Chen Liu
Quick Guide
I've guided dozens of groups to Holiday Beach over the years. And here's the first thing I tell every traveler: don't go at noon. The heat is brutal, the sand burns your feet, and every sunbed is taken. But if you time it right—and know a few hacks—this public beach turns into one of Haikou's best free attractions.
Most online guides paint a perfect picture. They forget to mention that most vendors accept only WeChat Pay or Alipay. Or that Google Maps will lead you to the wrong entrance. I booked a trip once for a family who followed Google Maps and ended up at a construction site. So let me save you that headache.
Here's the short version: go after 4 PM, bring cash as backup, and use Apple Maps. Now let's dive into the real details.
Why I Tell Clients to Skip the Morning
Morning sounds nice—cooler, less crowded, right? Wrong. Holiday Beach is a public beach, and locals love it. By 10 AM, the area near the entrance is packed with groups doing team-building activities. The real kicker? The sun is directly overhead from 11 AM to 3 PM. I've seen tourists get sunburned within an hour because they didn't realize the UV index here is extreme even on cloudy days.
My rule: arrive at 4:30 PM. The sun softens, the crowds thin, and you get that golden hour light for photos. Plus, the sea breeze picks up. I always tell my clients: “If you come at 4, you'll enjoy the beach for two hours, then catch the sunset over the water. That's the real magic.”
Getting to Holiday Beach: Transport & Navigation
Address to Tell Your Driver
The official English address: Holiday Beach, Binhai Avenue, Xiuying District, Haikou. Show this to your taxi driver or paste it into Apple Maps (Google Maps is unreliable in China). From downtown (e.g., Guomao area), a taxi costs about 30–40 RMB and takes 20 minutes. Avoid rush hour (5–7 PM) if you're heading back—traffic on Binhai Avenue gets jammed.
Public Bus Option
Bus 28 or 37 from downtown stops at “Holiday Beach” station. The ride is 2 RMB, and you pay via Alipay (scan the QR code on the bus). If you don't have Alipay set up, carry small bills—but the driver might not have change. Honestly, I prefer taxi for first-timers; it's simpler.
What to Bring (And What to Leave Behind)
| Item | Why It Matters | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Sunscreen SPF50+ | UV index is deceptive; cloudy days still burn | Buy in Haikou if you forget; hotel shops stock it |
| Cash (small bills) | Some food stalls don't accept card | 10 and 20 RMB notes work |
| Flip-flops or water shoes | Sand gets scorching hot after 3 PM | Water shoes protect from broken shells |
| Reusable water bottle | Staying hydrated is key | Buy cold drinks from convenience stores near entrance |
| Dry bag or plastic bag | Keep your phone safe from splashes | You can buy cheap ones at the beach |
Leave your credit cards in the hotel safe—they won't be useful here. Also, don't bring a fancy towel; the public showers are basic and sand gets everywhere. I always bring a sarong or quick-dry towel.
Where to Eat & Drink Near the Beach
The beach itself has small vendors selling grilled squid, corn, and drinks. But hygiene can be hit-or-miss. My go-to spot is Haidian Island Seafood Market (taxi 15 min from beach). For a quick bite right at the beach, try the coconut stall near the main entrance—a fresh coconut costs 15 RMB. They pour the water into a cup and give you a spoon for the flesh. I've been going to the same auntie for years; she remembers my order.
If you want a sit-down meal, walk to Yilong Road (5 min walk east). There's a restaurant called Laohai Kou Barbecue that serves grilled fish and local clams. Expect to pay 80–100 RMB per person. They have a picture menu, so ordering is easy. But note: they accept only WeChat Pay or cash. No cards. The waitstaff doesn't speak English, but pointing works. I once brought a couple there, and the husband loved the spicy clams so much he ordered three rounds.
24-Hour Haikou Beach Plan: A Realistic Itinerary
Imagine you have only one full day in Haikou. You want beach time but also want to see the city. Here's my optimized plan, tested with dozens of groups.
Morning (8 AM – 12 PM): Explore the city
Start with Old Town (Qilou)—the arcaded streets are beautiful in morning light. Have breakfast at a local noodle shop (try “Hainan noodles”). Then head to Wanlv Park for a quick walk. No need to rush; the park is pretty but not a must-see.
Lunch (12 PM – 1 PM)
Eat at Binhai Road near the beach. I recommend Xinjia Seafood Restaurant for crab and rice. Use Alipay to pay. Avoid the buffet places near the beach—they overcharge and food is mediocre.
Afternoon (2 PM – 4 PM): Rest or indoor activity
The sun is fierce. Either nap at your hotel or visit Haikou Museum of the Hainan Tropical Rainforest (air-conditioned). It's a solid backup if the weather turns bad.
Beach time (4:30 PM – 6:30 PM)
Arrive at Holiday Beach. Rent an umbrella (30 RMB) and a lounger (20 RMB) if you want comfort. Walk west along the shore—the further from the main entrance, the fewer people. I always take clients to the section near the Hilton Hotel; it's quieter and cleaner.
Sunset & Dinner (6:30 PM – 8 PM)
Watch the sunset from the beach around 6:40 PM. Then take a taxi to Dongjiao Seafood Market (20 min ride) for dinner. You pick the fish, they cook it—it's an experience. A meal for two costs about 150–200 RMB. Cash or Alipay only, no credit cards.
FAQ: Real Answers for Foreign Tourists
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