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Haikou 海口

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Haikou, HainanHaikou, Hainan
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Haikou_skyline_1_-_2009_09_07.jpg
Author: Anna Frodesiak
photo licensing


Haikou (海口) is the capital of Hainan Province, as well as biggest city on Hainan Island, China. The city of 830,000 people is located on the northern part of Hainan.

The city of Haikou traces its history to at least the 13th century, when it was a fortified military outpost of the Ming Dynasty. The ancient city of Qiongshan was located 5 km inland from Haikou, which is on the western part of the estuary of the Nandu River, the main river in Hainan.

Panoramic view of HaikouPanoramic view of Haikou
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Haikou_skyline_8_-_2009_09_07.jpg
Author: Anna Frodesiak
photo licensing


In 1930, Haikou overtook Qiongshan in size, and eventually was made a prefectural-level city as well as the capital of Hainan Province in 1988.

Haikou experiences a tropical climate (to be exact, it is located within the torrid zone). The hottest months are from May to July, when average high temperature may exceed 29.6°C (85.3°F). The coldest month is January, when the average low temperature can go down to 13.4°C (56.1°F). The wettest months are August and September, with over 235.6 mm (9.276 inches) of rain each.

Haikou marketplaceHaikou marketplace
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bo_Ai_Lu_Haikou_China_2.jpg
Author: Anna Frodesiak
photo licensing

Arriving in Haikou

Haikou Meilan International Airport (HMA) is the main gateway to the city. Budget travelers can take AirAsia from Kuala Lumpur, and Jetstar and Tiger Airways from Singapore.

Getting Around Haikou

In Haikou, you can ride cyclos (three-wheeled bicycles) and motorised cyclos. Be sure to negotiate in advance of boarding. The non-motorised bicycles charge a minimum of ¥2 for short distances.

Another aerial view of HaikouAnother aerial view of Haikou
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Haikou_skyline_6_-_2009_09_07.jpg
Author: Anna Frodesiak
photo licensing

Places of Interest in Haikou

  1. Dongzhai Harbor Mangrove Natural Reserve Area
    Protected mangrove forest along the subtropical coastline of Hainan.

  2. Haikou Shishan Crater Cluster National Geological Park
    Site of a few dormant volcanic clusters from the Holocene period, some 10,000 years ago.

  3. Hainan Provincial Museum
    Museum chronicling the history and culture of Hainan Island.

  4. Qiongtai Academy
    18th century academy established to commemorate Qiu Jin, a brilliant Ming Dynasty scholar from Hainan.

  5. Tomb of Hairui
    Tomb of famous Ming Dynasty official built in 1589.

  6. Wugong Temple
    Temple dedicated to five Ming Dynasty officials who were exiled to Hainan for criticising the Tang Dynasty government.

  7. Xiuyang Battery
    19th century fortress on the coast.

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