Haikou — Travel Guide for Foreign Visitors
Airport transfers, signature food and top things to do — everything a visitor needs in Haikou.
Provincial capital with century-old arcade streets and lao ba cha tea houses — a lively seaside city.
🍜 Signature dishes in Haikou
- 文昌鸡Wenchang Chicken
- 海南粉Hainan Noodles
- 老爸茶Lao Ba Cha (street tea house)
- 清补凉Qingbuliang (cooling dessert)
- 椰子鸡火锅Coconut Chicken Hotpot
- 糟粕醋海鲜Fermented-rice-vinegar Seafood
- 斋菜煲Vegetarian Claypot
- 骑楼老街辣汤饭Qilou Spicy Rice Soup
🎟️ Top things to do
- Qilou Arcade Streets
Century-old Nanyang arcade quarter, free
- Wanlv Garden
Lakeside seafront park, free
- Volcano Cluster Geopark
Leiqiong volcanic geopark, ~40min drive
- Holiday Beach
Public beach & promenade, free
- Mission Hills Movie Town
Retro film-set streets, ticketed
- Dongzhaigang Mangroves
China's largest mangrove reserve, ~1h drive
- Haikou Bay Night View
Evening skyline along the bay, free
- Five Lords Temple
Historic shrine to five officials
👥 Visitor tips
Frequently asked questions
How do I get from the airport to downtown Haikou?
Take the metro or a taxi from HAK (Haikou) airport. The metro is the cheapest option; taxis are convenient for luggage and groups.
Do I need a visa to visit Haikou on a layover?
Many nationalities can use China's 240-hour visa-free transit policy in Haikou. Check your eligibility in the visa checker tool before travelling.
Is a layover in Haikou visa free, and how long can I stay?
Inside the airport's international transit area you can wait up to 24 hours without a visa. To leave the airport, nationals of 57 countries can use the 240-hour visa-free transit (up to 10 days, counted from 00:00 the day after entry) and many others have 30-day visa-free entry. Full answers: see the visa & layover FAQ. Visa Q&A →
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Data provided by PivotCN · airport (HAK (Haikou)) · verify with official sources before travel.