Hainan Island, China’s southernmost province, feels like summer all year round. With bright sunshine, clear waters, lush green palm trees, and fresh clean air, it is a tropical paradise and an increasingly popular vacation destination. However, few people know that Hainan also boasts a number of attractions with fascinating histories and rich, unique local cultures. So if you are looking for a place with beaches, history, and culture, Hainan is the place to go. Plus, compared with most tropical island destinations the cost of transportation and accommodation on Hainan Island is relatively cheap. If you are traveling on a budget, Hainan is definitely the right choice! When you visit Hainan Island, don’t forget to spend some time exploring Haikou, which has its own charms in addition to being the capital city of Hainan Province.
Evergreen Park
This is the largest open tropical seashore ecological park in the city. Nearly 10,000 tropical and south Asian tropical ornamental plants, mainly palm trees, are planted in the expansive park. You can enjoy the sights while taking a stroll, fly a kite, ride a four-person bike, or have a picnic on the large grassy fields. This is definitely the perfect place for you to relax and enjoy a break from the busy world.
(Haikou Tourism Development Commission)
INFO: Evergreen Park
Entrance fee: free!
Location: #38 Binhai Ave., Longhua District
Haikou Volcano Park
One of the most well-preserved extinct volcanic vents in the world. The site covers more than 40 volcanoes and 30 volcanic caves. The south and north peaks rise fairly high, offering sweeping views of the surrounding area, while the area between them is sunk down quite deep, resulting in a shape that has given the area the name of Ma'an Ling (Saddle Mountain). While you are there, don’t forget to try the mountain goat hot pot, volcanic mineral water, and pick your own fresh volcano lychees!
INFO: Haikou Volcano Park
Entrance fee: 60 RMB/person
Location: Shishan Town, Xiuying District
Holiday Beach
This is Haikou’s most popular beach and resort area. The beach, some 6 kms long, boasts a stunning horizon. Swimming, beach volleyball, boating, and many other water sports are all popular here, but the most popular activity here is beach barbecue! Everything you need is available for a night of epic fun with friends, drinking and singing around the fire pit, with the sound of the waves creating the perfect background music.
INFO: Holiday Beach
Entrance fee: free!
Location: Binhai Ave., Longhua District
Historic Qilou Cultural Streets
One of the "Top 10 Historical and Cultural Streets in China" and Haikou's most distinctive architectural landscape. Haikou's Historic Qilou Cultural Streets feature Southeast Asian style “arcade” or “qilou” buildings, with distinctive overhanging second story. Most of these historic buildings were built by Hainanese who traveled the South Seas to make money and later came back to the island of Hainan. Mainly built at the beginning of the 19th century, some of the buildings here are 700+ years old. Elegant, delicate sculptures and baroque decorations can be seen on the facades. The best thing about these qilou buildings is that no matter whether it’s sunny or rainy, the overhanging first story offers shelter! These days, many of the beautiful ancient buildings have been lovingly restored and now house museums, restaurants, and shops offering local Hainan souvenirs, jewelry, clothing, and more culturally interesting items!
INFO: Historic Qilou Culture Streets
Entrance fee: free!
Location: Deshengsha Rd., Zhongshan Rd., Bo’ai Rd., Xinhua Rd., Jiefang Rd., Changdi Rd.
Haikou Clock Tower
One of the “Top 8 Sights in Haikou”, this landmark is the symbol of the city. The tower stands 27.3 meters high and is made of red brick in the European Gothic style. It was originally built in 1929, an initiative of a patriotic businessman who raised funds from Hainan expatriates for the purpose of foreign trade. At the time, it was one of the tallest structures in the city! In 1987, the clock tower was rebuilt near its original site after being partially destroyed.
(Hainan Daily)
INFO: Haikou Clock Tower
Entrance fee: free!
Location: Changdi Rd., Longhua District
Feng Xiaogang Movie Town
Feng Xiaogang Movie Town, created by acclaimed famous Chinese film director Feng Xiaogang, combines the beauty of traditional Chinese architecture and classic Chinese cinema. Here, you can visit 1942 Street, in the architectural style of the Republic of China era, Nanyang Street in the South Asian style, and Traditional Beijing Street，which recreates the streets of Beijing as they were in the 1950s to 1960s, after the People’s Republic of China was founded. If you're a movie lover, then you can’t miss the place. Even if you aren’t, this is the perfect place to try on all kinds of fun outfits and pose for photos against the eye-catching historic streets! Your friends will wonder how you managed to travel back in time!
(Haikou Tourism Development Commission)
(Haikou Tourism Development Commission)
INFO: Feng Xiaogang Movie Town
Entrance fee: 138 RMB/person
Location: Mission Hills Complex, Longhua District