Haikou, also known as the ‘Coconut City’, is the only tropical island province capital in China. The city, which sits on the northern coast of Hainan, across the Qiongzhou Strait from the Leizhou Peninsula of Guangdong, is the political, economic, and cultural center of the province. The 60 km. long Haikou section of the Hainan Coastal Scenic Highway stretches from near the Yatai Hot Spring Hotel in the west to Beigang Island in the east, passing through the West Coast, Guomao, Haikou Bay, Haidian Island, Xinbu Island, the Jiangdong New Area, Guilinyang, and other parts of the region. Scenic highway travelers will be drawn in by the romance and culture of the big city, and be wowed by the bright lights and exciting events held here regularly.

Recommended Destinations:

Rongshanliao Village

This century-old fishing village lies on the far west coast, far from the clamor of the city. When the fishing boats come in bearing the fresh catch of the day, you'll have your choice of the tastiest morsels of the sea. Want to catch your own dinner instead? Head out to the beach to dig up some clams and watch as the sun dives below the horizon.

West Coast

Haikou's west coast is a long scenic stretch of land that connects quite a few attractions including the Wuyuanhe National Wetland Park, Holiday Beach, the seaview platform, West Beach, and more. The area boasts trendy new cafes, camping themed restaurants and bars, high-end dining and drinking establishments, and places to go surfing, paddle-boarding, sailing, windsurfing, motor-boating, swimming, and more!

Dongzhai Port Mangrove Nature Reserve

Mangrove trees grow in the inter-tidal zones of tropical and subtropical coasts, where they provide vital habitats for a wide variety of birds, crabs, shellfish, and other species, as well as providing protection from storms and coastal flooding. Take a cruise through the scenic wetland forest, climb the Moon Tower to gaze at the egrets soaring above the treetops, and stroll along the boardwalk for an up close look at the wonders hidden among the green trees and aerial roots of this ‘maritime forest’.

Beigang Island

Exit the Haiwen Bridge to reach Beigang Island, home to several small fishing villages despite having a total area of only 1.3 square kilometers. The whole family will enjoy an outing to enjoy the sea views, feast on fresh seafood, and go birdwatching and beachcombing at low tide to find seashells, clams, crabs, and more.

The Flavors of Haikou

‘Old Dad’s Tea’

To get a feel for the real Haikou life, you have to visit a ‘Laobacha’, or ‘Old Dad’s Tea’ shop. There’s more than just tea on the table - pick and choose from all kinds of dim sum snacks and dishes, then settle in for hours of chatting and relaxing, Haikou style!

Qingbuliang

Qingbuliang is a refreshing Hainan specialty chilled dessert soup that's the perfect way to cool down in the summer. Put in any and all ingredients you like, there's everything from red beans, barley, peanuts, elbow pasta, watermelon and winter melon, coconut milk, quail eggs, and more on offer!

Traditional Salted Beverages

Replace all your lost liquids, minerals, and electrolytes with a cup of traditional salted fruit juice, just like the locals do! The zing of the salt brings out the sweetness of the fruit, and is sure to perk you up on a hot summer day. The most common variety is the traditional salted lemonade, but there are plenty of other seasonal options too, including wampee, watermelon, guava, and more!

Hainan Rice Noodles

Hainan rice noodles are what's for breakfast in Haikou! Sometimes called ‘pickled noodles’, these rice noodles are topped with everything from peanuts, sesame seeds, pickled bamboo shoots and greens, and shredded beef or pork, depending on your preference, then drizzled with a flavorful sauce and served piping hot. Dig in, you’ve got to fuel up for all the fun ahead!

(Images sourced online)