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From Wikitravel

Haikou (海口) is the provincial capital of Hainan Province in southern China and is located at the north end of the Hainan island.

[edit] Understand

Haikou is a fairly large tropical coastal city. Haikou has a different vibe to many cities on the Chinese mainland. The tropical climate is probably a major influence on the laid-back atmosphere. Whereas on the mainland many cars drive too fast, in Haikou many drive too slowly. The local Hainanese man has a reputation for being somewhat lazy and can be seen sleeping in the street during the afternoon and then playing cards with friends until the small hours of the night. Silk pajamas can be seen worn during the day and add to the atmosphere. You will not be hassled to buy anything which makes a refreshing change to more touristy cities.

Many streets in Haikou are quite different during the day compared to the evening. Small outdoor restaurants and stalls fill the streets in the evening and many areas are at their busiest from 9PM to 1AM. Local favourites are BBQ stalls which serve cheap local beer till late.

You will soon notice the abundance of coconut trees within Haikou. Most streets are lined with them. Its greener than most Chinese cities and has decent air quality.

[edit] Get in

Haikou is a transport hub with flights to many cities and boats to nearby mainland cities such as Beihai and Zhanjiang.

[edit] By plane

Flight examples below with full cost economy class prices, but notice that discounts up to 50% are not unusual.

From/to 	Duration (hours)	Cost (RMB) 
Beijing         3h40                    2,500
Guangzhou       1h10                      900

Local airlines Hainan Airlines[1] and China Southern Airlines[2] have domestic flights to many Chinese cities, as well as some international flights to neighbouring countries. In addition, Haikou is well-served by other Chinese airlines.

In addition, there are also international flights to Hong Kong on Hong Kong Ailines, Seoul on Asiana, Kuala Lumpur on AirAsia and Singapore on Tiger Airways and Jetstar.

[edit] By train

There is a train link between Haikou and Guangdong province (the trains are loaded onto ferries to cross the sea). So you can get the train from Guangzhou to Haikou. The trains actually start and finish in Sanya, but it takes about an hour by bus to get from downtown to the train station, and the train station in Sanya is also far from that city's downtown area.

Train schedules below

From    	 Train no.   Departure   Arrival   Hard seat  Soft sleeper 
Beijing West     T201/T204   18:10       01:46     CNY335     CNY930
Shanghai South   K511        09:50       18:27     CNY300     CNY835 
Guangzhou        K407        21:25       09:06     CNY145     CNY415

[edit] By bus

Buses connect Haikou to many cities on the Chinese mainland, including Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guilin, and Nanning. Most buses are overnight sleepers. Buses are loaded on to ferries and arrive in Haikou at either Xingang port or Xiuying port. Here's a few examples showing journey duration and price.

From/to 	Duration (hours)	Cost (RMB) 
Guangzhou	10 	                290 
Guilin	        12                	258

[edit] By boat

Haikou - Haian. There are frequent daily ferries between Haikou and Hai'an. Takes around 1.5 hours and costs about 35 RMB. There are bus connections from Hai'an to other cities, but the options are limited compared to Haikou, especially in the evening.

There are daily Haikou-Beihai ferries, taking around 12 hours and costing between 120 and 230 RMB per person, depending on number of people sharing a cabin.

[edit] Get around

There are four main forms of public transportation in Haikou:

1. Three-wheeled bicycle which start at 2 RMB and can be used for short distances

2. Three-wheeled motorcycle which are a little bit more expensive than the bicycle but faster

3. Taxi which is the most expensive option. The are easily hailed everywhere in the city. The meter starts at CNY10, but it is customary to bargain before you get on, and a typical fare for a shorter trip is CNY15. The taxi from the airport is half an hour to the city centre. On arrival you will have a familiar experience in China of a number of drivers shouting taxi at you. These are illegal taxis, and you risk at least paying extra for your journey by taking these. Instead, walk out of the terminal building and you will see a line of licensed taxis. Before departing, insist on using the meter (dabiao) even if they are reluctant to do so. It should cost 50-60 yuan to the city centre.

4. Bus: very inexpensive, but you need to know the routes. If you choose to get the bus from the airport, show the address of your hotel to the attendant who will show you the bus that will take you closest.

[edit][add listing] See

[edit] Historical sites

• Wugong Temple (wu3 gong1 ci2, 五公祠), Hainan, Haikou, Qiongshanqu, Haifulu 169, 海南省海口市琼山区海府路169号 (10 minutes taxi ride from the city centre; or local buses 1, 11), ☎ 65353047. 8am-6pm. A Ming dynasty construction dedicated to five officials who were banished to Hainan during the Tang dynasty for criticism of the government. This is a pretty temple in a tropical setting, surrounded by ponds filled with lilies, winding bridges and exotic palm trees. The main building is the Wugong temple housing life like statues of the five officials and known as the first building of Hainan. The Song dynasty poet, Su Dongpo, is also commemorated here. There is also a newer museum building here with further information on the five officials, a shop and also other exhibitions with absolutely no relation to the temple, everything is in Chinese only. CNY20.  edit

• Tomb of Hairui (hai3 rui4 mu4, 海瑞幕). Located in the Yabin village, Xiuying district of Haikou city, Hairui Tomb is a key national cultural protection unit. Hairui, a famous official in the Ming dynasty, was born in Qiongshan and was known as "Hai Qingtian" (incorruptible official). The tomb was built in 1589 and it is said that when people was carrying Hairui's coffin, suddenly the rope broke, and then people decided that this should be the place. Hairui Tomb has an area of 7.4 acre. In the middle, there is a high archway on which is written "Yue Dong Zheng Qi". The grave path is paved with granite and there are three memorials on the way. On the sides of the path leading to the tomb, there stands stone statue shaped like sheep, horses, lions, tortures, and human beings. Hairui Tomb was completely built by granites at three meters and formed like an ancient bell. Evergreen trees are planted around the cemetery. Hairui Cultural Exhibit Hall is also in the cemetery.  edit

• Xiuying Battery (Xiuying Gupaotai). is a 19th century coastal fort near Evergreen Park. It can be visited for 10 RMB (you may have to wake up the ticket seller). As of February 2008, the exhibition hall inside the fort is closed, but you can still see the replica cannons, the underground chambers, and many banyan trees. 10 RMB.  edit

• Qiongtai Academy. Located on Wenzhuang Road in Qiongshan City. Established in commemoration of Qiu Jin, believed to be the most brilliant scholar in Hainan and a renowned Ming Dynasty academic. Construction began in 1705. The two-storey main building is made of brick and wood and is rich in traditional ethnic characteristics. The well-preserved academy is now the site of Qiongtai Teachers' Training School. The academy became celebrated after a well-known Cantonese and Qiong drama was written based on events there.  edit

[edit] National Parks etc

• Haikou Shishan Crater Cluster National Geological Park, (Lies in Shishan and Yongxing Towns southwest Haikou City, close to Qiongzhou Strait, merely 15km from Haikou downtown; Take bus 24 from the city centre to XiuYing Xiao Zhan (fare Y1) and from there take the XiuYing - ShiShan minibus to the Geopark (fare Y3)). 8.30am-5.30pm. Covers 108km2. China hosts one of the few dormant volcanic clusters from the Holocene period (about 10,000 years ago). The volcanic cluster comprises 40 volcanoes and some 30 caves, however, most visitors only see the most spectacular volcano and crater. Park ticket CNY60 per person.  edit

• Dongjiao Coconut Plantation. Located about twenty minute's ferry from Qinglan Habour. There are about 500,000 various kinds of coconut trees here amongst winding footpath, small huts, sunshine and the sandy beach. Enjoy the seafood in the restaurants at the shore and try different kinds of beach and sea sports or just have a stroll along the footpath. If it happens to be a breezy day, the leaves of coconut trees will let out a sound of pleasing.  edit

• Dongzhai Harbor Mangrove Natural Reserve Area, Yanfeng Town, Qiongshan City (Take a minibus from Wugong Temple to Fusheng in Qiongshan city, a pedicab will take you to the forest park from here). 0800-1800. The Red Forest Nature Reserve (Hong Shu Lin) is an unusual and intriguing evergreen forest peculiar to the subtropical coastal area of Hainan. Despite the name, the trees here do not actually have red leaves. When the tide is in, the roots of the trees are surrounded by water, giving the appearance that the trees grow directly from beneath the sea. This aquatic environment is ideal for breeding fish and shrimp and the leaves on the trees here are also said to have medicinal value. This particular type of tree produces seeds which sprout and propagate within their own shell. Tide times vary according to season, but when the tide is in there are some really fun boat trips to be enjoyed, winding in and out of the tree trunks and then on to the tiny island nearby, ripe with pineapple trees. The boat leaves from the entrance of the park when the tide is in. Each trip takes approximately one hour.  edit

[edit] Parks

• [Beach park between Xixiu Beach and Holiday Beach].  edit

• Amusement Park, (at the northen end of Renmin Dadao (人民大道)). Small amusement park located in new residential area in the nothern end of the city. Entrence free; rides CNY10.  edit

[edit] Museums

• [Large new museum on the way to the airport].  edit

• MOCA - Museum of Contemporary Art Haikou, Fuxingcheng A-002, No.32Binhai Road, ☎ +86 (0)898 66554780, [3]. 10:00am--5:00pm (closed Monday). Free.  edit

[edit][add listing] Do

• Holiday Beach, (Follow Binhai Xilu out of the city to the west until after xixiu Beach and [the beach park], bus no 40 (CNY2) or a taxi (around CNY50)). Nice beach with a number of restaurants and cafes. Free, CNY20 rent for beach chairs and a parasol.  edit
• Old Street (Lao3 Jie1). Explore old city streets, markets and shops. Located along Bo2 Ai4 Lu4, which is bounded by Chang2 Di1 Lu4 and Hai3 Xiu4 Dong1 Lu4. This is the only area in Haikou where the old buildings are preserved, giving rise to an authentic atmosphere. It has an eclectic range of shops: eg pets(puppies, chicks, cats, rabbits), household drapes, kitchen tools, hardware, roast duck, toys.  edit
• Xīxiù Beach (西秀海滩), (Follow Bīnhǎi Xīlù out of the city to the west until just after the harbour area). Nice beach with a few restaurants. Watch the locals windsurfing and jogging. Not as much activity as at Holiday Beach, but closer to the city centre. Free.  edit
• Hainan Provincial Museum, No. 65 Guoxing Avenue, Haikou, ☎ 0898 6523-8880. 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM Tuesday through Sunday (closed Mondays). This provincial museum is focused on the history and culture of Hainan Island/Province. The museum is located on the east side of the city across the street from the provincial government buildings. The museum is housed in a new, gleaming architectural masterpiece structure. There are exhibits about the people and history of the island. Free.  edit

[edit][add listing] Buy

• Visit an abalone farm. Take a tour to the northeast coast of Hainan Island - WenChangShi,LongLouZhen (文昌市,龙楼镇) to visit a Commercial Abalone Farm and & experience the shallow water diving for wild abalone. Our first abalone epiphany was that abalone are not bi-valves like clams or oysters. They are snails. Gross, yet cool. The farm produces almost 100,000 abalone a year. The water is changed daily, dumped out through fine membranes to catch the microscopic babies which are then laid back in clean water. The hoses are also used to inoculate the tubs with algae-plugs of green stuff are allowed to form in the hoses and then blown into the tub to make seaweed slushies. Visitors can buy the fresh live abalone at a very reasonable local farmer price (around 100RMB per 400g!). Most of the abalone production is delivered fresh. Live abalone can survive for 30 hours. Farmer contact: 周义(Zhou Yi), Address: Wen Chang Shi, Long Lou Zhen, Gu Song Cun ( 海南省，文昌市，龙楼镇，红海村委会，古松村). tel. +86 130 7891 5777 (Mandarin speaking). Wonderful experience!

[edit][add listing] Eat

• Chao Bing. Literally translates from Chinese Mandarin as ‘fried ice’, however it tastes much better than it sounds. First select any combination of the fresh tropical fruits on display. The fruits are chopped and blended. A device that looks similar to a frying pan is used to freeze the ingredients in a matter of minutes. This results in frozen fruit snack similar to a sorbet. Perhaps try a combination of Mango and Passion Fruit. A perfect snack for a steamy tropical evening. Costs just 2.5 RMB. Good Chao Bing vendors can be found on San Xi Lu, just off Renmin Dadao, on Haidian Island in the north of Haikou.

• Banqiao Road Local Restaurant Area. This large covered outdoor restaurant area is a unique local experience. To begin with have a look around the integrated fresh food market and choose what you want. There is much to pick from; coconut rice to strange seafood to Cobra snakes. It’s all alive when you purchase so you know its fresh and half the fun is just looking at what’s available. Each set of tables has its own kitchen and the food is cooked however you want. Expect to pay 30-40 rmb per person.

• The area south of East Haixiu Road has a number of small streets with small local restaurants cooking the food out in the street and with tables both in and out. Expect to pay CNY20-30 per person.

• Local street BBQ food ('ShaoKao'). Popular with locals, these vendors come out in the evening and serve a variety of BBQ'ed food. Choose what you want and take a seat while its cooked. Food is inexpensive and you can also buy cheap local beer. Locals eat, drink and play cards at these places until early morning. Many vendors can be found on Hai3 Dian4 Er4 Dong1 Lu4 (海甸二东路) on Haidian Island in the north of Haikou. Expect to pay CNY30-40 per person.

• Betel nuts. Illegal in some western countries, Betel nuts are common in South East Asia and India. Chewed for their effects as a mildly euphoric stimulant, attributed to the presence of relatively high levels of psychoactive alkaloids. Spot the locals who chew Betel nuts by their red teeth. Popular with bus drivers. Available on street corners for around 1 RMB.

• Pizza Corner (Enjoy a slice of life), Yusha Road & Guomao Road (2nd floorof the KFC Building opposite Gome Dept. Store & Allen Bar Night Club), ☎ 898-6858-5907, [4]. 9:30AM-12:30 PM. Pizza Corner offers great Pizza's,Pastas,Soups,Salads and the tastiest BBQ chicken wings in Haikou City. This unique international franchised food operation provides a superb dining experience with outdoor dining and a fully air conditioned restaurant for the comfort of its guests. Moderate.  edit

• Noodle King (老面馆; Lao3 mian4 guan3), Hai3 Xiu4 Middle Street 49, 海秀中路49号, ☎ 66730466; 66738466, [5]. Northern cuisine specialising in noodles, but also with other courses. Other branches on Xi1 Sha1 Lu4 11 (西沙路11号, 66713785) and Bai2 Long2 Nan2 Lu4 61 (白龙南路61号, 65203748). Noodles around CNY10; Main courses at around CNY30.  edit

• Coconut Garden (椰乡人美食园, Ye1 Xiang4 Ren2 Mei3 Shi2 Yuan2), Haifuyiheng Street (海府一横路) (East of Bailong South Street), ☎ 65311881. Try the local variant of hotpot in a cosy partly outdoor environment close to small river. Several similar restaurants on the same street. ½kg of sheep meat is CNY30.  edit

• Sea food restaurant at Xixiu Beach, Bīnhǎi Xīlù, Xīxiù Beach (滨海西路西秀海滩) (Follow Bīnhǎi Xīlù out of the city to the west until just after the harbour area), ☎ 0898-68667777. until 1.30am. Large upscale seafood restaurant by the Xīxiù Beach (西秀海滩), which also serves vegtable and meat dishes. Do not expect a menu card, but follow the waitress around and look at the fresh food and living fish etc and point at what you want (price signs at each dish). Main dishes around CNY50.  edit

[edit][add listing] Drink

[edit] Night Clubs

• Try out Hao Bai Nian Entertainment City "海口好百年演艺城". Address: 海南海口市海秀路. Best performance & show. The cover charge only RMB40 with one free drink. A place must visit!

• MM and LiuLiu (六六）are also two club/bars in Guomao worth checking out. MM has a more upscale electronic feel while 六六 is your typical Chinese bar. No cover charge.

[edit] Pubs and Bars

• Xuewu near Heping road on Haidiandao offers a decent outdoor environment as well as good pub style indoor area.

[edit] Cafes

• Fushan Coffee (福山咖啡), Bai2 Long2 Nan2 Lu4, 白龙南路琼苑广场道层, ☎ 0898-65366618, [6]. Large cafe with primarily male guests hanging around for hours drinking coffee and smoking. Other branches at Bin4 Hai3 Da4 Dao4 (滨海大道会展中心附楼), Nan2 Sha1 Lu4 59 (南沙路59号), Yi4 Long2 Lu4 (义龙路市人大宾馆道层). Imported coffee at CNY15-25 a cup; local brew at CNY12 for as much as you like.  edit

• Coffee World (Where the world meets ...in Haikou), Yusha Road & Guomao Street (2nd FLOOR of the KFC Building opposite Gome Dept. store and Allen Bar Night Club), ☎ 898-6858-5907, [7]. 9:30AM-12:30PM. COFFEE WORLD offers 32 specialty drinks along with an array of freshly made sandwiches and a nice selection of cakes and ice creams. Outdoor dining provided as well as a fully air conditioned restaurant. Coffee World is the only international coffee branded store operating in Haikou City. A relaxing environment to meet friends and entertain guests. English speaking staff. Moderate.  edit

[edit] Other

• Drink a fresh coconut. Vendors will chop the top off the coconut and give you a straw to drink the juice inside. Costs 2.5 to 3 RMB. Available on most street corners.

[edit][add listing] Sleep

• Haikou Banana Hostel, 3-4 Liyuan Villas, Renmin Da Dao (Behind the 'yi jia yi), ☎ +86 0898 66286780 (haikouhostel@gmail.com), [8]. One of the best budget accommodations on Haikou. English speaking staff and member of the International Youth Hostel association. All rooms have shower and toilet. Prices starts from 35 RMB for the dorm, or 60 RMB for a private room.  edit

• Haikou Hotel [9] A 4-star business hotel offering 196 rooms with 4-star amenities. Business facilities include conference rooms and business center. Leisure facilities such as sauna and fitness center are also available. Address: 4 Haifu Road, Haikou, Meilan District, Hainan, China. Tel. No.: 86-21-61226688 Ext. 7800. Email: tprsvns@hubs1.net.

• Hainan Airlines Business Hotel, 38 Datong Road, Longhua District, ☎ +86 898 66796999, [10]. Four-star hotel with rooms with Internet access. Multifunction banquet hall, function rooms and business center available. Japanese-Korean restaurant.  edit

• Hainan Huatian Hotel, No. 9-1 North Longkun Road, Longhua District, Haikou, Hainan, China, ☎ 86 898 66799988, [11]. Huatian Hotel is situated in the Jinmao area, it is just 15 km from the railway station and 25 km from the Haikou Meilan Airport. This four-star hotel is also near a number of city attractions, shopping malls, and business establishments. Each of the hotel’s Hainan accommodation is furnished with air-conditioning, cable TV, and Internet access. Rates start at CNY 308.91.  edit

• Hainan Xinyuan Hot Spring Hotel [12] 18-8 Haixiu Road, Longhua District. The 4-star hotel provides natural hot spring water in each of its 351 rooms. It also boasts KTV rooms, bar, restaurant, sauna cabin, spa, and a 300-capacity conference hall with translation systems.

• Home Inn [13] has two branches: one is at 61 Bailong Road and the other is more centrally located at 91 Haixiu Middle Road. They charge CNY 169/night for a single. This nationwide chain offers two-star European standard with broadband cabling in each room. Staff helpfulness makes up for limited English though you can get lucky with one or two at the reception almost half the time. The member's card costs CNY 40 and obtains a 10% discount on all room rates nationwide.

• International Financial (Jasper) Hotel[14] 29 Datong Road, Longhua District. The 4-star hotel particularly suits business travelers, as it provides deluxe rooms and meeting spaces, and low-key recreation nooks. Online booking available on the website.
• Crown Spa Resort Hainan, No. 1 Qiongshan Avenue, East Riverside, Haikou, Hainan 571100, ☎ (86) 898 65966888, [15]. checkin: 3:00 PM; checkout: Noon. This five star hotel is ideal for individuals wishing to enjoy spa services and a first class hotel in a seaside setting. The rooms are deluxe with appropriate amenities. There are five restaurants within the resort offering a wide array of cuisine dining options. In addition there is nightly entertainment in the resort's lobby area. There is a separate Convention Center and a separate Spa Center. The resort has wonderful gardens and has a large pool area with a high temperature outdoor pool. The resort offers its guests a courtesy shuttle bus service to the city center of Haikou for those wishing to explore the city.  edit

[edit] Get out

Wenchang (文昌) is is one of the provincial of Hainan Province in southern China and is located at at the north-east coast of Hainan Island. Is the centre of Han settlement and the place where standard Hainanese is spoken. It is also one of the main sources of Hainanese migration overseas (Malaysia, Singapore & Thailand). It takes about 60 minutes by car from Haikou to Wenchang. A bus leaves from the East Bus Station (Haifu Rd.). It takes about 1 hour and costs 17RMB/person. Busses leave between 0640am to 0830pm every 30 minutes. [16]

Bo'ao(博鳌) is a small town on the East coast of Hainan Island, China. Located at the mouth of the Wanquan river Boao is best known for the annual Boao Forum for Asia. Because of this prestigious event the town is impeccably maintained year round with blooming planters and clean swept streets. It has a diverse selection of ethnic restaurants as well as one of the most well known seafood eateries on the island. Peaceful and quiet, Boao is the perfect place that combines international savvt with small town appeal. Dotted with ancient temples and surrounded by lush rice fields, Boao is the perfect beach getaway for those who want to avoid the crowds and high prices of Sanya. Take the bus from Haikou to QiongHai(35rmb)then bus #2 to Boao.

Sanya, at the southern side of the island, is famous for its beaches and offers the best tourist facilities on the island. The bus journey to Sanya takes 3.5 hours from Haikou and costs about 78 RMB.

There are sometimes tours to Vietnam, by boat out of Haikou. These are designed for Chinese rather than international tourists, so they tend to give good value for money but not Western comforts.

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