Name: Haikou

Chinese name: 海口

Province: Hainan

Status: Prefectural city

Population: 2,046,189 inhabitants

Area: 2,304.84 km²

Off the coast of Chine, not far from Guangdong, Haikou, capital of the island province of Hainan, stands as a symbol of economic development with its ever-flourishing real estate projects.

Despite its rapid development, Haikou is a very pleasant city where it's worth stopping for a day or two before heading to the beaches of Sanya.

History

Haikou was not always the capital of Hainan.

Qiongshan, a city located 5 km from Haikou, was the provincial capital at the time. Haikou, which was then merely a small port town, developed to become the main port of the city of Qiongshan.

During the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644), Haikou transformed into a forward military outpost and was fortified.

Following the Treaty of Tianjin in 1876, Qiongshan opened to foreign trade and Haikou began to develop until it became more important than Qiongshan.

The port of Haikou reached its height during the Sino-Japanese War (1937–1945) and became the most important port on Hainan Island.

Haikou became an administrative capital and prefectural city in 1988.

Since then, the port of Haikou has handled the majority of the island's commercial trade and attracts many Chinese businessmen from other provinces.

Today

This coastal and port city never stops developing, launching massive real estate projects. Nevertheless, this does nothing to diminish the city's charm and its relaxed, almost carefree atmosphere.

The population, predominantly made up of Chinese from other provinces, will be very welcoming and display broad smiles upon meeting you. The stress of business affairs may be softened by the warm atmosphere that reigns here, and you'll have no trouble feeling at home.

The heat that strikes the city during the day is a perfect opportunity to discover the large beaches to the northwest of the city. A true seaside destination, Haikou's beaches are very clean and invite relaxation with their fine sand and clear water. Walks in the shade of coconut palms lining the beaches have been installed, along with numerous bars and restaurants to quickly immerse you in a vacation atmosphere.

Beyond its large business buildings, the city has perfectly preserved its old quarters with their slightly colonial architecture. A stroll through these alleyways will be most enjoyable and will reveal another aspect of the city entirely.

In the late afternoon, head to Haikou Park to meet dancers, chess players, or badminton enthusiasts who take advantage of the cool early evening to get some air. You'll be surprised by the vitality of some elderly people who will be proud to give you a small demonstration of their talent.

A few historical sites are hidden among the modern buildings. The Temple of the Five Dignitaries, a fine edifice from the Ming Dynasty, and the Tomb of Hairui are well worth a visit.

The city is also very interesting for tasting Hainanese specialties and indulging in some shopping.

Climate

Haikou benefits from a dual climate: a subtropical humid climate and a tropical monsoon climate.

Its particular climatic conditions allow for crops to be harvested several times a year. The seasons are not particularly distinctive, with only winter being relatively dry. Rainfall is abundant, especially between April and October. Summer displays very high temperatures with heavy thunderstorms, and autumn is subject to typhoons.

The average temperature for the year is 23.8°C, with an average of 28.4°C in July and 17.2°C in January.

From November to April of the following year is the best period to travel to Haikou.

Airplane

Haikou Meilan Airport is connected to major Chine cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Nanning, Guangzhou, Kunming, and more.

Regular international flights from Hong Kong, Singapore, Bangkok, and Kuala Lumpur are also available.

Boat

The city has two ports, one of which operates ferries between Haikou and Guangzhou, Zhanjiang, Shekou, Beihai, Hai'an, and Hong Kong.

Train

The two railway stations allow connections to Haikou from Guangzhou. This route has the particularity of integrating a boat crossing. To cross the Qiongzhou Strait, the train is transported by ferry.

The journey between the two cities is relatively long.

Long-distance bus

The recent Haikou South Bus Station welcomes connections from Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and other major cities on the mainland.

Buses from Sanya, Wuzhishan, and other destinations on the island also serve Haikou.

The center of Haikou can easily be visited on foot. The city also has a good network of buses and numerous taxis that travel throughout the city.

What to do in Haikou?

• Take advantage of the cool late afternoons for a stroll through the lovely Haikou Park.
• Walk through the streets of Haikou's old quarter.
• Relax on one of the city's beautiful beaches, including Xixiu Beach.
• Visit the Tomb of Hairui and the Temple of the Five Ministers.