Hainan

Haikou is the capital of Hainan province and sits on the island's northern coast, where the Nandu River meets the Qiongzhou Strait. As the main gateway to China's only tropical island province, the city blends a relaxed seaside atmosphere with rapidly developing urban districts, duty-free shopping and growing business infrastructure.

The city's heritage is most visible along Qilou Old Street, where rows of early 20th-century arcade buildings show strong Southeast Asian and European influences. Nearby landmarks include the Haikou Clock Tower, the Five Officials' Temple and the Hainan Provincial Museum, while the Haikou Volcanic Cluster Global Geopark preserves dormant craters and lava villages on the city's western edge.

Longhua, Meilan, Xiuying and Qiongshan districts each shape daily life in different ways. Longhua concentrates much of the dining, nightlife and heritage; Xiuying is known for beaches such as Holiday Beach and Xixiu Beach; Meilan spreads along the airport corridor and Baishamen Beach; Qiongshan holds older historical sites.

Haikou's food culture centres on Hainanese classics such as Wenchang chicken, coconut rice and the refreshing dessert qingbuliang, along with fresh tropical fruit and seafood. Evening food streets and markets, including the area around Hainan University's south gate, stay lively after dark, while duty-free malls and MICE venues make the city relevant for business travellers.

Leisure visitors use Haikou as a relaxed base for beach time, volcanic landscapes and high-speed rail trips across Hainan, while business travellers find conference facilities, government and financial centres, and direct flights through Haikou Meilan International Airport.