Haikou

China · Hainan

Haikou

Hainan capital with coconut groves, beaches, volcanoes, and historic arcades.

Best for

BeachesHistoric architectureVolcano parksTropical nature

Recommended stay

2–3 days

Best season

November–April: pleasant, less rain

Location

China, Hainan

Snapshot

City Snapshot

A city at a glance

6 dimensions · 1–5 scale

PandaLoco's read of six travel-relevant dimensions on a 1–5 scale, built from public datasets and our travel criteria.

It describes the city's profile. It is not a ranking of better or worse cities.

Basis: Public datasets and PandaLoco travel criteria

Overview

Haikou offers parks, coconut groves, beaches, mangrove forests, and volcanoes. Explore natural landscapes, historic arcades, and the Five Officials’ Temple.

Ideal Pace

2–3 days

Seasonal Window

November–April: pleasant, less rain

Overview

Haikou, Hainan's capital, has cultural atmosphere with coconut groves, beaches, volcanoes, historic arcades, and Five Officials’ Temple.

Brief Guide

Haikou is the capital of Hainan, offering a more cultural atmosphere than Sanya. In addition to parks with coconut groves, beaches, mangrove forests, and volcanoes, you can explore natural landscapes, historic arcades, and the Five Officials’ Temple. The Mission Hills Feng Xiaogang Film Commune, also known as Haikou Movie Town, is a newer attraction where you can see classic scenes from the film "Back to 1942" and backdrops of pre-war Southeast Asia and Hong Kong, experiencing the city's historical changes over a century. It is also an excellent place for photography.

Getting There & Around

Haikou Meilan Airport (HAK) 25 km SE. Bus network 151 lines covering major spots, fares 1–20 CNY.

How to Get There

Haikou has well-developed transportation, with Haikou Meilan International Airport and Haikou Railway Station as main gateways.

Meilan Airport (HAK), the largest in Hainan, is 25 km southeast of the city center. It has two terminals; Terminal 2 recently opened.

To reach the city, take a taxi or the airport express bus, which runs with flight schedules and takes about 30 minutes.

Haikou Railway Station, about 20 km from downtown, is China's first ecotype railway station and serves as the northern terminal for the Hainan eastern and western ring high-speed railways.

  • Bus 28
  • Bus 35
  • Bus 37
  • Bus 40
  • Bus 57

The station connects to Haikou East Railway Station and Meilan Airport, providing access to destinations on and off the island.

Local Transportation

  • Bus Network: Haikou has an extensive bus network with 151 lines covering all major spots, including the airport, port, and attractions. Buses are self-service, fares 1-20 CNY, operating 6:00 a.m. to about 11:00 p.m.
  • Tourist Buses: Special tourist buses serve popular sites like Evergreen Park and Hainan Tropical Wildlife Park.
  • Taxis: Taxis are readily available; flag-down 10 CNY for first 3 km, then 2 CNY/km, plus 1 CNY fuel fee per ride.
  • Ride-Hailing: Senmiao Technology Limited launched an online ride-hailing platform on December 17, 2021 (over 2,000 rides completed); DiDi also a convenient option for getting around.

Practical Information

Mandarin official; Alipay/WeChat essential; China Mobile SIMs with 5G; tropical monsoon climate, hot year-round; Visa/Mastercard accepted.

Local Language

Haikou, the capital of Hainan province, is a melting pot of cultures and languages due to its immigrant population. Mandarin Chinese is the official language, widely spoken and understood. The city's multilingualism stems from its diverse population and tourism.

  • For non-Mandarin speakers, translation apps and local interpretation services can be helpful.
  • When facing language barriers, visitors can use universal gestures, maps, and facial expressions to communicate.

Local Apps

  • Alipay: A top-tier app for making payments at almost all shops and services, and can even be used for public transportation and taxis by scanning QR codes
  • WeChat: Essential for communication, social media, and digital wallet functions, enabling payments for meals, taxis, and more without needing physical cash or cards
  • DiDi Chuxing: Comparable to Uber, DiDi lets you book rides even without a Chinese phone number via integration with Alipay, making it a handy choice for travel in Haikou
  • Gaode Maps: The go-to navigation app in China, providing accurate, real-time navigation that's more reliable than Google Maps, essential for navigating Haikou's streets
  • WAYGO: Solves language barriers by instantly translating Chinese, Japanese, and Korean text into English without needing an internet connection, perfect for reading signs and menus on the go

Internet and Communication

Mobile data packages for travelers in China are available through local carriers such as China Mobile and China Unicom.

  • China Mobile: Offers prepaid data SIM cards with unlimited text messages and calls within China, and high-speed connections (sometimes 5G).
  • China Unicom: Provides SIM cards with data packs that include unlimited music applications.
  • Both: No long-term contracts required.

Prices for eSIMs with unlimited data start at just $6 for China.

Public WiFi in China is widely available in places like airports, restaurants, coffee shops, and malls. However, connecting to these networks often requires a Chinese phone number for text verification, which can be a challenge for travelers without a local SIM card.

Global WiFi devices like Skyroam can be a convenient alternative, offering the ability to connect multiple devices and requiring no additional setup upon arrival in China.

Weather

Haikou, the capital of Hainan province, has a tropical monsoon climate with hot and humid weather year-round. Winters are mild with occasional cold and windy days, while summers are hot, humid, and rainy. The city is prone to typhoons from June to mid-November.

  • Pack light, breathable clothing and a waterproof jacket for the rainy season.
  • During periods of high temperatures, minimize outdoor activities and take measures to prevent heatstroke.
  • For protection against the intense sun, bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat.
  • In case of lightning alerts or high temperature warnings, follow local authority guidelines to ensure safety.

Currency and Payment

In Haikou, preferred payment methods for foreign tourists include WeChat Pay, Alipay, UnionPay mobile payments, major international credit cards (VISA and Mastercard), e-CNY digital currency, and cash.

  • Digital Payments: WeChat Pay (add funds at local branches like China Everbright Bank), Alipay (link overseas bank cards for convenience), UnionPay's 'E Money' card and QR codes (connected to 170 global apps), and e-CNY via NFC smartphones.
  • Credit/Debit Cards: Major international cards such as VISA and Mastercard are widely accepted.
  • Cash: Cash payments and currency exchange are readily accessible throughout Haikou.
  • ATMs and Fees: ATM withdrawals are available but foreign tourists should consider possible transaction costs.

Top Experiences

Visit Five Officials' Temple, Qilou Old Street, and Hainan Museum for history and architecture.

Must-try Local Experiences

  1. Discover Haikou's Historical Gems: Explore Haikou's rich history by visiting the Five Officials' Temple, Qilou Old Street, and Hainan Museum. These sites offer insight into the city's cultural heritage and architectural beauty.
  2. Embrace Nature's Beauty: Hike to the summit of Leiqiong Global Geopark for panoramic views, explore volcanic landscapes, hike up craters, visit lava tunnels, and explore mangrove forests at Hongshulin Museum.
  3. Relax at Holiday Beach: Perfect for relaxation and recreation, enjoy the sun, sand, and sea, take part in water sports, or simply watch the sunset.
  4. Stroll Through Evergreen Garden: Ideal for a leisurely walk with lush greenery, scenic lakes, and recreational facilities.
  5. Experience the Vibrant Culture of Arcades: Explore Qilou Old Street, known for its arcades blending Chinese and European influences, housing shops, restaurants, and cultural gems.
  6. Delve into Qiong Opera: Immerse yourself in this traditional art form with elaborate costumes, expressive singing, and captivating storytelling.
  7. Visit the Hainan Museum: Offers a comprehensive look at the island's history, culture, and natural environment with exhibits of ancient artifacts.
  8. Partake in the Hainan Island International Tourism Island Carnival: Don't miss this spring event featuring parades, performances, and festivities.
  9. Participate in Local Festivals: Join the Hainan International Coconut Festival celebrating coconut culture with activities and coconut-related products.
  10. Savor Hainanese Cuisine: Indulge in Hainanese Chicken Rice, Wenchang Chicken, and fresh seafood.
  11. Explore Shopping Districts: Visit Haixiu Road Shopping Street and Mingzhu Square for local crafts and souvenirs.
  12. Capture Haikou Century Bridge: Especially enchanting at night when lights reflect on the water.
  13. Photograph the Haikou Clock Tower: Iconic and picturesque at night when illuminated.

Food Highlights

Hainan rice noodles, coconut rice, Wenchang chicken, fresh seafood.

Haikou's culinary scene features dishes like Hainan noodles, coconut rice, Wenchang chicken, and fresh seafood. The mix of local specialties and tropical flavors is popular among visitors for its delicious diversity.

Hainan Rice Noodles

Hainan Rice Noodles

Hainan rice noodles, a popular street food in Haikou, come in thick and thin varieties. Thick noodles are served in beef broth with shrimp paste and green onions. Thin noodles, known as pickled noodles, are more elaborate, topped with pickled vegetables, meat strips, bean sprouts, and green onions, all mixed with a thickening sauce for richer flavor.

Coconut Rice

Coconut Rice

Coconut rice, a classic Hainanese rural dish, is also called Coconut Boat. It consists of glutinous rice cooked with coconut meat and milk, encased in coconut meat, resulting in fragrant, coconut-infused sticky rice. Widely available in restaurants, it makes a hearty main dish that captures the essence of the tropics.

Wenchang Chicken

Wenchang Chicken

Wenchang chicken is one of Hainan's four famous dishes, named after a chicken breed from Wenchang known for crispy skin, soft bones, and tender, smooth meat that is rich but not greasy. In Hainan, it is often served poached (bai qie style) to highlight its flavors. Served with chicken oil rice, it inspired the renowned Singaporean dish Hainanese chicken rice.

Seafood

Seafood

Haikou is known for its abundant and diverse seafood, including Hele crabs, pipi shrimp, and squid. Visitors often buy fresh seafood and have it prepared at local processing points. It can be cooked with garlic, steamed, or stir-fried to preserve natural flavors, and can be tailored to personal preferences.

Best Time to Visit

Nov–Apr: pleasant weather, less rain, low typhoon risk, ideal for sightseeing.

The best time to visit Haikou is from November to April. During these months, the weather is pleasant with less rainfall and a reduced risk of typhoons, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

This period avoids the rainy season from May to October and the typhoon season from June to September, ensuring a more comfortable travel experience. Whether you're looking to explore the city's historical sites or relax in its beautiful parks, this is the optimal time to enjoy all that Haikou has to offer.

Attraction Highlights

Leiqiong Geopark (volcanoes), Tropical Wildlife Park, Qilou Old Street (arcades), Mission Hills Film Commune, Hainan Museum.

Leiqiong Global Geopark

Leiqiong Global Geopark

雷琼海口火山群世界地质公园

Leiqiong UNESCO Global Geopark in Shishan Town, Haikou, showcases diverse volcanic landscapes as a natural geological museum. From the crater's summit, enjoy sweeping views of Haikou and the Qiongzhou Strait. A trail descends into the cool, plant-filled caldera, offering a refreshing natural oxygen bar experience.

2-3 hours
54 CNY
Hainan Tropical Wildlife Park And Botanical Garden

Hainan Tropical Wildlife Park And Botanical Garden

海南热带野生动植物园

Set on the shores of Dongshan Lake in Haikou, Hainan Tropical Wildlife Park and Botanical Garden showcases tropical wildlife and plants in naturalistic settings. The drive-through area offers close encounters with African lions, Siberian tigers, and Asian elephants, all thriving in a lush, scenic environment that mirrors their wild habitats.

2-4 hours
139 CNY
Sotte Porticos Streets Maikou

Sotte Porticos Streets Maikou

骑楼老街

Sotte Porticos Streets Maikou, known as Qilou Old Street, spans Deshengsha Road, Xinhua South Road, Zhongshan Road, Boai Road, and Jiefang Road. Built by returning overseas Chinese, these arcaded buildings blend Nanyang architectural styles. Today, they house diverse shops where lively bargaining is part of the experience.

1-3 hours
Free
Mission Hills Huayi Brothers Feng Xiaogang Movie Town

Mission Hills Huayi Brothers Feng Xiaogang Movie Town

观澜湖华谊冯小刚电影公社(百年记忆公社)

Mission Hills Huayi Brothers Feng Xiaogang Movie Town is a vast film base tracing 20th-century Chinese urban evolution. It features 1942 Republic Street, Southeast Asia Street, and Fanghua Courtyard—sets from the films 1942 and Fanghua. Visitors can explore movie scenes, see celebrity handprints, and enjoy live performances.

2-4 hours
126 CNY
Hai Nan Museum

Hai Nan Museum

海南省博物馆

Hainan Provincial Museum presents the island's rich heritage through ten exhibition halls. Its permanent displays cover Hainan's history, ethnic minority cultures, intangible cultural heritage, and collections of local cultural relics, offering visitors a comprehensive look at the region's diverse traditions and historical treasures.

2-3 hours
Free

FAQ

What's the most popular attractions in Haikou?
The most popular attractions in Haikou include Leiqiong UNESCO Global Geopark, Mission Hills H Brothers Feng Xiaogang Film Commune, and Hainan Tropical Wildlife Park.
Things to do near Haikou for family & child?
For family and child-friendly activities near Haikou, consider Mission Hills H Brothers Feng Xiaogang Film Commune, Hainan Tropical Wildlife Park, Swan Lake Animal Base, Holiday Beach, and Hainan Provincial Museum.
Any recommended attractions about nature scenery in Haikou?
Recommended nature scenery attractions in Haikou include Dongzhaigang Mangroves, Haidian Island, Haikou Binhai Main Road, Fairy Cave, and Guilin Ocean Seaside Tourist Area.
How to get to Haikou from Haiangang?
There is a ferry from Hai'an Port to Haikou.
How to get to Haikou from Beihai?
To get from Beihai to Haikou, you can take a ferry from Beihai International Passenger Port (Yintan Middle Road, Yinhai District). Ticket classes include special class, A, B, C, with prices around 400, 180, 160, and 140 yuan respectively. The ship is a passenger roll-on/roll-off vessel, usually departing at 18:00 and taking about 12 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Beihai's Nanzhu Bus Station or Hexin Bus Terminal to Hai'an Pier in Xuwen County, Zhanjiang City, Guangdong Province.
How to get to Huangshan from Haikou?
To get from Haikou to Huangshan, take a flight to Hangzhou and then a long-distance bus.
Last updated 10/8/2026 · published