China's tropical gateway featuring pristine coastlines, lush rainforests, and a booming Free Trade Port. Known for its distinct Li and Miao ethnic cultures, world-class golf courses, and duty-free shopping paradises.
Hainan 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
I came to Hainan for the hiking and it exceeded every expectation. The rainforest trails around Yanoda are incredibly lush, with waterfalls and butterflies everywhere. I also rented a bicycle and rode along the coast from Sanya to Haitang Bay—the scenery was breathtaking, especially at sunset. One of the best things was how friendly the locals were; a guy at a fruit stall even gave me a free dragonfruit just because I smiled. This island has heart. 5 stars hands down.
Hainan blew me away, and I'm not even a beach person. The food is what made this trip unforgettable—the Wenchang chicken is the juiciest I've ever had, and the Hainan noodles with braised pork belly are life-changing. I took a cooking class in Haikou's old town and learned to make coconut rice from a local grandma. The whole island has this relaxed, tropical vibe that's so different from mainland China. Highly recommend for food lovers!
Absolutely in love with Hainan! The Yalong Bay beach is like paradise—soft white sand, calm turquoise water, and hardly any crowds in the morning. I spent hours just floating in the sea. The resort we stayed at had an amazing infinity pool overlooking the ocean and the staff were incredibly attentive. If you're looking for a tropical getaway without leaving China, this is it. I'm already planning my return trip!
I had a pretty good time in Hainan overall. The coconut groves near Wenchang were stunning, and the fresh seafood everywhere is a huge plus. Only reason I'm not giving a 5 is that the public transport between cities is a bit lacking—we wasted half a day waiting for a bus that never came. Still, the local food markets are a blast and the people are friendly. A solid 4-star trip.
We were really looking forward to Hainan after hearing so much about it, but honestly, it felt a bit overhyped. The beach at Sanya was crowded with merchants constantly trying to sell you stuff, and the water wasn't as crystal clear as the photos suggested. Our hotel was okay but the air conditioning broke on the second day and it took them over six hours to fix it. For the price we paid, I expected a lot more. Not terrible, but I wouldn't rush back.
Honestly, I was disappointed with Hainan. Maybe my expectations were too high after hearing all the hype. The weather was brutally humid (even in December), and the beaches were nice but not mind-blowing – similar to what you'd find in Southeast Asia for half the price. The worst part was the over-commercialization: every beach had hawkers pestering you to buy bracelets or snorkeling trips, and the taxi drivers tried to scam us multiple times. I also found the local food to be too sweet for my taste. Some cool spots like the Qilou Old Street, but overall it felt overrated. Not for me.
Leave a Review