Haikou, known also as the 'Coconut City', is the capital of Hainan Province, China's second largest island. The city is the provincial administrative center of Hainan as well being the focus of the local economy, culture and transportation. Haikou stands at the northern end of Hainan Island, on the west bank of the Nandu River estuary. This river is the longest on the island and the city's name appropriately means 'Mouth of the Sea'. With the sea on three sides Haikou enjoys a long coastline that features excellent bathing beaches and sea side resorts. Holiday Beach is the most popular of these, while Xixiu Beach is where the National sailing and windsurfing teams train and hold competitions.
The downtown area of the city has an excellent environment with streets lined with coconut palms. Here there are modern and convenient public transport facilities and all that is best in a tropical seaside city that is pollution free and that meets the needs of the tourist in a friendly and welcoming way.
Besides its natural resources, Haikou has a number of important sites of historical interest. The Wugong Temple (The Five Official's Temple), the Tomb of Hai Rui and the Xiuying Emplacement each serve as reminders of the historical importance of Haikou.
No trip is complete without the opportunity to savor tempting local food and shopping opportunities. It goes without saying that for anyone coming to Haikou, seafood is definitely a must. However, the city is also famous for its other prized dishes. There are four to delight the gourmet and should not be missed. They are Wenchang Chicken, Dongshan Mutton, Jiaji Duck and Hele Crab. The climate means there is an abundance of fresh local fruits such as mangos, pineapples, jackfruits, coconuts and carambola, betelnuts, pawpaw, longan and lichee, loquat, naseberry and passion fruit. Maybe some of these will be new to you but we are sure that if you try them you will want to take come home!
As for transportation, don't worry! Hainan Meilan Airport, railway station, ship and expressway links cities of China and the whole world.
Haikou has evolved from a simple sightseeing city to an attractive seaside resort and business center. The services for visitors to the city are being extended with the aim of establishing Haikou as Southern China's key center for tourism.
Haikou Tour Information:
Hiking Tours: Information about hiking in Haikou for your reference
Bicycle Tour: Offer information about cycling in and around Haikou
Golf Tour: 8 Days Golf Tour of Haikou - Bo'ao - Sanya
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Travelers' Voices on Haikou
1.
Jan. 2,2010 00:26 Reply
Mr.Moses(Malaysia) said:
I will be in Hainan late May to early June, 2010 (6D5N). How's weather then? Have booked into(and paid)
Jasper International Hotel in Haikou for the 5 nights but considering doing a day trip to Sanya ,say
leaving early morning from Haikou and returning later in the evening - best way of doing it?
Jan. 5,2010 02:04
Mr.VIGORHE(China) replied:
It is hot and strongly sunny then.You can take a coach or taxi.
2.
Dec. 6,2009 04:52 Reply
Ms.Ting(Singapore) said:
Hi,
1) Can you advise what sort of transport is available to travel from Guilin to Haikou?( other than by plane)
2) 4 of us will be travelling from haikou to sanya, is taking a cab cheaper?
3) What sort of transport is available to travel to ShenZhen/ZhuHai or Macau from Haikou?
Thanks alot!!!!
Dec. 6,2009 23:18
Mr.Jack replied:
To Ms Ting.
1. get to Zhanjiang from Guilin by train or bus first and then to Haikou by train or bus (both need ship to cross the strait). Train leaves from Zhanjiang West Railway Station. Other way, take bus to Haian from ZHanjiang and take ferry to Haikou from Haian.
2. Similar price to take a cab. You need to negotiate the price with taxi driver. Generally, 300RMB is enough, and you may try to ask for lower price than that. The bus ticket is about 80yuan. So, a good idea to take a cab, faster and more convenient.
3. There is direct ferry from Haikou to Shenzhen (Shekou). If you want to go to Zhuhai or Macau, get to Shenzhen first.
Dec. 7,2009 01:11
Ms.Ting(Singapore) replied:
Thanks for the prompt reply and info!!
Any nice place to shop at Haikou or sanya? Where can i find the ferry schedule and bookings to SZ via internet? Any idea hw long will it take???
Thank U so much!!!
Dec. 7,2009 22:53
Mr.Manny replied:
Hi, the ferry to Shenzhen has been closed yet. There are only routes to Beihai, Guangzhou (Nansha) and Hai'an, perhaps Hong Kong is also available. Did not find any website offering booking. You can get to the ferry Terminal of Xiuying Port to buy the ticket. It takes 18 hours to Guangzhou.
3.
Dec. 1,2009 21:09 Reply
Mr.Brown(Canada) said:
Mr.FFrankie
Thank you for the reply, but do you know this for sure (100%)....if you scroll down to around post 15, you will see 2 answers for another Canadian (Mr Traveler who is traveling solo),which contradicts your reply????.....Also, what is the cost of said Visa on arrival and what currency should I bring to pay for it?
Again, thanks for your reply, but to you and anyone else, I need a diffinitive answer on this question of Visa on Arrival, as my trip is only 2 weeks away, and I would have to travel 300km to obtain the visa, if I cannot get one on arrival, as I am traveling alone.I have tried to call the embassy, but I only get recorded messages.
Dec. 2,2009 01:21
Mr.FFrankie replied:
So sorry Brown that I have made a mistake. I have check the official info again which shows that you are right. You could apply for an onsite visa at Haikou Meilan Airport. The fare is about CNY160 at least. Both of RMB and US$ cash are accepted.
4.
Dec. 1,2009 06:26 Reply
Ms.Toh(Singapore) said:
I'm visiting Hainan Island for 5 to 6 days. Can you let me know where can I find a good travel agent that conduct 4 days & 3 nights tour on sightseeing only for 10 persons. I don't want to join tour group that usually bring people to buy things.
Dec. 1,2009 20:08
Mr.FFrankie replied:
I think you could ask for help from this website. It seems that supplies private tour, so you could do things as yo wish or not.
5.
Nov. 30,2009 21:26 Reply
Mr.Brown(Canada) said:
Hi
How much is the Visa on Arrival at Haikou Airport, for a Canadian Citizen, and what currency is accepted, to pay for it?
Dec. 1,2009 04:43
Mr.FFrankie replied:
As I know, there is no onsite visa is supplied at Haikou Airport. If you come to Haikou in a tour group, there is no need to apply for a visa. If you travel by yourself, you should apply for a China visa in advance.
6.
Nov. 27,2009 08:31 Reply
Mr.BUDI(Indonesia) said:
We will go to haikou on december 09. Would you like to tell me where are the attractive places to visit in Haikou and Sanya? thank you before
Dec. 1,2009 04:41
Mr.FFrankie replied:
Here are the suggested attractions respectively in Haikou and Sanya:
http://www.travelchinaguide.com/attraction/hainan/haikou/
http://www.travelchinaguide.com/attraction/hainan/sanya/
7.
Nov. 23,2009 07:36 Reply
Ms.BOAOINN(China) said:
Hello everyone,
Just want to add that there are more choices on hainan than Haikou and Sanya. Why not enjoy some time in the small fishing village of Boao. Qiet, clean and far from the tourist crowds!
8.
Nov. 16,2009 04:54 Reply
Ms.sara(Frence) said:
hi . im visiting haikou in the first month next year (junary) for 3 months.and i want to know how is weather in haikou at this time
thank you in advance
Nov. 17,2009 23:05
Mr.Jack replied:
The weather of Haikou is warm that the average temperature will not below 15C. On the other hand, you will feel humid close to the sea.
9.
Nov. 17,2009 19:42 Reply
Ms.chris(singapore) said:
Which will be a better place for relaxation? Sanya or Haikou? As I will be touching down from Haikou Airport, is there any beach in Haikou? Is it safe to travel at night from Sanya to Haikou and back to Sanya should I be staying in Sanya?
How's the weather in December 2009 in Hainan? Besides Sanya, are there any other beaches in Hainan? Thank you.
Nov. 17,2009 23:02
Mr.Jack replied:
If your flight arrive in Haikou late, please stay one night there. On the next day, you could hire a cab driving you to the Asian Dragon Bay of Sanya directly. On the way, you could visit Boao. Then, please spend the other days in Sanya, where the best the beaches of China are located.
The weather is warm and somewhat humid in Hainan, which should be similar to every tropical beaches.
10.
Nov. 14,2009 07:36 Reply
Ms.chris(singapore) said:
I will be travelling to Hainan in December 2009, however i should be touching down in Haikou airport. But i would like to stay at the hotel near Sanya. How far is Haikou to Sanya? Will it be able to travel by taxi or train?
Nov. 15,2009 20:02
Mr.VIGORHE(China) replied:
It is 343 kilometers or so.It will be able to travel by coach or taxi through highway.