Things To Do
in Haikou
Haikou is the capital city of Hainan Province on China’s southernmost island, combining tropical coastline, palm-lined boulevards, and a relaxed coastal vibe. The city mixes colonial-era Qilou arcade architecture, modern bridges and bustling seafood markets with easy access to volcanic parks and mangrove reserves. Haikou is a practical base for exploring Hainan’s beaches and natural attractions while offering affordable hotels, local transport and growing international dining options.
Travel here is best for beach lovers, food explorers and visitors seeking a quieter alternative to resort towns further south like Sanya.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day at the Haikou Old Town, where you can admire the well-preserved colonial architecture. Stroll through the cobbled streets lined with boutiques and local shops, immersing yourself in the rich history of the area. Don’t miss the chance to try some traditional Hainanese breakfast dishes at one of the local eateries.
Visit the Hainan Provincial Museum to learn about the island's history and culture. The museum's extensive exhibits showcase artifacts from ancient times to the present, providing a comprehensive overview of Hainan's heritage. Afterward, take a leisurely walk in the nearby People's Park, where locals gather for tai chi and social activities.
As the sun sets, head to the Haikou Night Market to indulge in local street food delicacies. Sample fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and regional snacks while mingling with locals and tourists alike. Conclude your evening with a stroll along the scenic coastline, enjoying the refreshing sea breeze.
Travel to the Nanshan Temple, one of the most significant Buddhist sites in Hainan. Begin with a peaceful walk through the temple grounds, admiring the intricate architecture and serene gardens. Don't forget to take a moment to reflect by the towering Guanyin statue that overlooks the coastline.
After exploring the temple, enjoy a vegetarian lunch at the on-site restaurant, which serves delicious and healthy dishes. Spend time walking through the nearby Nanshan Cultural Tourism Zone, where you can learn more about Buddhism through various exhibits. Capture stunning photos of the scenic views that surround this spiritual haven.
Return to Haikou and unwind at a local tea house, where you can experience a traditional Chinese tea ceremony. Sip on fragrant teas while learning about their significance in Chinese culture. As night falls, consider visiting a local bar or lounge to enjoy live music and socialize with fellow travelers.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $4-8 |
| ☕Coffee at a cafe | $2-5 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (3–5 km) | $2-5 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $40-90 |
| 🍤Seafood dinner for two (local restaurant) | $20-50 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Warm tropical climate and pleasant beaches close to the city
- Excellent, affordable seafood and unique Hainanese specialties
- Good base for exploring natural attractions like volcanic parks and mangroves
- Less crowded and more affordable than major Chinese tourist hubs
- Hot and humid summers with typhoon risk and heavy rains
- Limited English in smaller shops and some transport services
- Fewer international-flight connections compared with larger mainland hubs
- Mobile-payment dominance can be inconvenient for visitors without Chinese bank accounts
- "你好 (nǐ hǎo)" - Hello
- "谢谢 (xiè xie)" - Thank you
- "多少钱? (duō shǎo qián?)" - How much does it cost?
- "我想去... (wǒ xiǎng qù...)" - I want to go to...
- "我吃素 (wǒ chī sù)" - I am vegetarian
- "请问洗手间在哪里? (qǐng wèn xǐ shǒu jiān zài nǎ lǐ?)" - Excuse me, where is the restroom?
- "救命 (jiù mìng)" - Help!
Places to Visit in Haikou
Visit one of these nice places.
Colorful colonial arcade buildings with layered storefronts and lively street scenes — excellent for architectural and street photography.
Iconic cable-stayed bridge offering skyline and sunset compositions over the estuary and city lights at night.
Long sandy beach with palm trees, seaside activities and soft golden-hour light ideal for coastal landscapes and silhouettes.
Dramatic volcanic cones, lava fields and viewing platforms provide unique geological textures and moody landscapes.
Mangrove boardwalks, tidal channels and abundant birdlife create opportunities for wildlife and nature photography, especially at low tide.
Food in Haikou
Haikou Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A signature Hainan dish of poached chicken served with ginger-scallion oil and rice — often available in local restaurants and markets.
Must-Try!
Rice noodle soup topped with minced pork, pickles or shredded meat — a common breakfast or snack item sold at street stalls.
Locally caught fish, prawns, crabs and shellfish, typically grilled, steamed or stir-fried; best found at seafood markets and waterfront restaurants.
Sweets made from coconut milk and flesh — try coconut jelly, pancakes or cold coconut soups sold at cafes and dessert stalls.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Historic arcade street where vendors sell snacks, skewers, seafood and local sweets — great for sampling many small dishes.
Early-morning fish and shellfish markets where you can buy fresh catches and have them cooked at nearby stalls or restaurants.
Pop-up stalls and small vendors along Holiday Beach and the waterfront offering grilled seafood, cold coconut drinks and street desserts.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A simple nod, handshake or saying 你好 (nǐ hǎo) is appropriate — show deference to elders and avoid loud public arguments.
Meals are often shared family-style; use serving chopsticks where provided and wait for the host to begin dining in formal settings.
Ask permission before photographing people, especially in close-up portraits or in small villages; avoid sensitive government buildings and military sites.
Expect busy public spaces; line up politely for buses and services and avoid pushing — basic politeness goes a long way.
Safety
Tipping in Haikou
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in everyday situations in China; service charges may be added at higher-end hotels and restaurants. It's polite to tip guides or drivers for exceptional service (small gratuities), but not expected—rounding up taxi fares is common.
Mobile payment platforms (WeChat Pay and Alipay) dominate; many shops, markets and taxis accept them. Cash (RMB) is still useful for small vendors; international cards are accepted at larger hotels and restaurants but less so at street stalls.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warming temperatures, increasing humidity and the start of rainy season later in spring; pleasant for outdoor activities early on but bring a light rain jacket by late spring.
Hot, humid and in peak monsoon season with frequent heavy showers and occasional typhoons; beaches are lively but expect sudden rain and high UV — hydrate and plan indoor alternatives.
Generally the best travel window with warm, drier weather after the typhoon season; comfortable for outdoor exploration and beach time.
Mild and drier than the mainland winters — daytime temperatures are comfortable, though nights can be cooler; a good escape from northern cold.
Haikou at Night
Hiking in Haikou
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short trails among volcanic cones and lava formations with interpretive signs and panoramic viewpoints — unique geological scenery close to Haikou.
Wooded trails and hills offering shaded walks and nature viewing not far from the city outskirts.
Easy, flat boardwalks through mangroves ideal for birdwatching, short hikes and tidal exploration at low tide.
Leisure walks and running paths along Holiday Beach and the city waterfront with sea breezes and sunset views.
Airports
How to reach Haikou by plane.
Primary airport serving Haikou with domestic flights across China and some international connections; connected to the city by highway, airport shuttle buses and taxis (about 25–40 minutes depending on traffic).
Located in Sanya to the south of Hainan (about 2.5–3.5 hours by car or train from Haikou); useful for domestic and some seasonal international flights if you plan to travel around the island.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority ethnic group in Haikou and across Hainan, involved in city commerce and daily life.
Indigenous ethnic groups of Hainan Island, with distinct cultural traditions found more commonly in interior and rural areas.
A small but growing community of expatriates, seasonal domestic tourists and business travelers contributing to international dining and leisure options.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Widely played and followed at grassroots level with local leagues and youth programs.
Common recreational sports in parks, schools and community centers across the city.
Growing popularity due to the coastal setting — boating, windsurfing and recreational snorkeling are common in summer.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Haikou.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but can be limited; ask for vegetable stir-fries, tofu dishes and noodle soups without meat or fish broth. Use phrases like “我吃素 (wǒ chī sù)” to indicate vegetarian and check for hidden shrimp paste or meat stock.
Explain allergies clearly and preferably in writing using translation apps; soy and seafood are common ingredients. Alipay/WeChat restaurant profiles sometimes list ingredients, but carrying a note in Chinese is recommended.
There are limited halal-specific restaurants in Haikou; seafood restaurants are often safe, and larger hotels may provide alternatives — check ahead for halal certification.