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Haikou

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Haikou

Haikou, formerly known as Hoikow, is the capital and the most populous city in Hainan Province, China. Haikou is on the northern coast of Hainan, at the mouth of the Nandu River. Known as the Coconut City, it is the best destination to enjoy beautiful sea views, various historical sites, and many exciting attractions.

Cultural and historical visits to Haikou can begin at The Temple of Five Lords, built to commemorate five historical figures from the Tang and Song Dynasties who lived in Hainan Province. Nearby is the Tomb of Hai Rui, a famous official from the Ming Dynasty.

Meanwhile, the Dongzhai Harbor Mangrove Nature Reserve, located in Qiongshan District, Haikou, is a haven for mangroves and birds. Around 159 bird species inhabit this nature reserve, including many rare migratory birds. As one of the famous tourist attractions in Hainan, Dongjiao Coconut Plantation offers an elegant and beautiful environment. True to its name, it features various types of coconut trees.

Try to visit Holiday Beach, Shimei Bay, Jiajing Island, the Chinese Natural Volcanic Museum, Nanli Lake, People's Park, Jinniu (Golden Bull) Ridge Park, Binhai Park, and Tropical Safari Park.

For shopping enthusiasts, Haixiu Avenue is the busiest commercial street in the city, with the Waihai Shopping Center being the most popular. Meanwhile, Dongmen Market at the East Gate is the best place to find various dried seafood, and Bo'ai South Road is a must-visit area for those who want to taste local snacks.

Travel Tips for Haikou

What you need to know before traveling here

Getting Around Haikou

A guide to Haikou's local transportation

Bus

Taxi

Vehicle Rental

Bicycle Rental

Buses are a popular mode of transportation in Haikou. Tourists can travel around the city using Tourist Buses or City Buses.

Tourist Buses has two routes. The route one runs from Baishamen to Huoshankou National Forest Park, covering a distance of about 34 km. The bus departs at 09:00 from Baishamen and arrives at Huoshankou National Forest Park at 12:30. The ticket price is around CNY10 (Rp21,000) per person.

Then, Tourist Bus Route 2 runs from Ever Green Park to Hainan Dongshan Safari Park, covering a distance of about 16 km. The bus departs at 10:00 from Ever Green Park and arrives at Hainan Dongshan Safari Park at 14:00. The ticket price for this route is around CNY16 (Rp35,000) per person.

In addition to the two tourist bus routes, 55 other city bus routes are available within the city. These buses can reach all main locations in the city, including Meilan Airport, Xiuying Port, Ever Green Garden, Wugong Temple, bus terminals, and more. Bus No. 14 runs from Haikou New Port - Bell Tower - Qiongyuan Hotel - East Bus Station - Wugong Temple - South Bus Station - Hainan Daily with a ticket price of CNY 1 (Rp2,000).

Then, Bus No. 35 has a longer route from the Railway Station to Luse Jia Yuan. This bus operates from 06:00 to 21:00, with ticket prices ranging from CNY1 to CNY5 (Rp2,000 - Rp10,000).

Lastly, Bus No. 50 runs from the Railway Station to South Bus Station.

Practical Tips for Haikou

Things to prepare and best way to visit

When is the best time to visit Haikou?

The best time to visit Haikou is between November and April. From May to October, the weather in Haikou is very humid due to the rainy season, with rainfall peaking in September.

What are the famous tourist destinations in Haikou?

Haikou is rich in enjoyable tourist destinations, ranging from cultural, natural, and culinary, to shopping. Some places to visit include Holiday Beach, Shimei Bay and Jiajing Island, the Chinese Natural Volcanic Museum, Nanli Lake, People's Park, Jinniu (Golden Bull) Ridge Park, Binhai Park, Tropical Safari Park, Dongzhai Harbor Mangrove Nature Reserve, The Temple of Five Lords, and the famous Dongjiao Coconut Plantation.

How to get to Haikou?

You can take flights to Meilan International Airport in Haikou from Beijing (4 hours), Shanghai (3.5 hours), Xian (3 hours), Guangzhou (1.5 hours), Chengdu (2.5 hours), Chongqing (2.5 hours), Nanjing (3 hours), or Hangzhou (3 hours). There are also international flight routes from many cities and countries, such as Seoul, Singapore, Osaka, and Kuala Lumpur. Other options include buses, trains (from Sanya), or driving (from Wenchang).

What are the typical Haikou foods to try?

Try the local Hainan cuisine in Haikou. Some local foods in the area include Wenchang Chicken, Dongshan Mutton, Hele Crab, and Jiaji Duck.

To enjoy various Chinese dishes, some restaurants around Jinlong, Haixiu, Nansha, and Xisha Roads can be options. The Longkun South Road area is known for its variety of seafood restaurants. Try visiting South Bo'ai Road for local snacks.

What can be done in Haikou?

You can enjoy the beauty of Holiday Beach, the most famous beach in Haikou. Additionally, you can taste various local Hainan cuisines and snacks, visit the Hainan Museum, Leiqiong Global Geopark, Qilou Old Street, Temple of Five Lords, and witness the Haikou Clock Tower, which is a landmark and symbol of Haikou.