Start Haikou with Hainan rice noodles and explore its port and overseas-Chinese heritage around the arcaded old streets. Take time among Zhongshan Road’s columns and shops, visit Hainan Museum for island and maritime history, and save Evergreen Park for palms, lawns and evening sea breezes. Separate old-town walks, museums and waterfront time to enjoy the city’s everyday rhythm.
The best of Haikou
Longhua DistrictAbout 3 hours
Qilou Old Streets
Continuous arcades shade pedestrians and preserve architectural traces of Haikou’s trade and Southeast Asian connections. Follow Zhongshan Road, turn toward Shuixiangkou for snacks, and look up at gables, arched windows and varied shopfronts.
BookingNo booking for a street walk; shops, events and galleries have separate arrangements.
Location
Zhongshan Road and Shuixiangkou, Longhua District
Opening hours
Walk the streets freely; shops and indoor venues set their own hours.
Admission
Choose the ticket option shown on site or in official booking.
Qiongshan DistrictAbout 2 hoursFree entry
Hainan Museum
Maritime history, island archaeology and Hainan traditions meet here. Shipwreck and trade displays explain the island’s seaward connections, while objects and everyday-life galleries introduce its regional cultures.
BookingReserve through the museum’s official platform and bring valid identification.
Location
76 Guoxing Avenue, Qiongshan District
Opening hours
Tue–Sun 09:00–17:00, last admission 16:30; closed Mondays except holidays.
Admission
Standard admission; special exhibitions, shows and facilities are separate.
Longhua DistrictAbout 2 hours
Evergreen Park
Broad lawns, palms and a lake connect the city to Haikou Bay. Enjoy a relaxed walk and everyday local recreation rather than trying to cover every path. Toward evening, continue along the seaward paths for bay views.
BookingNo reservation for an ordinary walk; organized events have their own arrangements.
Location
38 Binhai Avenue, Longhua District
Opening hours
Visit the outdoor park by day or toward evening; facilities have separate operating hours.
Admission
Choose the ticket option shown on site or in official booking.
What to eat
H
Hainan rice noodles
Fine rice noodles tossed with sauce, peanuts, pickled vegetables and meat, often for breakfast.
Q
Qingbuliang
A chilled dessert of coconut milk or syrup with beans, jelly and fruit.
Arrive, explore, settle in
Arriving
Arrive through Meilan Airport and choose intercity rail, airport bus or taxi around your accommodation. Haikou, Haikou East and Meilan railway stations are distinct; Haikou station lies west of the center.
Getting around
Walk in the arcaded old town and use buses or taxis for the museum and Haikou Bay. In hot weather, walk early or late and save midday for galleries and rest.
Where to stay
A base near the old streets in Longhua suits breakfast and neighborhood walks; Haikou Bay suits evening waterfront time. For an early train, consider Haikou East and plan a separate old-town outing.
Build day 1 around Qilou Old Streets, with time for transfers, food and rest, followed by a nearby walk.
Route 2
Hainan Museum and nearby walks
Build day 2 around Hainan Museum, with time for transfers, food and rest, followed by a nearby walk.
Route 3
Evergreen Park and nearby walks
Build day 3 around Evergreen Park, with time for transfers, food and rest, followed by a nearby walk.
More planning advice
Walk in the arcaded old town and use buses or taxis for the museum and Haikou Bay. In hot weather, walk early or late and save midday for galleries and rest.
No booking for a street walk; shops, events and galleries have separate arrangements.
Good to know
How many days do I need in Haikou?
Allow 3 days, excluding intercity travel. Leave room for journeys, queues and meals.
When should I visit Haikou?
Suggested months: Jan · Feb · Mar · Apr · Oct · Nov · Dec. Check weather, holidays and opening arrangements for your actual dates.
Which sights need advance booking?
Read each sight’s booking note and check official information before fixing your dates. Foreign passport booking channels may differ. Booking with a foreign passport →
Make Haikou your own
Put your favourite places on the map, then decide how to spend each day.
