Why start (or end) in Haikou
As the political and transport hub, Haikou is where many trips begin or finish. It blends seafront parks, historic neighborhoods, and Free Trade Port shopping with a more local urban feel than resort-heavy Sanya. Mild winters and a long ~131 km coastline support parks, beaches, and outdoor half-days without leaving the north.
Qilou streets & heritage stops
Wander Qilou Old Street for arcade architecture and snack-hopping. Pair it with Wugong Temple and Hairui Tomb for classic northern heritage, then slow down in Evergreen Park or along the waterfront. The Film Commune area adds a creative, photo-friendly stop if you want something beyond temples and arcades.
Mangroves, volcano & west-coast nature
Haikou’s volcanic crater landscapes and coastal mangrove scenery give outdoor contrast within easy reach of downtown. West-coast beaches and park strips work well for sunset walks; combine a half-day nature stop with city food for a balanced one- or two-night stay.
Gateway logistics & HSR
Meilan Airport, ferry links, expressways, and the ring high-speed rail make Haikou the practical northern base. Haikou–Sanya by HSR is about two hours — use Haikou for arrival or departure buffers, then ride south to Sanya or east toward Qionghai and Wanning. Local tourism hotline: 0898-12301.
How to use it in a trip
Spend 1–2 nights if you fly via Haikou. For beach-first holidays, treat the capital as gateway and culture contrast rather than your only stop; WHO-recognized healthy-city initiatives and green corridors simply make the urban days more pleasant.
The city
Haikou, the Coconut City, is the provincial capital and the usual first stop on the island. It is the political, economic, cultural and transport centre. The area is about 2,304.84 km², the population a little over 2.246 million, the east and west coasts together 131 km, and the yearly average temperature 23.8°C.
Along those 131 km are mangroves and a volcanic crater, with the West Coast ribbon park, Holiday Beach and Xixiu Beach in between. The shore works for a walk or for water and beach sports.
In town the usual stops are Wugong Temple, Hairui Tomb and Qilou Old Street. The film commune is a street set of an earlier century. The tropical wildlife park, People’s Park, Wanlü Park and Jinniu Ridge fit into the same day.
FAQ
Should first-timers stay only in Haikou?
Usually no. For beach-first trips, base in Sanya and use Haikou as gateway or contrast city.
What is Haikou nicknamed?
Coconut City — a nod to its tropical streetscape and coastal capital vibe.
How long is the Haikou–Sanya train?
About two hours on the ring high-speed rail; check live schedules for the exact service you need.
What are must-see cultural stops?
Qilou Old Street for arcade atmosphere, plus Wugong Temple and Hairui Tomb for northern heritage — easy to combine in one urban day.