The City of Coconut Palms

Haikou City is called the "city of coconut palms". It is also the capital city of Hainan Province. Situated in the northern part of the island, its combination of tropical scenery, history, and culture make it a worthwhile stop during your travels.

Haikou is blessed with year-round warm weather and daily trade winds spring. The idyllic weather and picturesque seaport scenery are reflected in the character of the locals. Travellers arriving in Haikou are sure to be met with warm smiles, helpful advice and the most urbane citizens among Hainan's cities.

Haikou enjoys a number of sizeable public parks, a well maintained road system, a wide variety of restaurants, and a size that combines the best of city life without the traffic and squalor. Haikou 's combination of beaches, nightlife, and cultural attractions offer visitors an array of choices to spend their holidays. Its proximity to the mainland also makes it a great starting point for trips to the mainland.

In the spring of 1988, Hainan Island drew national attention by being declared the 31st province of China , and the 5th, and largest, Economic Special Zone (ESZ). As the capital of the new-born province, Haikou emerged into a fresh era of development known henceforth as the Golden Age of Haikou.

In the last decade, Haikou has implemented policies of large-scale construction and development. As a result, the city has been growing at an amazing pace, becoming a magnet for domestic and foreign investment, taking on a brand-new look in terms of skyline and cultural scenes, raising the standard of living of its people, and making a big splash in the international economy. This last decade was undoubtedly the period of the fastest development for Haikou since it was opened as a port.

By the end of 1996, the GNP per person of Haikou had increased from 2,906 Yuan in 1987 to 16,608 Yuan, well among the highest in the country, and one of the most evident changes of the city, and the largest improvement in people's standard of living. The "Golden Age of Haikou" began.

Explore & discover Haikou

Although Haikou is known for its historic sites and the Holiday Beach, it is also gaining a reputation as the "Kitchen of Hainan". With the economic boom in the 1990's people from all over the country arrived to find their fortunes. One result of this is the wide variety of restaurants to be found in the city.

Of course, while in Haikou, you should not miss the historic sites and natural attractions. Old spots of scenic interests have been renovated, and new ones opened. Haikou offers tourists the beautiful grounds of Wugongci, the touching story of Hairui, Volcano Crater, Mangrove Swamp Reserve just outside the city, and the beautiful landscapes surrounding Bright Pearl Lake.