Haikou, China
Region: Hainan
Geographic Coordinates: 20.020000, 110.320000
Temperature Range: 15.0°C to 35.0°C (59°F to 95°F)
Climate: Tropical climate with high humidity and frequent rain, with typhoons occurring in the summer and early fall.
Population: 2873358
Language: Mandarin
Haikou is the capital city of Hainan Island, Located in the southernmost part of China. It’s a modern metropolis that’s rapidly developing, With a rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. The city has over two million people and spans an area of 2, 304 square kilometers. One of Haikou’s most unique features is its tropical climate; it enjoys warm temperatures year-round, Averaging around 24 degrees Celsius annually. This makes it an ideal destination for tourists looking to escape cold weather or experience a different type of climate. Haikou offers many attractions that showcase its culture and history.
Visitors can explore ancient temples like the Temple of Five Lords or enjoy traditional Chinese architecture at Qilou Old Street. The Hainan Provincial Museum offers insight into local history and culture while Lingshan Amusement Park provides fun for all ages with thrilling rides and attractions. For nature lovers, Haikou has plenty to offer as well. The Yanoda Rainforest Cultural Tourism Zone allows visitors to experience lush forests, Waterfalls, And scenic views through hiking trails or cable cars while Dongzhai Harbor Mangrove Natural Reserve offers boat tours where visitors can see mangrove forests up close.
Foodies will also find plenty to enjoy in Haikou thanks to its unique culinary scene that blends local ingredients with international flavors. Seafood is particularly popular here due to its proximity to the ocean; some must-try dishes include Wenchang chicken (a type of free-range chicken), Hainanese rice noodles (a staple dish made from rice flour), And coconut milk desserts. Overall, Whether you’re interested in exploring history and culture or enjoying natural wonders or indulging in delicious food options – there’s something for everyone in Haikou!
- Hainan Tropical Wildlife Park and Botanical Garden
- Haikou Volcano National Geopark
- Wugong Temple
- Qilou Old Street
- Haikou Clock Tower
- Haikou Arcade-Shopping Street
- Evergreen Park
- Hainan Museum
- Wanlu Garden
- Tropical Agriculture Exhibition Hall
- Tourism
- Agriculture
- Seafood processing
- Electronic information technology
- Service sector
Haikou is a popular tourist destination known for its tropical climate and scenic beauty. The city has also developed a significant agricultural industry with crops such as coconuts and rubber trees being grown in the surrounding areas. Seafood processing is another important industry in Haikou due to its coastal location. The electronic information technology industry has also been growing rapidly in recent years with the establishment of several high-tech parks in the city. Additionally, the service sector including finance, real estate, and logistics is becoming increasingly important to Haikou’s economy.
- Haikou was established as a county in 110 BC during the Han Dynasty.
- During the Tang Dynasty (618-907), Haikou became an important port for international trade.
- In 1950, Haikou became the capital of Hainan Province.
- In 1988, China designated Hainan Island as a special economic zone which led to rapid development and growth in Haikou.
- Notable people associated with Haikou include Deng Xiaoping, Feng Gong, Li Dazhao, Wu Jingbiao and Yu Wenxia.
- Hainan Museum
- Hairui Tomb
- Qilou Old Street
- Haikou Clock Tower
- Wugong Temple
- Haikou Arcade-Shaped Buildings
- Tropical Wildlife Park and Botanical Garden
- Hainan Provincial Museum of Ethnology and Folk Culture
- Wanlv Garden Scenic Area
- Dongzhai Harbor Mangrove Natural Reserve Area
- Hainan Jianye Football Club: Founded in 1997, Hainan Jianye FC is a professional football club based in Haikou. They currently play in the China League One and have had moderate success over the years.
- Hainan Basketball Team: The Hainan Basketball Team was founded in 2014 and competes in the National Basketball League (NBL). They have made it to the playoffs several times but have yet to win a championship.
- Hainan Volleyball Team: The Hainan Volleyball Team was established in 1985 and has been one of the most successful sports teams from Haikou. They have won multiple championships at both national and international levels.
- Haikou Meilan Women’s Football Club: Founded in 2006, this women’s football club is based out of Haikou’s Meilan District. They play in the Chinese Women’s Super League and have been one of the top teams since their inception.
- Hainan Golf Team: The Hainan Golf Team was established by the provincial government to promote golf as a sport on the island. They participate regularly at national level competitions but haven’t achieved any significant success yet.
- The Hainan International Coconut Festival is a celebration of the abundance of coconuts in Haikou. The festival includes various coconut-themed activities, food, and performances.
- The Haikou Danzhou Dragon Boat Festival is a traditional Chinese festival that features dragon boat races, music, and dance performances.
- The Qiong Opera Festival celebrates the local Qiong opera style with professional troupes performing as well as competitions for amateur performers.
- The Hainan Island International Film Festival showcases international films annually and hosts workshops and panels with industry professionals.
- The Haikou International Jazz Festival features jazz musicians from around the world performing in various venues throughout the city.
- The Hainan International Tourism Island Carnival is a month-long celebration of tourism on Hainan Island featuring parades, concerts, fireworks shows, and cultural exhibitions.
- The China (Hainan) International Agricultural Products Fair showcases agricultural products from around China and includes trade exhibitions, forums, and cultural events.
- Celebrated during the Chinese New Year period, the Haikou Lantern Festival features lantern displays depicting traditional Chinese themes such as dragons or zodiac animals.
- Hainanese Chicken Rice – a dish made with steamed chicken, fragrant rice, and dipping sauces. Popular restaurants serving this dish include Wenchang Chicken Restaurant and Yijie Hainanese Chicken Rice.
- Seafood – Haikou is located near the ocean, so seafood is a must-try when visiting the city. Some popular seafood restaurants include Dongshan Seafood Square and Xixiu Beach Seafood Street.
- Wenchang Baked Crab – a local specialty made with fresh crab meat mixed with eggs and baked until golden brown. You can try this dish at Laochengyi Wenchang Baked Crab.
- Hainan Noodles – thin noodles served in a savory broth with toppings such as pork or seafood. Try it at Sanqianli Noodle Shop or Qiongshan Beef Noodle Shop.
- Coconut Milk Rice Pudding – a sweet dessert made with glutinous rice cooked in coconut milk and topped with fruit or nuts. You can find it at many local dessert shops like Guantang Dessert Shop or Jiajie Coconut Milk Pudding Shop.
- People’s Park is a large park located in the city center that boasts beautiful gardens, serene lakes, and picturesque walking paths.
- Haikou Volcano Park is a geological park that showcases extinct volcanoes and stunning lava formations.
- Hainan Tropical Wildlife Park and Botanical Garden is a must-visit destination that combines a zoo with an impressive botanical garden to showcase tropical flora and fauna.
- Holiday Beach is one of the most popular beaches in the area, offering visitors exciting water sports activities like jet skiing, parasailing, and banana boat rides.
- Qilou Old Street is a historic street lined with colonial-style buildings that have been transformed into charming shops, restaurants, and cafes for visitors to explore.
- Wugongci Scenic Area features an ancient temple complex surrounded by lush greenery for those seeking peace and tranquility amidst nature’s beauty.
- Hainan Island Golf Club is an 18-hole golf course located on the outskirts of Haikou for avid golfers to enjoy their favorite sport while taking in scenic views of the surrounding area.
- Dongzhai Port Nature Reserve offers visitors rare glimpses of species such as the Hainan black-crested gibbon in their natural habitat within this protected reserve area.
- Yingbin Peninsula Tourism Resort provides guests with various recreational activities like swimming pools, water sports activities along with bars to relax after long day exploring around.
- Haikou Mangrove Forest Reserve offers scenic boat tours for those interested in exploring this natural reserve filled with mangroves which are vital ecosystems for marine life conservation efforts.
