Things To Do
in Haiwei
Haiwei is a coastal city in southern China known for its warm tropical climate, seafood markets, and a relaxed beach-town atmosphere. The city blends modern waterfront developments with a small historic core of narrow streets, temples, and local markets. Visitors come for outdoor activities like snorkeling, hiking nearby hills, and boat trips to nearby islets.
Haiwei is an affordable, easy-to-navigate base for exploring the region's nature and Hainan-influenced cuisine.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a visit to the ancient city wall, where you can walk along the ramparts and take in the views of the surrounding landscape. Discover the intricate architecture of the traditional Hakka buildings that line the streets, each telling a story of the region's rich history. Stop by a local tea house to savor a cup of fragrant oolong tea, a specialty of the area.
In the afternoon, explore the bustling markets where artisans showcase their handmade crafts and local delicacies. Try some street food, such as fried dumplings and sweet rice cakes, while mingling with friendly locals. Visit the Haiwei Museum to learn about the area's cultural heritage and view ancient artifacts.
As dusk falls, stroll along the riverside promenade, where lanterns illuminate the path and create a magical atmosphere. Choose from a variety of restaurants offering authentic Hakka cuisine, allowing you to indulge in dishes like stuffed tofu and braised pork. Conclude your day with a traditional music performance at a nearby cultural center, immersing yourself in the local art scene.
Start your day with a refreshing swim at the beautiful beaches of Haiwei, where the golden sand meets the azure waters. Rent a kayak and paddle along the coastline, exploring hidden coves and enjoying the gentle sea breeze. Engage in beach yoga, where the sounds of the waves provide a perfect backdrop for relaxation and mindfulness.
After a hearty beachside lunch of fresh seafood, try your hand at windsurfing or jet skiing, both offering an exhilarating experience on the water. Alternatively, take a guided snorkeling tour to discover the colorful marine life beneath the waves, where vibrant coral reefs await. Relax on the beach with a good book, soaking up the sun while sipping on a refreshing coconut drink.
As the sun sets, enjoy a beach barbecue featuring local grilled fish and vegetables, accompanied by live music from local musicians. Join fellow travelers and locals around a bonfire, sharing stories and laughter as the night sky fills with stars. For those looking for nightlife, head to a nearby beach club for cocktails and dancing under the moonlight.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-7 |
| ☕Coffee or tea at a cafe | $2-4 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (3–5 km) | $3-8 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (double room, per night) | $40-90 |
| 🍺Beer at a bar | $2-4 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Warm, beach-friendly climate year-round with tropical scenery
- Fresh seafood and unique Hainan-influenced cuisine
- Affordable prices compared with major Chinese cities
- Good base for outdoor activities like snorkeling, hiking, and boating
- Hot, humid summers and typhoon risk in mid-year months
- Limited nightlife and fewer entertainment options for some travelers
- Fewer English-speaking services outside tourist hubs
- Mobile payments dominate, which can be inconvenient for visitors without local apps
- "你好 (Nǐ hǎo)" - Hello
- "谢谢 (Xièxiè)" - Thank you
- "多少钱？ (Duōshǎo qián?)" - How much is this?
- "请问厕所在哪儿？ (Qǐngwèn cèsuǒ zài nǎr?)" - Excuse me, where is the restroom?
- "我对海鲜过敏 (Wǒ duì hǎixiān guòmǐn)" - I am allergic to seafood
- "去机场怎么走？ (Qù jīchǎng zěnme zǒu?)" - How do I get to the airport?
Places to Visit in Haiwei
Visit one of these nice places.
Picturesque wooden piers, fishing boats, and early-morning market activity provide vivid scenes for sunrise and documentary-style photography.
A rocky promontory with a lighthouse offering panoramic sea views, dramatic cliffs, and sunset photo opportunities.
Colorful boats, wet-market stalls, and vendor interactions—great for candid street and food photography.
Historic temple courtyards and characterful alleys lined with red lanterns and traditional architecture ideal for cultural shots.
Short hike to a hilltop lookout that frames the city, coastline, and nearby islets—best at golden hour.
Food in Haiwei
Haiwei Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Fragrant rice cooked with coconut milk paired with simply steamed local fish seasoned with ginger and scallion; available at family restaurants and market stalls.
Must-Try!
Poached, tender chicken served with a clear broth and garlic-ginger rice; you can find excellent versions in small eateries and hotel restaurants.
A simmering pot of local shellfish, fish slices, and greens; popular in group dinners and widely available along the waterfront.
Light, savory broth with slippery rice noodles and toppings such as pork, fish balls, or seafood—common for breakfast and street food stalls.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Central night market with dozens of stalls selling grilled seafood, skewers, coconut desserts, and local drinks; perfect for sampling several dishes at modest prices.
Morning market near the harbor where you can buy freshly landed fish and have vendors cook your purchase on-site; lively around dawn and early morning.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Show deference to older people in conversation and seating; polite greetings and small gestures go a long way.
Dress modestly, remove hats, speak softly, and follow any photography rules when visiting temples and religious sites.
Haggling at markets is acceptable but should be friendly; avoid aggressive tactics and accept reasonable refusals.
Remove shoes when entering some homes and small guesthouses; hosts will usually indicate if this is expected.
Lines can be informal; maintain patience and observe how locals organize themselves before jumping in.
Safety
Tipping in Haiwei
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in most local establishments but is appreciated for exceptional service; small tips or rounding up at tourist-oriented restaurants and hotels are common. For guides and drivers a modest tip is appropriate.
Mobile payments (WeChat Pay and Alipay) are widely used and accepted almost everywhere; cash (RMB) is useful at smaller stalls. International credit cards are accepted at larger hotels and restaurants but not always at local markets.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and blooming tropical plants make spring pleasant for outdoor activities; occasional rain showers begin late in the season.
Hot, humid, and rainy with the highest chance of typhoons between July and September; expect sudden downpours and plan flexible activities.
Generally the best time to visit: warm, less humid, and clearer skies ideal for beaches, hiking, and photography.
Mild and drier than inland China, with comfortable daytime temperatures but cooler evenings; a good time for outdoor exploration without intense heat.
Haiwei at Night
Hiking in Haiwei
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A more challenging hike into forested hills with panoramic views and endemic flora; suitable for experienced hikers and often cooler than the coast.
A moderate trail along headlands with dramatic sea views, good for sunrise or sunset walks and accessible from several public trailheads.
A network of trails through protected forest where hikers can see native birds, unique plant life, and quieter natural scenery away from the coast.
Airports
How to reach Haiwei by plane.
Major airport serving northern Hainan with domestic and limited international flights; about a 1–2 hour drive depending on exact location—reachable by taxi or shuttle services.
Located in southern Hainan, serves many domestic and regional flights; convenient if combining Haiwei with southern beach destinations—ground transfers and buses link the city.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Majority population with representation in government, commerce, and daily life.
Indigenous minority groups in the region with distinct cultural traditions, crafts, and festivals; local cultural centers often showcase their heritage.
A small but visible community of foreign residents, seasonal workers, and retirees who cluster around tourist areas and international-oriented businesses.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Local amateur and school soccer is popular, with public fields and community matches common on weekends.
Pickup basketball games are widespread in parks and school courts, popular among youth and expats.
Swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and recreational fishing are widespread due to the coastal location.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Haiwei.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available but limited compared with larger cities; look for tofu dishes, vegetable stir-fries, rice/noodle soups without meat, and cafes that label dishes. Communicate 'wo chi su' and ask for no fish sauce or meat broth.
Halal-certified restaurants are uncommon; Muslim travelers should plan ahead, seek out labeled establishments or rely on simple vegetable and egg dishes, and consider bringing snacks if needed.
Seafood is pervasive; those with shellfish or fish allergies should state the allergy clearly ('wo dui haixian guomin') and prefer vegetarian or poultry dishes, though cross-contamination is possible at busy stalls.