Tao Xu
I’ve been guiding travelers around Haikou for years, and the biggest mistake I see? Trying to cram too much into four days. This city is meant to be savored — slow mornings by the sea, wandering arcades, and eating until you pop. Here’s how to actually enjoy 4 days in Haikou without burning out.
Day 1: Dive into Haikou Old Town & Street Food
Morning: Qilou Old Street (骑楼老街)
Address: Zhongshan Road, Longhua District (Show taxi driver: 海口骑楼老街中山路)
Opening Hours: 24/7 open street, but shops open ~9:00-21:00
Admission: Free
Tip: Arrive at 8:30 AM before the heat and crowds hit. The morning light makes the arcades glow.
Start at the iconic arcaded buildings — a blend of南洋 (Nanyang) architecture. Don’t just walk straight; peek into the narrow side lanes. I always tell my guests: “Turn left into Bo’ai Road ( 博爱路) for a hidden market selling dried seafood and spices.”
Lunch: Local Noodles at Ya’niang (Yan’s Noodle)
Address: No. 43 Xinmin West Road, Longhua District
Specialty: Hainan Noodles (海南粉) with pork broth and fried shallots — savory, not spicy.
Price: ~15 RMB per bowl
Payment: Alipay/WeChat only. No credit cards. I always carry 100 RMB in cash just in case.
My take: This is my go-to spot. The queue moves fast, and the owner remembers regulars. Come before 12:00 or after 13:30 to avoid waiting.
Afternoon: Haikou Clock Tower & People’s Park
Walk 10 minutes from Qilou to the riverside Clock Tower (built 1929). Snap a photo, then cross the bridge to People’s Park (人民公园). It’s where locals practice tai chi, dance, and play cards. Admission free.
Dinner: Seafood at Din’s Legend (Longquan Renjia)
Address: 3/F, Friendship Sunshine City, Guoxing Avenue
Specialty: Steamed grouper, garlic clams, and Hainan chicken rice.
Price: 80-120 RMB per person
Payment: Alipay/WeChat accepted. Cash OK.
Note: This chain is reliable. They have picture menus, so ordering is easy. Avoid the 7:00 PM rush — come at 6:00 or after 8:00.
Day 2: Volcanoes & Beach Escape
Morning: Haikou Volcanic Cluster Global Geopark
Address: Shishan Town, Xiuying District (Show: 海口火山口全球地质公园)
Opening: 8:00-17:30 (last entry 17:00)
Admission: 60 RMB (adults), 30 RMB (students/seniors 65+) – must book in advance on WeChat mini-program or Trip.com. Passport required for entry.
Getting there: Take bus 1, 2, or 3 from city center to “Huoshankou” stop (40 min). Or Didi ~50 RMB. Return trip: taxis are scarce after 16:00, so book a Didi pickup in advance.
Climb the 200 steps to the rim of the dormant volcano. The view from the top is worth the sweat — bring water and a hat. I always advise my groups: “Skip the lava tunnel tour inside the park; it’s overpriced and not well-lit. Instead, save energy for the coastal trail.”
Lunch: Farm Stay “Huoshan Renjia”
Just outside the geopark entrance. Try the wild vegetable stir-fry and braised pork belly. Average 50 RMB per person. Cash preferred.
Afternoon: Holiday Beach (假日海滩)
Address: Binhaixiyi Road, Xiuying District (Show: 海口假日海滩)
Admission: Free. Open all day.
Getting there: 30-min Didi from the geopark (~40 RMB).
The beach is wide and perfect for a late afternoon swim. Sunsets here are stunning around 17:30-18:30. Facilities: Public showers (5 RMB), chair rental (20 RMB). Bring your own towel and sunscreen.
Dinner: Seafood BBQ at Binhai Night Market
Location: Binhai Avenue, near Holiday Beach. Opens 18:00-02:00.
Must try: Grilled oysters with garlic, BBQ squid, and cold beer.
Price: 60-100 RMB per person. Cash or Alipay.
Note: Stalls close to the entrance are more expensive. Walk deeper into the market for better deals.
Day 3: Culture & Green Spaces
Morning: Five Officials Temple (五公祠)
Address: No. 1 Haifu Road, Qiongshan District (Show: 海口五公祠)
Opening: 8:00-17:30
Admission: 20 RMB. No advance booking needed for foreigners (buy at ticket counter with cash or Alipay).
Getting there: Bus 4, 12, or 37 from city center (20 min). Didi ~15 RMB.
This ancient complex honors five Tang and Song dynasty officials exiled to Hainan. The gardens are peaceful, with lotus ponds and stone bridges. Plan 1 hour.
Late Morning: Hainan Museum
Address: No. 60 Guoxing Avenue, Qiongshan District (Show: 海南省博物馆)
Opening: 9:00-17:00 (closed Mondays). Last entry 16:30.
Admission: Free (passport required for ticket). No booking needed for walk-ins, but they may limit capacity. I prefer to arrive at 9:00 when it opens.
Tip: The second floor “Hainan History” exhibit is the highlight. English labels are sparse, so download Baidu Translate for text recognition.
Lunch: Baoluo Noodles at Lao Chengxin
Location: Near Hainan Museum, 10-min walk. Ask for “Lao Chengxin Baoluo Noodles” (shown to taxi). Price: 12 RMB. Small hole-in-wall, but legendary local flavor.
Afternoon: Evergreen Park (万绿园)
Address: Longkun North Road, Longhua District (Show: 海口万绿园)
Opening: Open 24h. Best visited 16:00-18:00 to avoid heat.
Admission: Free (no booking).
Activity: Rent a bike (20 RMB/hour) and ride along the coastal path. There’s a small lake with paddle boats (30 RMB/30 min).
Dinner: Haikou Bay Food Street
Location: Haikou Bay Plaza, near Evergreen Park. Opens 17:00-23:00.
Recommendation: Try the “Laofoye” dessert stall for sweet coconut sago soup (10 RMB). Then head to “Hainan No.1” for chicken rice (30 RMB). Payment: Alipay/WeChat. Cash works at some stalls.
Day 4: Shopping & Relaxation
Morning: Mission Hills Movie Town & Hot Springs
Address: Mission Hills Resort, Longhua District (Show: 观浚湖电影城)
Opening: Theme park 10:00-18:00; hot springs 10:00-22:00.
Admission: Movie Town 128 RMB; Hot Springs 168 RMB. Book on Klook or Trip.com for discounts (avoid booking via WeChat mini-program if you don’t read Chinese). Passport needed.
Getting there: Free shuttle from city center (departs from Haikou East Bus Station at 9:30, 10:30). Didi from city center ~80 RMB (40 min).
The Movie Town recreates old Shanghai streets — perfect for photos. The hot springs have dozens of pools with different temperatures. I always recommend the jasmine pool. Bring a waterproof phone pouch.
Afternoon: Free Trade Port Duty-Free Shopping
Locations: Ri Yue Plaza Duty-Free (Guoxing Avenue) or Mission Hills Duty-Free (inside resort).
What to buy: Cosmetics, perfume, electronics (duty-free limit: 10,000 RMB per person per year). Bring your passport and departure flight info.
Tip: Crowds are thickest at 14:00-16:00. Go at 10:00 or after 17:00. Most staff speak basic English. Payment: Alipay/WeChat, international credit cards (Visa/Mastercard) accepted.
Last Dinner: Haikou Laocheng (海口老城) for Closure
Address: Inside Qilou Old Town (same as Day 1).
Must order: Hainan Chicken Rice (Wenchang chicken) and a coconut drink. Price ~50 RMB. It’s a fitting end: back where you started, but now you get it.
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