Ultimate Haikou Travel Guide: Attractions, Food, and Tips for 2025

🏞️ Must-Visit Attractions in Haikou (海口必去景点)

• West Shore Super Beach (西岸超级海滩): A hidden gem with fewer tourists, allowing you to enjoy a private sandy beach. Famous for its solitary tree growing directly on the sand, this beach offers a more natural experience compared to the commercialized Holiday Beach.

• Haikou Viewing Platform (海口观海台): Home to a iconic clock tower and uniquely shaped rocks symbolizing “till the sea withers and the rocks decay.” The view of the clock tower against the blue sky and sea is straight out of a comic book.

• Yundong Library (云洞图书馆): Requires advance online booking. For sunset views, it’s better to stay outside. Enjoy the evening breeze here for a relaxing experience.

• Wanlv Garden (万绿园): As the name suggests, this garden is composed of tens of thousands of tropical plants, offering a refreshing green landscape as far as the eye can see.

• Hainan Provincial Museum (海南省博物馆): As a Grade 1 national museum, it houses over 20,000 artifacts. Perfect for understanding Hainan’s historical evolution, cultural heritage, and geographical features.

🏠 Accommodation Suggestions in Haikou (海口住宿建议)

• Mission Hills New City (观澜湖新城): A one-stop shopping center combining retail, dining, and entertainment, perfect for shoppers and food lovers.

• Near Qilou Old Street (骑楼老街附近): Located in the old town with many unique homestays. Convenient transportation makes it ideal for cultural immersion.

• Wuyuan River Apartments (五源河公寓): Modern apartment-style hotel with complete facilities and beautiful surroundings, suitable for family trips.

🚗 In-City Transportation in Haikou (海口市内交通方式)

• Taxi: Base fare is 10 RMB. Note that taxis in Haikou generally do not use meters. Always negotiate the price with the driver before getting in.

• Shared Electric Scooters: Flexible and convenient for short to medium distances. Remember to park properly to avoid additional fees.

• Public Bus: Fares range from 1-2 RMB, with some routes using segmented pricing. You need to scan a code when boarding and alighting.

✈️ Getting to Haikou (到达海口的交通方式)

• By Air: Direct flights to Haikou Meilan Airport. Take the high-speed rail from Meilan Airport directly to the city center.

• By High-Speed Rail: Major stations include Meilan Station, Haikou East Station, and Haikou Station. Take a taxi or bus to the city center based on your chosen station.

• By Ferry: Ferries operate 24/7, but passengers can only use Xiuying Port and Xinhai Port.

📝 Travel Tips for Haikou (海口小贴士)

Haikou’s attractions are relatively spread out. It’s recommended to plan your itinerary in advance to avoid unnecessary travel. Don’t miss the opportunity to try Haikou’s diverse cuisine, such as coconut chicken and sour-paste vinegar hotpot.

🥣 Must-Try Foods in Haikou (海口必吃美食)

Coconut Chicken (椰子鸡): A Hainan specialty with sweet broth and tender chicken.

• Recommended Restaurant: Daidai’s Coconut Chicken
• Price: Around 100 RMB

Sour-Paste Vinegar Hotpot (糟粕醋火锅): A unique Hainan hotpot with a sour and spicy broth that’s particularly refreshing.

• Recommended Restaurant: Taiqiong Sour-Paste Vinegar Hotpot
• Price: Around 100 RMB

Herbal Duck (香草鸭): A traditional Hainan dish with juicy duck meat and a unique herbal flavor.

• Recommended Restaurant: Hubo Herbal Duck
• Price: Around 100 RMB

Cantonese Dim Sum (粤式点心): Elegant and diverse, with unique flavors.

• Recommended Restaurant: Ritz-Carlton Haikou Tianlong Xuan Chinese Restaurant
• Price: 358 RMB per person

Buddha Jumps Over the Wall (佛跳墙): An exquisite dish with rich ingredients and flavorful taste.

• Recommended Restaurant: Shi Song Buddha Jumps Over the Wall
• Price: Varies by dish

🍽️ Must-Try Restaurants in Haikou (海口必吃餐厅)

Daidai’s Coconut Chicken: Famous for its coconut chicken, a favorite among celebrities.

• Average Price: Around 100 RMB per person
• Recommended Dish: Coconut Chicken

Taiqiong Sour-Paste Vinegar Hotpot: Their sour-paste vinegar hotpot is extremely popular, with a tangy and spicy broth that complements any ingredients.

• Average Price: Around 100 RMB per person
• Recommended Dish: Sour-Paste Vinegar Hotpot

Hubo Herbal Duck: Renowned for its herbal duck, featuring juicy meat and a distinctive herbal flavor.

• Average Price: Around 100 RMB per person
• Recommended Dish: Herbal Duck

Ritz-Carlton Haikou Tianlong Xuan Chinese Restaurant: Offers exquisite Cantonese dim sum with all dishes prepared fresh upon ordering.

• Average Price: 358 RMB per person
• Recommended Dishes: Golden Thread Wasabi Prawns, Honey-Glazed Crispy Pork, Black Truffle Shrimp Dumplings

Shi Song Buddha Jumps Over the Wall: Their Buddha Jumps Over the Wall is meticulously prepared with rich ingredients and flavorful taste.

• Recommended Dishes: Buddha Jumps Over the Wall, Rose Pepper Australian Grass-Fed Beef, Handmade Rice Cake Braised East China Sea Yellowfish

Mood Provence: Offers excellent ambiance and cuisine, perfect for birthdays.

• Average Price: Around 300 RMB per person
• Recommended Dishes: French Pan-Seared Foie Gras, Signature Wagyu Tartare, French Gillardeau Oysters

Hua Ao Steak House: Famous for its steaks, with tender meat and unique flavor.

• Average Price: Around 200 RMB per person
• Recommended Dishes: Dry-Aged Pureblood Wagyu M4 Filet, Crab Cake, Mini Wagyu Burger

Wan Zhuo Seafood Research Institute: Offers exceptionally fresh sashimi with no fishy taste, and their marinated triple combo is also excellent.

• Average Price: 200-350 RMB per person
• Recommended Dishes: Sashimi, Shrimp Sashimi, Marinated Triple Combo