volcanic Cluster Geopark — surreal lava fields and crater lakes formed 10,000 years ago
- •Hainan Provincial Museum — well-curated exhibits on the island's history, Li and Miao cultures
- •Century Bridge and Haidian Island — scenic riverfront promenade perfect for evening walks
- •Evergrande Tourism City (nearby Danzhou) — ambitious theme park and resort destination day-trip
Getting around: Haikou has a growing metro network with Lines 1 and 2 connecting the airport (Meilan) to the city center and western districts affordably. City buses are extensive but slow; taxis are metered and reasonably priced. Didi (China's ride-hailing app) is widely used and convenient for non-Mandarin speakers. Renting an electric scooter is popular locally for short trips.
Best time: November through March offers the most pleasant weather — sunny, warm, and far less humid than the sweltering, typhoon-prone summer months.
Local food: Don't miss Wenchang Chicken, Jiaji Duck, Hele Crab, and Clearwater Prawn — the celebrated 'Four Famous Dishes of Hainan' — alongside bowls of rich Hainan-style rice noodle soup at street-side stalls.
This guide is provided for general information only. Verify details locally before making travel decisions.