Qilou Old Street
China's largest arcade building complex, built early 20th century, blending Nanyang, European and Lingnan styles. Deshengsha and Zhongshan Roads are highlights.
Overview
Haikou is dubbed 'Coconut City' for its ubiquitous coconut trees, the core of Hainan Free Trade Port. Qilou Old Street is China's largest preserved arcade complex blending Nanyang and European styles. Holiday Beach is the most popular seaside spot. Volcano National Geopark showcases ancient eruptions. Haikou is the best city to taste Hainanese cuisine — Wenchang chicken, Hainan noodles, and qingbuliang are must-tries.
Key Facts
Area3,145 km²
Population290万
LanguageHainanese (Min branch) and Mandarin
Best timeOct-Apr (best winter escape)
Top Attractions
Holiday Beach
Haikou's most popular beach, 6km coastline. Water sports available. Free access.
Volcano National Geopark
China's only tropical island city volcano cluster, well-preserved 10,000-year-old craters. Descend into the crater.
Wugong Temple (Five Officials Temple)
Ancient complex honoring five Tang-Song officials exiled to Hainan, known as 'Hainan's First Building'.
Food & Snacks
Wenchang Chicken
Top of Hainan's four famous dishes, crispy skin tender meat soft bones, best served poached with ginger-garlic dip.
Hainan Rice Noodles
Haikou's favorite breakfast, thin rice noodles with gravy, peanuts, dried beef and pickled vegetables.
Qingbuliang (Cooling Dessert)
Hainan summer dessert, coconut milk base with red beans, mung beans, barley, coconut meat and watermelon.
Festivals & Events
Hainan Carnival — November
World & Intangible Heritage
- Hainan Coconut Shell Carving (2008) — Carved coconut shell crafts, one of Hainan's most distinctive intangible heritage skills.
Practical Tips
Sun Protection Essential
Strong sun year-round in Haikou, bring sunscreen and sunglasses
Typhoon Season Caution
Jun-Sep is typhoon season, check weather forecast
Qilou Old Street Food
Hainan rice noodles and qingbuliang at Qilou Old Street are worth trying — authentic Haikou flavors