Haikou (海口 Hǎikǒu) is the capital and largest city of Hainan Province in southern China and is at the north end of the Hainan Island. Haikou is a tropical coastal city that, as one of the least developed provincial capitals, has a somewhat laid-back atmosphere.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons contributors.
Its population consists mostly of immigrants from other provinces, and many development projects are in progress. Many streets in Haikou are quite different during the day than in the evening. You will soon notice the abundance of coconut trees in 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 serve a base for traveling to some cities on the north of Hainan. City of Haikou website
There are five 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.
1 Old Qilou Streets (骑楼老街; qílóu lǎojiē, Sotto Porticos Streets), Longhua District (龙华区) (there are many ways to access the area but the official entrance is at the intersection of Changdi Road (长堤路) and Xinhua Road (新华路), just across the road from the Haikou Clock Tower (海口钟楼); there is a bus stop outside the clock tower, which is served by around two dozen bus routes), ☏ +86 898 66233637. Explore old city streets, markets and shops. This is the largest area in Haikou where 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.
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. 1 Changying Wonderland (长影环球100奇幻乐园), 100 Yehai Avenue, Xiuying District (秀英区椰海大道100号) (bus no. 96, tourist bus no. 6, and Airport Bus no. 3), ☏ +86 898 66118100. 14:30-20:30 (weekdays), 13:00-21:00 (weekends). Haikou's biggest amusement park. ¥158.
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.
Haikou has a vibrant night life. The city has many clubs and bars, most of which are busy on any night of the week. 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. 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.
Cars and motorbikes often do not signal, but otherwise are safe. At night, many vehicles use high beams.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
In Jul, Haikou typically sees ~31°C daytime highs and 24 rainy days.
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