Haikou Travel Guide

Haikou is the capital of Hainan province and the gateway to the island's northern shore. So many coconut palms grow here that the city is also called the "Coconut City," and palms line the coast. The climate is warm all year, so travelers from across China come in the colder months to escape the chill.On the western outskirts spreads the Haikou Volcanic Cluster Global Geopark. This is one of China's rare coastal volcanic areas, where you can see dormant craters, lava tunnels and tropical vegetation growing on volcanic rock up close. It is part of China's Lei-Qiong Global Geopark and is recognized within the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network.In the historic district, Qilou Old Street preserves the arcaded buildings erected by overseas Chinese who returned from Southeast Asia in the early 20th century. The colonnaded "qilou" blend Southeast Asian decoration with Chinese tradition, and the street was named a Chinese Historic and Cultural Street in 2009. Walking with a fresh coconut water in hand, you can still sense the atmosphere of its trading-port past.The signature dish is Hainanese chicken rice — poached chicken served over rice cooked in chicken oil. Named after the town of Wenchang, it is enjoyed as the authentic local version. Mango, papaya, coconut and other tropical fruits and seafood are also plentiful. The high-speed rail station Haikou East links the island, while Meilan International Airport connects domestically and internationally, making Haikou a convenient starting point for a Hainan journey.