Haikou Travel FAQ
Is Holiday Beach Haikou free to enter?
Yes, the beach itself is free. You only pay for parking, rentals, and food. No hidden entrance fees.
Can I use my foreign credit card at Holiday Beach?
Not for small vendors or boat rentals — they're all WeChat/Alipay. The Starbucks and nearby convenience stores (like 7-Eleven) accept Visa/Mastercard. Carry some cash just in case: 50-100 RMB for snacks and parking.
Is the beach safe for kids?
Generally yes, but keep a close eye near the water. The slope is gradual, but strong currents exist. Stick to the flagged swimming area. There's a small playground near the main entrance with slides and swings.
What's the best way to get from Haikou airport to Holiday Beach?
Take the airport bus line 2 to Wuzhizhou Hotel (20 RMB), then transfer to bus 35 or 37 for about 20 minutes. Total 1.5 hours. Or Didi direct: 80-100 RMB, 40 minutes. Avoid taking a taxi from the airport queue — they'll often refuse to use the meter.
Can I watch the sunrise at Holiday Beach?
Technically yes, but the beach faces north-west, so sunrise views are blocked by the city. Head to the east side (like Baishamen Beach) for sunrise. Holiday Beach is strictly a sunset spot.
Are there showers and changing rooms?
Yes, public showers and changing rooms are available near the main entrance. Cost: around 5 RMB for a shower. They're basic — bring your own towel and flip-flops.
Is Holiday Beach Haikou worth visiting if I’ve already been to Sanya?
Probably not. Sanya’s beaches (Yalong Bay, Dadonghai) are far superior. Come to Holiday Beach only if you have extra time in Haikou and want a quick seaside stroll.
Are there any entrance fees or hidden charges?
Zero entrance fee. Parking costs about 5 RMB per hour if you drive. Lounge chairs and umbrellas are rented from vendors – they’ll ask around 30-50 RMB for a chair+umbrella set. Negotiate! I’ve gotten it for 20 RMB before.
Can I use Alipay or WeChat Pay? Are there ATMs?
Most vendors accept mobile payments. There’s a convenience store near the entrance that might take cash. I’d bring some small bills (20s and 10s) just in case. No ATMs on the beach itself.
Is it safe to swim at Holiday Beach?
Generally yes, but check the flags. Red means no swimming – the undertow can be strong during typhoon season. I’ve seen locals swim far out, but I wouldn’t advise it. Stick to the area near the lifeguard tower.
Recent Reviews
If you’re a foodie, Haikou is heaven. From the morning rice noodles (Hainan fen) to the grilled fish stalls at night, every meal was a flavor bomb. The night market near East Lake has incredible fresh seafood and sugar cane drinks. Prices are super reasonable too. I’m already planning my next trip just for the food!
Haikou surprised me in the best way. The Qilou Old Street is a photographer’s dream – those arcaded buildings with faded pastel colors tell so many stories. Spent hours wandering through the narrow lanes, stopping for Wenchang chicken and a cold coconut. The museum of Hainan history is also well done. A truly immersive cultural experience.
Absolutely loved Haikou! Sunrise at the seaside park was magical – the sky turned pink and orange over the water, and the breeze was perfect. Rented a bike and cycled along the coastline. Clean beaches, friendly locals, and the volcanic rock pools near the Holiday Beach are a must-see. Can’t recommend it enough!
Pretty good overall! The Holiday Beach area is nice for a stroll, and the coconut water is super fresh. Only downside is the public transport isn’t very frequent, so you end up waiting or taking taxis everywhere. But the local seafood market was a highlight. Solid 4 stars from me.
Haikou was okay, but I think I came at the wrong time. The humidity was brutal and the heat made walking around the Qilou Old Street feel like a chore. The food was decent, but nothing mind-blowing. Maybe if the weather cooperated it would’ve been better. Not terrible, but I wouldn’t rush back.
Honestly, I was a bit let down. Maybe I hyped it up too much after reading blogs, but Haikou felt underwhelming for a capital city. The weather in July is brutal – sticky, sweaty, and impossible to walk outside for more than 10 minutes without drenching your shirt. The so-called ‘beach’ at Holiday Beach had brownish water and way too many cigarette butts in the sand. The street food stalls all seemed to sell the same fried stuff. I ended up eating at a KFC just to get some air conditioning. Not my cup of tea.
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