Chen Liu
What You'll Find Inside
I'll never forget the first time I stepped out of Haikou Meilan Airport – the salty breeze hit me, and within 10 minutes I was already regretting not bringing a lighter jacket. Wait, jacket in the tropics? Yes, because the evenings can be surprisingly cool, especially from December to February. That's just one of the many things nobody tells you about Haikou. After leading a dozen tours here, I've learned which attractions actually deliver and which ones are best skipped. Below are the five places I personally bring every first-time visitor – no fluff, just honest takes.
Why Haikou Deserves a Spot on Your China Itinerary
Most travelers rush to Sanya for the beaches, but I tell them: give Haikou at least two days. The capital of Hainan has a slower pace, cheaper eats, and a mix of history and nature you won't find in the south. Plus, it's way less crowded. The old colonial architecture, the volcanic landscape, and the local food scene make Haikou a hidden gem that's slowly getting discovered. If you have only 24 hours to spare, follow this list and you'll leave satisfied.
Top 5 Must-Visit Places in Haikou
1. Haikou Volcanic Cluster Global Geopark
Why I bring guests here: Because you can literally stand inside an extinct volcano crater. The park covers over 100 square kilometers and has more than 40 volcanic cones. The main attraction is the No.1 Crater, which is about 70 meters deep. I always tell people to walk the full loop around the rim – it takes about 30 minutes and gives you a fantastic view of the surrounding lava fields.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Address | Shishan Town, Xiuying District |
| Ticket Price | Adults ~60 RMB; children/seniors half price. Check the official WeChat mini-program for exact rates. |
| Opening Hours | 8:00 – 18:00 (last entry 17:00) |
| How to Get There | Take bus #1 from downtown (about 45 min) or Didi (around 70 RMB from city center). Get off at Shishan stop and walk 10 min. |
| Suggested Time | 2 – 3 hours |
| Pro Tip | Arrive by 9am to avoid the tour groups. The crater looks best in the morning light. Also, bring water – there's little shade on the rim. |
The park also has a small museum explaining the geology. One thing I don't love: the souvenir shops are overpriced. Skip them. Instead, buy fresh coconut water from the vendors at the entrance – it's around 10 RMB and super refreshing.
2. Qilou Old Street
This is the soul of Haikou. A 600-year-old area with beautifully preserved arcaded buildings built by returned overseas Chinese in the early 1900s. The architecture blends European colonnades with traditional Chinese balconies. Every guest I've brought here spends at least two hours just wandering the side alleys. Address: Bo'ai Road area, Longhua District. Free entry – it's an open neighborhood. I recommend starting at the Haikou Bell Tower on the west end and walking east along Zhongshan Road.
Food stops along the way: Try the local Wenchang chicken at a street stall or the coconut milk hotpot. There's a place called "Old Street Coconut Chicken" that I always stop at – super casual, about 40 RMB per person. Transport: Metro Line 1 to Zhongshan Road Station, Exit B. Walk 5 minutes north.
Biggest mistake people make: they only walk the main street. Go into the tiny alleys like Xiguan Lane – that's where the real charm is. I once found a handmade noodle shop that had no sign, just a grandma pulling noodles. Best dan dan noodles I've ever had.
3. Holiday Beach
Honestly? The water here is not crystal clear – it's murky and there's seaweed. But the sunset? That's the real reason to go. The beach stretches 7 kilometers, and there's a nice boardwalk with coconut trees. I bring guests here in the late afternoon, around 4:30pm. We grab a cold beer at one of the beachfront stalls (about 15 RMB), sit on the sand, and watch the sun dip below the horizon.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Address | Holiday Beach, Xiuying District |
| Price | Free |
| Hours | Open 24/7 (but best 16:00 – 19:00) |
| How to Get There | Bus #28 or #35 from downtown; taxi ~30 RMB. Or rent a bike and ride along the coastline. |
| Tips | Bring a towel – there are showers (5 RMB). Avoid the restaurants right on the sand; they're overpriced. Walk 2 blocks inland for better food. |
If you're looking for a beach to swim, this isn't it. I've seen too many tourists disappointed. Treat it as a chill sunset spot, and you'll love it.
4. Mission Hills Haikou
This is a massive resort complex with a golf course, hot springs, and the famous Mission Hills Movie Town – a film set that replicates scenes from classic Chinese movies. I'm not a golfer, but the Movie Town is worth a visit. You'll see replicas of old Shanghai streets, a Fan Xiaoxuan-style train station, and even a haunted house area. Ticket is about 128 RMB for adults (check Klook for discounts).
Address: Mission Hills Resort, Yangshan Avenue. Take bus K3 or a 25-minute Didi from center (around 40 RMB). Hours: 9:00 – 22:00. I'd allocate half a day if you want to see everything.
What many guides don't tell you: the hot springs are included in some packages, but you need to book separately. Also, the food inside is mediocre – I suggest eating at the nearby "Mission Hills Food Street" which has better options.
5. Hainan Tropical Wildlife Park & Botanical Garden
If you're traveling with kids, this is the top pick. It's a combination of a safari park and a botanical garden. You can drive through the animal zone or take a park bus (the bus is more fun because the animals come right up to the windows). There are also walking trails with tropical plants and a butterfly garden.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Address | Dongshan Town, Qiongshan District |
| Ticket Price | Adults ~100 RMB; children under 1.2m free. Scan the official WeChat mini-program for current prices. |
| Opening Hours | 8:00 – 17:30 (last entry 16:30) |
| How to Get There | Take bus #1 from (Central Bus Station) – about 1 hour. Didi is ~100 RMB. |
| Suggested Time | 3 – 4 hours |
One warning: the park is quite run-down compared to similar parks in mainland China. Some enclosures look old. But the kids love feeding the giraffes. I bring hand sanitizer because you'll be touching animal feed. Also, bring your own snacks – the cafeteria is sad.
How to Get Around Haikou
Haikou has two metro lines – Line 1 goes east-west, and Line 2 is new and runs north-south. For most tourist spots, you'll rely on buses or Didi. The ride-hailing app works with Alipay. If you're only here for two days, use Didi – it's cheap (most rides under 30 RMB) and saves time. Buses accept Alipay or cash, but routes can be confusing. Pro tip: download Amap and search in English – it shows real-time bus arrivals.
Best Time to Visit Haikou
Winter (December – February) is the sweet spot – temperatures around 15-22°C, low humidity, and almost no rain. Spring and autumn are also pleasant but can be rainy. Avoid June to September unless you enjoy sauna-like heat (35°C with 80% humidity) and sudden typhoons. I made the mistake of coming in July once – never again. The beaches were empty because of the heat, and I sweated through my shirt before 9am.
Local Food You Can't Miss in Haikou
- Wenchang Chicken – poached chicken with ginger and scallion oil. Best at “Grandpa Cai's” near Qilou Old Street.
- Hainan Noodles – a cold noodle dish with peanut sauce and pickled vegetables. My go-to is “Yucai Noodle Shop” at 8am before the queue gets long.
- Steamed Seafood Rice – along Binhai Avenue there are family-run restaurants where you pick your seafood from the tank. Fresh and affordable – around 80 RMB per person.
- Betel Nut? No – skip it. Locals chew it but it turns your teeth red and it's addictive. I tried once, hated it.
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