Territory capital · China
Haikou海口
Give Haikou 2 nights as a transport base and old-street stop, not a beach trip: the city beach water is murky and the coast is better further south.
Haikou is Hainan's capital and northern gateway, a tropical port city of about 1.8 million people with coconut-lined streets, a preserved qilou arcade quarter and the island's main airport and ferry ports. Most travellers pass through on the way to Sanya or use it as a one- or two-night base for the north coast. It is a hub first and a resort second.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- CNY
- Best months
- Nov–Apr (dry, mild)
- avoid Aug–Oct (typhoon season), Chinese New Year week (ferry and road gridlock)
- Airport
- HAK
- Nights
- 2
Rules in force · 7
- East Asia ↗Every border in East Asia is a full international border, Hong Kong and Macau included: an entry permission for one never covers the next.
- East Asia ↗Ferries between Korea, Japan and China cancel in rough seas and typhoons; keep a flight or a spare day behind every sea leg.
- China ↗Most nationalities need a visa, a unilateral visa-free entry (the list and end dates change) or the transit exemption below. Confirm your route on the official sites before you buy a ticket.
- China ↗Transit stay without a visa: up to 240 hours (10 days) for citizens of about 55 listed countries who pass through China to a third country or region, with a confirmed onward ticket and a stay inside the permitted area (Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei count as one area). It replaced the 144-hour rule in December 2024, which some older pages still quote. Use the transit lane at immigration, show the onward ticket, and check the current nationality list. Hong Kong and Macau count as separate regions; check whether your ticket qualifies.
- China ↗Foreign visitors must register their address with the police within 24 hours; hotels do it at check-in with your passport. Carry the original passport at all times: hotels, trains, museums, Tiananmen Square and police checks ask for it.
- China ↗Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay with a foreign card before you fly. QR payment is the default in shops, taxis and many stalls, and some places refuse cash or a foreign card. Carry cash as a backup.
- China ↗Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and many news sites are blocked. Use an eSIM with roaming (it routes through your home network) or install and test a VPN before you fly; VPN sites and app stores are hard to reach inside China, and only government-approved VPNs are officially permitted.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Haikou110 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Haikou, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Alipay and WeChat Pay accept Visa, Mastercard, JCB and Amex cards; single payments over ¥200 (≈ US$30) carry a fee of about 3% on a foreign card (smaller ones…China-wide
- SIM or eSIMA roaming eSIM from outside China routes traffic through its home network, so Google, WhatsApp and Instagram work without a VPN — the simplest setup.China-wide
- Tap waterNot for drinking from the tap; bottled water ¥2–5 (≈ under US$1), and kettles and free bottles in hotel rooms.China-wide
- TippingRestaurants: No tip; upmarket hotels add 10–15% service.China-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/C/I. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): fits. 220 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.China-wide
- SafetyHaikou is generally safe for tourists; the real risks are unlicensed airport taxis, typhoon-season ferry cancellations and summer heat.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsPublic toilets are frequent and free; squat toilets outside hotels and malls.China-wide
- Emergency numbers110 police · 119 fire · 120 ambulance (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysMany museums and palaces close on Mondays; the Forbidden City too (outside holidays).China-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportHAK Haikou Meilan International Airport (Terminal 1 domestic only; Terminal 2 handles domestic and international; free shuttle between them.
- Getting aroundTaxis and ride-hailing cover the centre; meters start at ¥10 (≈ US$2) and a short hop runs about ¥15 (≈ US$3).
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee or tea in a café¥15–35 (≈ US$3–5)
- Street or quick mealNoodle or rice-plate lunch¥20–45 (≈ US$3–7)
- Beerdraught in a bar / can at a shop¥25–45 (≈ US$4–7)¥5–10 (≈ US$1–2)
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)5 km (3.1 mi) taxi3.1 mi (5 km) taxi¥15–25 (≈ US$3–4) (check)
- Metro or bus rideCity bus ride¥1–2 (≈ under US$1) (check)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week¥80–200 (≈ US$12–30)
- Museum or sight ticketTemple or academy entryFree–¥5 (≈ under US$1) (check)
- Budget bedHostel or guesthouse bed, a night, per personCN¥80 (≈ US$12)
- Mid-range bedMid-range double room, a night, per roomCN¥380 (≈ US$55)
- High-end bedMid-range double room, a night, per roomCN¥700 (≈ US$100)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget CN¥300 (≈ US$45) · Mid CN¥600 (≈ US$85) · High CN¥1,200 (≈ US$170)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- HAK Haikou Meilan International Airport (Terminal 1 domestic only; Terminal 2 handles domestic and international; free shuttle between them. About 30 min by taxi to the centre.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Feb
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Mar
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Apr
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
May
not flagged
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Jun
not flagged
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
Jul
not flagged
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Aug
Avoid
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Sep
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Oct
Avoid
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Nov
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Dec
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Best: Nov–Apr. Avoid: Aug–Oct. Month by month →
Warmest Jun (34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)), coolest Jan (16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C) low), wettest Aug (18 rain days), driest Dec (7). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Haikou: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
8 rd
Feb
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
9 rd
Mar
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
10 rd
Apr
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
11 rd
May
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
15 rd
Jun
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
16 rd
Jul
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
16 rd
Aug
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
18 rd
Sep
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
17 rd
Oct
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
14 rd
Nov
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
9 rd
Dec
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
7 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Taxis and ride-hailing cover the centre; meters start at ¥10 and a short hop runs about ¥15. Buses are cheap but need route knowledge. The island's high-speed line doubles as a commuter service between Haikou Station, Haikou East, the airport and the west coast, with tickets ¥2–10. Electric motorbike taxis run ¥5–10 within the city. Riverside Binjiang Road has a car-free cycling and running path.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Wenchang
goDoor to door: About 1.5 h
High-speed rail from Haikou East to Wenchang, then local transport
Coconut groves and old town streets; easy half-day to full day.
Chengmai
goDoor to door: About 1 h
High-speed rail or bus west from Haikou
Coffee country and volcanic villages; short hop.
Sanya
overnightDoor to door: 1.5–2 h
High-speed rail from Haikou East
Better beaches and resort base; sleep there, don't day-trip.
Wanning
overnightDoor to door: About 1.5 h
High-speed rail down the east coast
Surf and quieter coast; worth a night or two.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Old Qilou Streets / Zhongshan Road
Arcade streets, markets and cafés on foot; best for a short stay with sightseeing.
Guomao and Binhai Avenue
Modern malls, waterfront and mid-range hotels; 10–15 min by taxi to the old streets.
Haikou East Railway Station area
Practical for early high-speed trains and the long-distance bus terminal opposite.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- ¥250–450 (≈ US$35–65) excl. bed
- Mid
- ¥450–900 (≈ US$65–130) excl. bed
- High
- ¥900 (≈ US$130)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Mid-range double room1 × 2 nights × CN¥380 | CN¥760 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × CN¥600 | CN¥2,400 |
| Airport taxi to the centre, one way1 × CN¥55 · check | CN¥55 |
| Airport shuttle bus, one way2 × CN¥15 · check | CN¥30 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × CN¥120 | CN¥240 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | CN¥349 |
| Trip total≈ CN¥959 per person per day, bed included | CN¥3,834≈ US$550 |
2026 estimate in yuan; flights and rail passes excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee or tea in a café | ¥15–35 (≈ US$3–5) |
| Noodle or rice-plate lunch | ¥20–45 (≈ US$3–7) |
| Beer: draught in a bar / can at a shop | ¥25–45 (≈ US$4–7) / ¥5–10 (≈ US$1–2) |
| 5 km taxi | ¥15–25 (≈ US$3–4) (check) |
| City bus ride | ¥1–2 (≈ under US$1) (check) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | ¥80–200 (≈ US$12–30) |
| Temple or academy entry | Free–¥5 (≈ under US$1) (check) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Ignore drivers calling 'taxi' inside the terminal: they are unlicensed. Walk out to the licensed rank and insist on the meter (dabiao).
- Ferries to and from the mainland are often cancelled in summer storms and winter fog; build a buffer day around any ferry crossing.
- Beach water in the city area is murky; swim further south, not in Haikou.
- Typhoon season runs roughly Aug–Oct: check forecasts before booking flights or ferries.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 110
- Fire
- 119
- Ambulance
- 120
Pocket card
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Haikou海口
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
请到这个地址To this address, please
Emergency
- Police110
- Fire119
- Ambulance120
Embassy
Most countries have embassies in Beijing and consulates-general in Guangzhou or Shanghai; check before you travel.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Airport → city centre, taxi: ¥50–60 (≈ US$7–9), about 30 min (check)
- Airport shuttle bus: about ¥15 (≈ US$3) per person (check)
- High-speed rail Haikou → Sanya: 1.5–2 h (check price)
Say or show
- 你好 — Hello (nǐ hǎo)
- 谢谢 — Thank you (xièxie)
- 多少钱？ — How much is it? (duōshǎo qián)
- 请打表 — Use the meter, please (qǐng dǎbiǎo)
- 可以手机支付吗？ — Can I pay by phone? (kěyǐ shǒujī zhīfù ma)
- 洗手间在哪里？ — Where is the toilet? (xǐshǒujiān zài nǎlǐ)
Tipping is not expected in China.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Haikou. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Nov–Apr (dry, mild) · avoid Aug–Oct (typhoon season), Chinese New Year week (ferry and road gridlock) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for HAK: taxi rank rules, meter fares, late-arrival fallback.
- Four walking clusters: Old Qilou Streets, Guomao waterfront, Qiongshan old town, and the station district.
- Place pages with verified hours and entry fees (Tianhou Temple, Wugong Temple, Qiongtai Academy, Hairui Tomb).
- Ferry and typhoon fixtures so mainland crossings can be planned with a buffer.