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Haikou offers a different introduction to Hainan from the island’s southern beach resorts. Along Qilou Old Street, covered arcades shelter traditional shops, breakfast stalls, and buildings shaped by generations of maritime trade. Elsewhere, waterfront parks open toward the Qiongzhou Strait, while museums trace the island’s cultural heritage.
Beyond the city, ancient volcanic craters and basalt landscapes reveal another side of northern Hainan. These attractions are spread across several districts, so planning around location and the tropical climate helps keep each day comfortable. This guide covers where to stay, how to get around, what to eat, and how to spend five days exploring Haikou at a relaxed pace.
Useful things to know
Main language(s): Mandarin Chinese is the official language. Hainanese and other local languages are also spoken.
Nǐ hǎo (nee hao) – Hello
Qǐng (ching) – Please
Xièxie (shieh-shieh) – Thank you
Nǐ huì shuō Yīngyǔ ma? (nee hway shwoh ying-yoo ma) – Do you speak English?
Duōshǎo qián? (dwor-shaow chyen) – How much does it cost?
Currency: Chinese yuan (CNY, ¥)
Cash and cards: Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely used. Set up mobile payments before arrival and carry ¥200 to ¥400 ($28 to $56) for smaller purchases.
Tipping: Tipping is not customary; round up small bills only in tourist spots.
Traditional food: Wenchang chicken, Jiaji duck, Hainan rice noodles, qingbuliang
Water and coffee costs: Bottled water costs ¥3 to ¥8 ($0.40 to $1.10), while an espresso costs ¥18 to ¥28 ($2.50 to $4).
Taxis and ride apps: DiDi operates in Haikou. Book through the app or Alipay to view fares and arrange pickups.
Plug and voltage: Type A, C, and I sockets are common, with 220 V and 50 bHz electricity.
Dining and shop opening hours: Breakfast is generally served from 7 am to 9 am, lunch from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm, and dinner from 6 pm to 9 pm. Shopping malls often stay open later.
Emergency number: Call 110 for police, 120 for an ambulance, and 119 for fire services.
Where to stay in Haikou
Central Longhua has shopping malls, business hotels, and restaurants along some of Haikou’s busiest commercial streets. Its road connections make it convenient for travelers who plan to explore several districts, while modern accommodation offers an alternative to the smaller properties around Qilou.
Best for: Business travelers, shopping, dining, and convenient city access
What to expect: Commercial streets, shopping centers, modern hotels, and busy roads
Hotel prices: Well-rated accommodation generally costs ¥320 to ¥850 ($45 to $120) per night.
Distance to major sights: Qilou Old Street is about 10 to 20 minutes away by taxi, depending on the hotel.
Quietness: Main roads remain busy into the evening, but rooms away from traffic are generally calmer.
Main trade-off: The commercial surroundings have less historic character than Qilou.
Good to know: Ask for a room away from major roads if traffic noise is a concern.
The Qilou neighborhood preserves Haikou’s historic trading quarter, where decorative façades and covered walkways reflect the city’s links with Southeast Asia. Staying nearby puts traditional breakfast shops, small restaurants, and heritage streets within walking distance.
Best for: First-time visitors, historic architecture, local food, and walking
What to expect: Restored shophouses, pedestrian lanes, snack stalls, and small restaurants
Hotel prices: Well-rated accommodation generally costs ¥390 to ¥990 ($55 to $140) per night
Distance to major sights: Qilou’s main streets are within walking distance, with the riverfront nearby.
Quietness: The busiest lanes remain lively into the evening, especially on weekends.
Main trade-off: Older buildings may have smaller rooms and limited vehicle access.
Good to know: Confirm where taxis can pick you up, since some streets are pedestrian-only.
Hotels along central Binhai Avenue offer views toward Haikou Bay and access to waterfront parks, including Evergreen Park. Broad roads and modern buildings give this part of the city a more open character than Qilou, appealing to travelers who prefer spacious hotels and evening walks by the water.
Best for: Waterfront views, modern hotels, and access to landscaped parks
What to expect: Broad roads, hotel towers, green spaces, and commercial buildings
Hotel prices: Well-rated rooms generally cost ¥350 to ¥920 ($50 to $130) per night.
Distance to major sights: Qilou Old Street is roughly 15 to 25 minutes away by taxi from central waterfront hotels.
Quietness: Parkside locations are calmer, although Binhai Avenue carries substantial traffic.
Main trade-off: Some stretches have few restaurants within a short walk.
Good to know: Look near Evergreen Park for convenient access to waterfront paths.
Haikou East Railway Station is a practical location for travelers continuing to other destinations around Hainan. Nearby hotels cater to short stays and rail passengers, with local restaurants and transport services close to the station. The area is less appealing for sightseeing.
Best for: Train connections, overnight stops, and onward travel around Hainan
What to expect: Business hotels, busy station approaches, local shops, and transport services
Hotel prices: Well-rated accommodation generally costs ¥250 to ¥670 ($35 to $95) per night.
Distance to major sights: Qilou Old Street is approximately 20 to 35 minutes away by taxi.
Quietness: Station areas are active during the day, with quieter streets farther away.
Main trade-off: Reaching historic attractions and waterfront restaurants requires longer journeys.
Good to know: Haikou East and Haikou Railway Station are separate stations. Check your ticket carefully.
Industrial areas of Xiuying and distant suburbs are less convenient for sightseeing. Airport-side hotels in Meilan suit early departures, but central Longhua and Qilou offer better access to Haikou’s restaurants and attractions.
Hotel deals
How to get around Haikou efficiently
Haikou has no urban metro. Taxis and buses handle city journeys, while high-speed rail connects the airport with stations across Hainan.
Metro
for longer distances
Licensed taxis use meters, while DiDi provides estimated fares in their app. Standard taxi fares start at ¥10 ($1.40) for the first 2 miles (3 km). A journey from Meilan Airport to central Haikou costs ¥60 to ¥100 ($8.40 to $14), depending on traffic and destination.
Bus and tram
for convenience
Public buses serve Haikou’s commercial districts, historic streets, residential neighborhoods, and transport hubs. Most rides cost ¥1 to ¥3 ($0.14 to $0.42); longer routes may cost more. Alipay transport codes and other local payment methods are useful, so check your payment setup before boarding.
Taxi
for convenience or late hours
Hainan’s circular high-speed railway connects Haikou East, Meilan Airport, and other destinations on the island. A short journey between Meilan and Haikou East costs ¥7 to ¥10 ($1 to $1.40), depending on the train. Check departure times through China Railway’s 12306 service.
*Prices are based on rates updated as of October 2026 and may change at the time of travel.
Choose taxis for attractions spread across the city, buses for inexpensive local journeys, and high-speed rail when its stations suit your route.
Iconic landmarks
Haikou Volcanic Cluster Global Geopark
Southwest of central Haikou, this protected landscape preserves ancient volcanic craters and basalt formations. Paths climb toward crater viewpoints, while geological displays explain the eruptions that shaped northern Hainan and the surrounding countryside.
Time needed: A visit takes 2 to 4 hours.
Entry: Budget approximately ¥60 ($8.40) for standard admission. Visit the official website for more details.
Tip: Arrive in the morning before the exposed crater paths become hot.
Qilou Old Street
Haikou’s historic arcade streets reflect its trading connections with Southeast Asia. Decorative façades and covered walkways line Zhongshan Road and neighboring lanes, where traditional shops, food stalls, and restored buildings preserve the character of the old commercial quarter.
Time needed: A visit takes 1 to 2 hours.
Entry: The streets are free to explore.
Tip: Visit in the morning to see the neighborhood before the busiest hours.
Hainan Museum
Hainan Museum introduces the island’s archaeology, maritime history, and cultural traditions through exhibits spanning different periods. Collections explore the heritage of Hainan’s Li and Miao communities, alongside artifacts that trace the island’s trading connections.
Time needed: A visit takes 2 to 3 hours.
Entry: General admission is free, with identity verification required. Visit the official website for more details.
Tip: Arrive before 4:30 pm, when the museum stops admitting visitors.
Overlooked sites worth visiting
Wugong Temple
The Five Officials Temple honors historical figures who were exiled to Hainan during China’s imperial past. Traditional halls, courtyards, and commemorative structures offer a quieter setting for exploring the island’s history.
Time needed: 1 to 1.5 hours
Entry: Standard adult admission costs ¥17 ($2.40).
Tip: Pair your visit with Hainan Museum, a short drive away.
Sky Mountain Coastal Station
Designed by Japanese architect Sou Fujimoto, Sky Mountain Coastal Station features curved rooftop walkways overlooking Haikou’s shoreline. Its unusual design provides a striking contrast to the city’s historic architecture.
Time needed: 45 minutes to 1 hour
Entry: Admission is free, with opening hours generally from 10 am to 6 pm. Visit the official website for more details.
Tip: Visit in the late afternoon for coastal views before closing.
Traditional food
Haikou’s cuisine draws on fresh ingredients, lightly seasoned meats, rice noodles, and coconut-based desserts. Local breakfast shops and traditional restaurants offer an introduction to Hainan’s distinctive cooking.
Hainanese chicken rice
Wenchang chicken is prized for its tender meat and delicate flavor. Traditionally poached and served with dipping sauces, it also appears in coconut-based dishes. Wenchang Xiaolaodi Zaopocu Hotpot serves a coconut milk-infused preparation in Longhua.
Wenchang chicken
Jiaji duck has rich, tender meat and smooth skin, traditionally served sliced with dipping sauces that complement its natural flavor. Qiongcai Jiyi specializes in Hainan cuisine, although its current duck dishes should be confirmed before visiting.
Hainan rice noodles
Hainan rice noodles, or Hainan fen, are dressed with savory sauce, peanuts, pickled vegetables, and meat toppings. A little broth may be added before eating. Yamei Noodle Shop in the Qilou district is known for its traditional preparation.
Qingbuliang
Qingbuliang is a chilled Hainan dessert made with coconut milk, beans, fruit, and jelly. Its cool, lightly sweet flavors are especially welcome in Haikou’s humid weather. The Hainan University South Gate Night Market is a popular place to look for it.
Best time to visit Haikou
Winter and spring bring Haikou’s most comfortable sightseeing weather. Summer is hotter and wetter, while autumn gradually becomes milder after the tropical storm season.
Best for: Exploring Qilou Old Street, visiting museums, and enjoying comfortable city walks
What you get: Temperatures of 61°F to 75°F (16°C to 24°C) bring milder afternoons and less oppressive humidity than summer.
Trade-offs: Cloudy skies, damp conditions, and coastal breezes are possible.
Best for: Volcanic excursions, waterfront parks, and longer walks through historic neighborhoods
What you get: Days grow warmer through spring, with temperatures rising from 70°F to 86°F (21°C to 30°C) as summer approaches.
Trade-offs: Humidity increases toward May, with more frequent showers.
Best for: Indoor museums, shaded heritage streets, and evening food markets
What you get: Hot, humid weather brings temperatures of 77°F to 91°F (25°C to 33°C), often accompanied by tropical showers.
Trade-offs: Heavy rain and afternoon heat can interrupt outdoor sightseeing.
Best for: Cultural sightseeing, coastal outings, and increasingly comfortable walking weather
What you get: Temperatures gradually ease from 88°F to 73°F (31°C to 23°C), with cooler conditions toward November.
Trade-offs: Typhoons and heavy rain are possible, especially in September and October.
A realistic 5-day plan in Haikou
Five days allow you to explore Haikou’s historic streets, cultural landmarks, and volcanic countryside, with time for waterfront walks and local food between excursions.
Arrive at Haikou Meilan International Airport (HAK) and transfer to your hotel in Longhua or near Qilou Old Street. A taxi into central Haikou generally takes 30 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic. After checking in, explore Zhongshan Road, where covered arcades shelter traditional shops and cafés. The neighborhood is especially atmospheric in the evening, when illuminated façades frame the narrow streets. Stop for a simple Hainanese dinner before returning to your hotel.
Begin at Hainan Museum, where exhibits introduce the island’s maritime history, archaeological discoveries, and regional cultures. After exploring the galleries, continue to Wugong Temple, where traditional halls and courtyards commemorate five historical officials. The two attractions are close enough to visit in one day without lengthy transfers. Return toward central Haikou for dinner and try Wenchang chicken or another regional specialty at a local restaurant.
Travel southwest in the morning to Haikou Volcanic Cluster Global Geopark, approximately 40 to 60 minutes from central Haikou by car. Follow the paths toward the crater viewpoints, where ancient basalt formations rise above the surrounding greenery. The geological displays explain the area’s volcanic history, while shaded sections provide places to rest. Allow two to four hours before returning to Longhua for a late lunch. Keep the evening free after the excursion.
Start at Evergreen Park, where tropical landscaping and open paths lead toward Haikou Bay. Continue to the Century Bridge area for views across the water and the city’s modern skyline. Later, head east to Sky Mountain Coastal Station, designed by Sou Fujimoto. Its curved rooftop walkways provide an unusual vantage point over the shoreline. The contrast between this contemporary landmark and Qilou’s historic streets reveals how varied Haikou’s architecture has become. Finish with dinner on Haidian Island.
Spend your final morning around Qilou, where breakfast shops serve Hainan rice noodles and local tea. Browse the neighboring streets for island specialties or stop at a café before checking out. If your flight leaves later, enjoy lunch in Longhua or visit a shopping center for last-minute purchases. Allow enough time to collect your luggage and reach Meilan International Airport, especially if you are departing during the afternoon rush.
Business-class flights from the US to Haikou
There are no nonstop flights from the US to Haikou Meilan International Airport (HAK). Both cities offer flights with a layover through Asian hubs, with travel times and cabin arrangements depending on the airline and schedule.
New York (JFK) to Haikou (HAK)
Cathay Pacific offers connecting itineraries through Hong Kong (HKG), with total travel times of approximately 20 to 28 hours. Round-trip business-class fares range from $5,600 to $14,300, depending on demand and how early you book. Other airlines offer codeshare itineraries on this route with two layovers. Alaska Airlines and Hainan Airlines offer flights through Seattle (SEA) and Chongqing (CKG), Emirates and Cathay Pacific through Dubai (DXB) and Hong Kong (HKG), and Delta Air Lines, in partnership with China Eastern, offers flights to Haikou through Los Angeles (LAX) and Shanghai (PVG).
Los Angeles (LAX) to Haikou (HAK)
China Eastern Airlines connects Los Angeles with Haikou through Shanghai (PVG). The journey typically takes 16 to 23 hours, including the layover. Business-class round-trip fares on this route range from $5,700 to $10,000, depending on travel dates and demand. Other airlines that offer one-stop flights on this route are Cathay Pacific, Air China, and China Southern Airlines. European and US airlines offer flights to this destination only in partnership with others: Alaska Airlines with Hainan Airlines, United Airlines with Cathay Pacific, Lufthansa with Air China, and Air Canada in partnership with China Southern, to name a few.
Haikou reveals a different side of Hainan
Haikou’s historic arcades, traditional food, and waterfront neighborhoods reveal a side of Hainan that extends beyond its beach resorts. The city’s museums trace the island’s cultural heritage, while ancient volcanic landscapes provide a striking contrast to the modern skyline. With time to explore each district, Haikou offers a varied introduction to northern Hainan. AranGrant experts can help you find business-class flights for your trip.
