Top Things to Do in Haikou: 10 Must-Try Experiences

Haikou punches way above its weight. I've been guiding trips to Hainan for over a decade, and first-timers still tell me they almost skipped the capital to run straight to Sanya. Big mistake. The top things to do in Haikou aren't about Instagram-perfect infinity pools — they're about morning noodle soup, volcanic craters, and sunset walks that cost nothing. Here's the catch: most tourists stay only one day and miss everything. This guide is my attempt to fix that.

Why Haikou Deserves Your Time (And Not Just 24 Hours)

Stuck in the shadow of Sanya, Haikou is often written off as a business hub or a transit point. But I've spent months living here between tours, and the city grows on you like a stubborn rash — in a good way. Instead of high-rise resort bubble, you get a real Chinese coastal city with layered history: colonial arcades left from the treaty port era, communist-era public squares, and sleek new architecture climbing over mangroves.

Plus, your money goes further. A bowl of fish soup noodle costs ¥15. A beachfront room might set you back ¥300 a night in peak season. And the humidity? It's high, but that's why locals don't rush. You'll adapt. The top things to do in Haikou are cheap, authentic, and some even free. Trust me, after two days here, you'll understand why Hainan's capital deserves a spot on your China itinerary.

The Top 10 Things to Do in Haikou

Below is my handpicked list of the best experiences, each tested by me and my tour groups. I've ranked them by wow-factor and accessibility.

Prices are approximate and change often. Always confirm at the ticket booth or on Trip.com before you go.

Top 1: Hike the Leiqiong Global Geopark

The Leiqiong Global Geopark is the only place on Earth where you can walk inside a dormant volcano's crater. It's a UNESCO-listed site, and honestly, the ten-thousand-year-old lava tunnels still give me chills. From your taxi drop-off, you'll climb a gentle 220-meter path through tropical forest to the crater rim. The views over Haikou city and the Qiongzhou Strait are worth every drop of sweat. Insider tip: get here when the gates open at 8 AM — by 10, tour buses roll in and the quiet magic disappears. Wear sturdy sneakers; the volcanic rock gets slippery after rain. Pay with your Alipay or WeChat — the ticket office rarely accepts cash.

Pro Tip: Ask the driver to take you to the East Gate — the West Gate entrance forces you to climb an extra flight of stairs, and your legs will hate you for it.

Top 2: Wander the Qilou Old Street

Qilou Old Street is a living museum of arcade buildings that blend Roman columns with Chinese symbols. These 1920s shophouses once served as trading hubs for overseas Chinese. Now they house tea shops, herbal medicine stores, and the best swirly ice cream you'll taste in China. I always start at the clock tower and walk south along Zhongshan Road. The street comes alive around sunset, when locals set up folding tables and eat spiced snail soup. Don't book a meal at the fancy restaurants here — instead, join the queue at the tiny stinky-tofu stall with the yellow sign. Bring cash, some stalls don't accept cards.

Top 3: Chill at Holiday Beach

Holiday Beach isn't the whitest sand in Hainan, but it's the most accessible urban beach in Haikou. The strip is a local favorite for picnics, kite-flying, and splashing in the South China Sea. I tell every group to come at 5 PM sharp: the sun drops behind the buildings, the heat breaks, and the water turns to gold. The beach has free outdoor showers and changing rooms. The volleyball courts are often packed with friendly locals who'll wave you in for a game. And here's a money-saver — the beach is 100% free. Just don't drink the water sold by walking vendors; buy from the 7-Eleven across the road.

Top 4: Stroll Through Wanlv Park

Wanlv Park is Haikou's giant green lung, perfect for an early evening stroll. It's a sprawling park with coconut palms, a large lake, and even a mini botanical garden. My favorite time is 6 PM, when groups of women dance to loud Chinese pop music while others practice calligraphy on the pavement with water. It's a beautiful slice of everyday Chinese life that you won't find in guidebooks. The park is free and open all night, but if you're visiting after dark, stay on the main paths — the side trails get pitch black.

Top 5: Eat Your Way Through Hainan University Night Market

This nightly food street behind Hainan University is where I bring friends who want to see 'real' Haikou. Over 200 stalls pack the alley, serving everything from Hainan-style noodles to grilled oysters with garlic. The atmosphere is electric — students and families crowd around plastic tables, and the smell of cumin and coconut fills the air. Go hungry and bring patience: the queue for the famous 'Wanning coconut chicken' can stretch 20 minutes. Payment is via Alipay/WeChat only — no international cards, so make sure your app is set up. If you're vegetarian, look for the stall selling grilled eggplant with garlic sauce.

Top 6: Step Back in Time at Five Ancestors Temple

The Five Ancestors Temple is a serene complex of pavilions that honors five famous officials from Chinese history. Built during the Ming Dynasty, it's a peaceful refuge from the city's noise. The ornate wooden carvings and calligraphy steles are impressive. It costs about ¥30 for adults, half-price for kids. I suggest going early — by noon the tour groups take over and you'll wait to read every placard. Bizarrely, the temple is surrounded by a water park, so don't be surprised to hear splashy screams while you're admiring a 500-year-old gingko tree.

Top 7: Pretend You're in a Movie at Feng Xiaogang Film Commune

This movie-themed attraction lets you walk through full-scale replicas of 1940s Shanghai, Chongqing, and Hainan street sets. It's a hit with local tourists who dress up in cheongsam and vintage suits — and it's a fun place to be a goofy tourist yourself. You can rent costumes on-site for a silly photo shoot. The ticket price is on the higher side, around ¥100, but I've seen it discounted on Klook. Give it 3 hours. The best part? The fake neon signs are actually beautiful after sunset, and the cold beer served in the 'old Shanghai' bar is a welcome break.

Top 8: Watch the Sunset at Haikou Bay Walkway

The Haikou Bay Walkway stretches for miles along the coast, connecting Wanlv Park to the city's western edge. It's a favorite spot for joggers, couples, and fishermen. I walk a one-kilometer section every time I need to think. Around 6 PM, the sky turns a neon orange that looks edited. It's free, easy, and perfect for cleaning out your head. Bring a hat and a bottle of water — there's little shade for long stretches.

Top 9: Admire the Yundong Library

Yundong Library, a sleek, curvy building near the seafront, looks like a glass cloud landed on the beach. It's a public library designed by the same studio that created the dazzling architecture for the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. You can't check out books without a Chinese ID, but you can freely wander inside the twisting reading rooms and photo-spot the ceiling. You must show your passport at the entrance. It's free, but closed on Mondays. Time your visit for 3 PM when golden light streams through the glass ribs.

Top 10: Snap a Photo at the Haikou Clock Tower

The iconic Haikou Clock Tower stands at the edge of the old port area, a dignified red-brick landmark from the 1920s. It's not a must-see for the history, but it's a must-photo for the contrast of old red brick and modern glass towers behind. You only need 20 minutes. Come at 4 PM, right after Qilou Old Street — the two are a 5-minute walk apart. Fun fact: some locals still set their watches to this clock, which chimes every half-hour.

How Do You Get Around Haikou Without Speaking Chinese?

This is the number one question my clients ask before they land. Haikou's public transport doesn't have a comprehensive metro yet, but you'll be fine with these three tools:

1. Didi (Chinese Uber) is your best friend. Download the app and add your international card before you arrive — the English interface works perfectly. A 10-minute ride inside the city costs about ¥15–20. You don't need to speak to the driver; the app handles everything. Here is the catch: the pickup point on the map may be off by a few meters, so stand near a recognizable shop and wave.

2. Buses are cheap and surprisingly easy. Most city buses have signs in Chinese and English, and you pay with a QR code via Alipay. Just look up your destination on Apple Maps (which is accurate in Haikou), and the suggested bus line is usually correct. There's no need to tell the driver where you're going — just tap your phone on the scanner.

3. Walking is underrated. Haikou is flat and compact. From Qilou Old Street to the Clock Tower are 5 minutes on foot; from Wanlv Park to Haikou Bay Walkway is a pleasant 10-minute stroll. Wear breathable shoes and avoid the hours between 11 AM and 3 PM, when the tropical sun turns your skin into a dimple-free leather.

Insider Advice: Google Maps is unreliable here. Download AMap Global or use Apple Maps — both point to the same places, but they won't lead you down a construction pit. And remember, you'll need a VPN for many Western apps, but Didi and Alipay work without one.

What's the Best Time to Visit Each Haikou Attraction?

You've seen the times in the table, but let me break it down with the why.

Morning (8–11 AM) is for open-air and physically demanding spots. The Geopark and Five Ancestors Temple are best early because the air is cool and the light is clear. By mid-morning, tour groups flood the paths.

Afternoon (2–4 PM) is for indoor or shaded experiences. The Yundong Library, Feng Xiaogang Film Commune (which is half-undercover), and Qilou's tea houses give you a break from the sun.

Late afternoon to evening (5–9 PM) is the golden window. This is when Holiday Beach, Haikou Bay Walkway, and the night market shine. You'll avoid the brutal heat and catch the city's natural rhythm.

If you're visiting in summer (June–August), be flexible with rainstorms. They blow in fast and disappear fast. I always carry a poncho — not because I love rainwater showers, but because a sudden squall at the Geopark can soak you to the bones in five minutes.

What to Eat in Haikou: A Local's Shortlist

Haikou's food is a delicious mix of Hainanese and Southeast Asian flavors. Let me save you time with my top three must-eats.

Wenchang Chicken — a poached chicken served with a ginger-scallion dipping sauce. It looks simple but it's anything but. Head to Lingshui Seafood Market area and look for stalls that specialize in this dish. Prices range ¥20–40 per serving.

Hainan Noodle Soup — a rice noodle soup that's a breakfast staple. The broth is light, with a touch of vinegar and garlic. Try the one at the famous 'Longquan' chain or any bustling shop with a queue of locals.

Seafood — Haikou doesn't top Sanya for seafood variety, but the price is more honest. Go to Dinghai Seafood Market, where you buy live seafood and have it cooked at the attached restaurants. Negotiate with the sellers — a half-kilo of mantis shrimp should cost around ¥50–70.

Pro Tip: spice lovers, ask for 'la jiao' (chili) on the side. Hainanese food tends to be mild, but you can always turn up the heat.

Where to Stay in Haikou for Every Budget

Here's the honest truth: Haikou's accommodation scene is more about comfort than luxury. But you don't need to blow your budget.

I personally recommend staying near Guomao if it's your first time. It's central, close to the night market, and most hotels have staff who speak a little English. All the hotels I suggest have stable Wi-Fi and airport pickup (ask at booking). International credit card payment is hit-or-miss — I always pay via Alipay or booking platforms like Trip.com to avoid surprises.

FAQ: Your Top Haikou Travel Questions Answered

Verified and fact-checked by the editorial team. All prices and hours are subject to change; always confirm on official channels or reliable booking platforms before your visit.