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.
Jul. 3,2009 10:04 Reply
Ms.Miaou(Thailand) said:
Hi, I would like to ask as I would like to travel from Haikou to Sanya.
As many said we should to to East Station, but some said 'South' Station coz it offers the newer coach. Could you please clarify which is the best along with the price and time table of the coach?
When we arrive there in Sanya, both East and South are parked at the same station for connecting to 'Nanshan Guanyin'? How much for the price taking there to 'Guanyin' or we just take the taxi? (Please advise the suitable price for taxi, if possible)
Thanks again.
Jul. 3,2009 20:53
Ms.Ruth(China) replied:
I suggest you go to take the fast coach bus at the south bus station. The ticket is around CNY78. It takes about 3 hours to get to Sanya. As I know, there are many buses to go to Sanya. Dom't worry.
I don't know how much is the taxi cost for the drive to Nanshan Guanyin. But some people told me the cost is around CNY100.
2.
Jul. 3,2009 06:02 Reply
Mr.honigman(Israel) said:
Needs fast transportation from Sanya or Hikou to Hong konk what is the faster way excepyt flights
Please your advise
Jul. 3,2009 20:29
Ms.Evelyn(China) replied:
You will have the following ways to go from Haikou to Hong Kong:
1.Go from Haikou to Guangzhou by train. It takes about 11 hours. Then, take a long-distance bus at Yuexiu South Bus Station (in Guangzhou) to go to Hong Kong. Or Just take the through train from Guangzhou East Railway Station to Kowloon in Hong Kong. Or you may take a ship from Panyu Lianhuashan Port in Guangzhou to Hong Kong.
2. Go from Haikou to Guangzhou by ferry. Then, you may take a long-distance bus, ferry or through train to go to Hong Kong.
From Sanya to Hong Kong:
You may take a train from Sanya to Guangzhou. Then, follow the aboves ways from Guangzhou to Hong Kong.
3.
Jun. 29,2009 08:48 Reply
Ms.Jen(Singapore) said:
Hi,
Can you introduce some spas or good massage places in Haikou?
Jun. 29,2009 21:39
Ms.Semey replied:
Hi, it is said that the best spa center of Haikou could be found at the Crown Spa Resort!
4.
Jun. 17,2009 02:37 Reply
Mr.3 BOY(SIN) said:
HI V R PLANNING A HOLIDAY IN HAIKOU N SANYA ANY BEST PLACE FOR FOOD N FUND TO RECOMM MANY TKS
Jun. 18,2009 21:12
Ms.Meng replied:
For hotel, besides of its charming seashore, Sanya is also famous for its so many luxurious 5-star hotels distribute in the Asian Dragon Bay. You could see a list at http://www.travelchinaguide.com/hotel/sanya-hotels.htm In Haikou, you also could have some good hotels with beautiful seascape, such as the Golden Coast Lawton Hotel, the Sheraton Haikou Resort and the Haikou Hotel, Baohua Harbour View Hotel.
For food, never miss the various kinds of seafood in Hainan. You could have a rich at the seafood market or at a comfortable hotels and restaurant. BTW, the Nanshan Vegetarian Feast served in Nanshan Temple of Sanya enjoys high famous. The delicated Hainan food cooked at the the hotle of Asian Dragon Bay Villas & Spa is so good~
5.
Jun. 7,2009 12:21 Reply
Ms.Lim(Malaysia) said:
Do anyone know which airlines offer cheap flight from Haikou to Macau?
Jun. 18,2009 21:01
Mr.Sam replied:
Hi Lim, it seems that there is no direct flight between Haikou and Macau currently. You may have to choose another route~
6.
Jun. 15,2009 02:45 Reply
Mrs.lauren(Indonesia) said:
Hi,
my big family is planning a trip to Mexian, after on 25 September 2009 on ward we are separating and some of us are planning to the Beach at Hainan Island and hongkong for 5 days before our return on 30 Sept.
can anyone suggest what is the economical way to go, but please recommend nice hotels there. would it be enough to stay only 2 nights at Hainan island? better Sanya or Haikou? because i have no idea about that.
thank you.
Jun. 16,2009 20:39
Mr.John replied:
To spend a holiday to the beach, suggest you go to Sanya, which has better sights then Haikou, but higher expense for living. Two night in Sanya is enough, as to the hotels, you can see
http://www.travelchinaguide.com/hotel/sanya-hotels.htm
7.
May. 30,2009 13:14 Reply
Ms.Dana(Lebanon) said:
Any recommend hotels that I can stay in Haikou near to attractions, shopping areas & easy to get nice food?
Jun. 3,2009 23:17
Mr.Sam replied:
Wow, so many choices in Haikou. You may have a try of the 4-star Baohua Harbour View Hotel which is just 2.5 kilometers to the city center or the Haikou Treasure Island Hotel, very close to shopping area.
8.
May. 22,2009 08:12 Reply
Mr.Steve(USA) said:
Hi....
Where is the best place to stay in Haikou?
May. 25,2009 20:29
Mr.Sam replied:
The city is beautiful and comfortable. I prefer to stay hotels close to beaches but these ones in the downtown area are good, too. You may consider the Huandao Tide Hotel which is well decorated and good service.
9.
May. 22,2009 04:37 Reply
Mr.noble(USA) said:
Can anyone give me some ideas on how to best get from Hong Kong to Haikou?? I can't seem to find a direct flight or anything that doesn't take a whole day, is there a ferry or a direct route from macau?
May. 22,2009 09:54
Mr.Eric Florea(HongKong) replied:
Cross the border to Shenzhen airport, you can get direct flights to Haikou and much cheaper compare to HongKong ...Shenzhen is just 30 mintues by MRT from HongKong downtown ....
May. 22,2009 12:58
Mrs.Jackie(USA) replied:
Mr. Noble
There is a flight from Hong Kong to Haikou. Flights are on Kong Air and also Hong Kong Express.
12:10 PM arr 1:20PM. Check it out.
10.
May. 22,2009 03:23 Reply
Mr.salim(Oman) said:
Hello....
I am from Middle East...planning to spend 6 days in Hainan Island.... 3 days in Haikou and the rest in Sanya... Whats your advice? shall i land in Haikou and and depart from Sanya in my way back home? or vice versa.... Also, planning to take bulk fruits as gifts from Hainan specially durians and mangosteen....where can i get them (Haikou or Sanya)