Things To Do
in Haikoucun

Sunrise and low-tide shots of fishing boats, nets and fishermen at work; great for candid cultural photos and golden-hour light.

Unique volcanic landscapes, basalt formations and crater views that contrast with tropical vegetation — excellent for landscape and geology photography.

Mangrove roots, tidal channels and birdlife provide dramatic nature photography opportunities, especially during bird migration seasons.

Vibrant colors, busy sellers and fresh seafood displays — ideal for documenting food culture and local life.

Morning markets near the shore where fishermen sell fresh catch — great for morning photography and for buying seafood to eat at nearby restaurants that will cook it for you.

A casual night market with grilled seafood, skewers, fried snacks and tropical fruit — perfect for trying many small dishes and soaking in local life.

Polite, quiet greetings are appreciated; show respect to elders and avoid loud public behavior. A nod or a soft 'ni hao' works well.

Remove shoes when entering private homes and some small guesthouses; follow a host’s lead regarding seating and dining order.

Be mindful of queuing norms in markets and transport hubs; pushing and loud bargaining can be frowned upon.

Avoid sensitive political topics and be cautious photographing people without permission, especially in domestic or religious contexts.

Tipping is not customary in most local restaurants or shops; small tips may be appreciated at higher-end hotels or for exceptional service but are not expected. For boat operators or private guides, a modest tip is a polite gesture.

Mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) dominate across China, but in smaller village stalls cash (RMB) is often required. Major hotels and restaurants accept international cards, but bring cash or set up mobile payment if you plan to use local services frequently.

Hot, humid and rainy (May–October) with frequent afternoon showers and higher mosquito activity; sea temperatures are warm, good for swimming but typhoon risk rises in late summer.

Late autumn (October–November) brings gradually drier, more comfortable weather and clearer skies; often the best time for outdoor activities with fewer rains.

Mild winters (December–February) with less humidity and comfortable daytime temperatures — popular with domestic tourists escaping northern cold; evenings can be cooler, bring a light jacket.

Warmer and increasingly humid (March–April), flowers bloom and the weather is generally pleasant but rain increases toward late spring.

Main airport serving Haikou with domestic and some international flights; about a 20–40 minute drive to Haikou city depending on traffic. Taxis, ride-hailing and airport shuttles connect to local areas.

Located in Sanya to the south of Hainan island; useful if combining visits to southern resorts. Travel time to Haikou is several hours by road or faster by domestic flight.