Home Search by budget Destinations Beaches Interactive map Services Booking Collections Ratings VIP Club
Find flights Book transfer
Home / Destinations / Haikou

Haikou

China · Coast · CNY · 20.044000, 110.198400
Family friendly 8/10 · Rank 111 of 2 709
Best season: November-April

Best for

Suitable for families, couples, beach holidaymakers and nature lovers

Best season

November-April

Daily budget
$56.00 (≈ 4 700 ₽ · ≈ 403 CNY)
For 7 days
$392.00 (≈ 32 897 ₽ · ≈ 2 822 CNY)
Haikou is the capital of Hainan province and a major port city on the northern coast of the island. The city combines modern skyscrapers with colonial architecture and sandy beaches. It is also home to a volcanic park and the historic Qilou streets.
Summer
36.0°C
Winter
15.0°C
Sea
30.0°C
Search by budget Atmosphere Pros and cons Climate Sea and beach Hazards Attractions Excursions Prices FAQ
Search by budget
Enter an amount — we'll show destinations within your reach
Description and atmosphere

Energy

moderate

Pace of life

moderate

Local character

Haikou residents are friendly, relaxed and proud of their tropical city

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Beautiful beaches
  • Warm climate
  • Fresh seafood
  • Affordable prices
  • Developed infrastructure

Cons

  • Hot summer
  • High humidity
  • Typhoons
  • Noisy city
Climate
Summer Temperature
Average air temperature in June–August
29.0°C
Summer Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in June-August
33.0°C
Summer Max Temp
Maximum daytime temperature in summer months
36.0°C
Winter Temperature
Average air temperature in December–February
19.0°C
Winter Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in December-February
23.0°C
Winter Min Temp
Minimum temperature in winter months
15.0°C
Summer Water Temperature
Average sea temperature in the warm season
29.0°C
Water Max Temp
Maximum water temperature in warm season
30.0°C
Rainy Season
Months with the heaviest rainfall
August-October
Sea and beach
Sand Type
Type of beach surface
sand
Sand Color
Colour of the beach sand
white
Water Entry
Type of water entry
gradual
Waves
Level of waves
weak
Water Clarity
Clarity of the water
moderate
Best Beach
Name of the most popular beach
Xiuying Beach
Beach
Availability of a beach
Yes
Tides
Whether tides are noticeable
Yes
Rip Currents
Presence of dangerous rip currents
No
Sunbeds
Availability of sunbeds
Yes
Beach Cafe
Availability of a cafe or bar
Yes
Toilet / Shower
Availability of toilets and showers
Yes
Lifeguards
Presence of lifeguards
Yes
Safe for Swimming
Whether swimming is safe
Yes
Sea hazards
Sea Urchins
Presence of sea urchins
None
Corals / Reefs
Presence of corals or reefs
None
Jellyfish
Presence of jellyfish
Present
Sharks
Presence of sharks
None
Overall Danger
Overall danger rating
low
Note

Jellyfish possible in the warm season, swimming on guarded beaches recommended

Sea urchins — details

  • Sea urchins are found in the coastal waters of Haikou (Hainan Island), especially on coral reefs and rocky bottom areas. The most common species are Diadema setosum (black long-spined urchin) and Echinometra mathaei.
  • Sea urchin punctures are very painful and can cause infection. It is recommended to wear protective footwear when entering the water on rocky beaches and not to touch urchins with your hands.

Corals and reefs — details

  • In the coastal waters of Hainan Province, including the Haikou area, 67 species of reef-building corals belonging to 25 genera have been recorded, with dominant species Porites lutea, Goniopora columna, Platygyra sinensis, Favites flexuosa, Galaxea fascicularis and Acropora millepora
  • In the waters around Hainan Island, 55 species of scleractinian corals from 17 genera and 10 families have been identified, with dominant families Acroporidae, Poritidae and Faviidae
  • In the Yunlong Bay area (Haikou) and other coastal zones of Hainan, 39 species of octocorals from 7 families and 10 genera have been recorded, about half of which are new records for Hainan Island
  • Since 2016, a coral reef restoration programme has been implemented in the Haikou area, planting over 40,000 corals, with the total area of restored reefs reaching 350,000 square metres
  • Since 2017, a ban on the sale, purchase and use of coral reefs, corals and their products has been in effect in Hainan Province, contributing to the conservation of the region's coral reef ecosystems

Jellyfish — details

  • Moon jellyfish (Aurelia aurita) — found in coastal waters, stings are mild but unpleasant
  • Jellyfish are more common in the warm season

Sharks — details

  • In the coastal waters of Hainan Province, including the Haikou area, shark species such as the blacktip reef shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus), whale shark (Rhincodon typus), zebra shark (Heterodontus zebra) and banded houndshark (Heterodontus zebra) have been recorded
  • In Daya Bay (Haikou area) and other coastal waters of Hainan, species such as the zebra shark (Heterodontus zebra) and sandbar shark (Carcharhinus plumbeus) have been recorded
  • In the waters around Hainan, especially in the eastern and southern parts of the island, species such as the whale shark (Rhincodon typus) and blacktip reef shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus) have been recorded, which pose no danger to humans if distance is maintained
  • In the coastal waters of Haikou, mainly small bottom-dwelling shark species occur, which pose no danger to swimmers, however swimming in undesignated areas should be avoided
Attractions

Qilou Old Street

Colonial arcades with shops, cafes and restaurants

Volcanic Park

Park with craters and lava fields

Temple of Five Deities

Ancient temple dedicated to five deities

Xiuying Beach

Scenic sandy beach with clear water

Best areas

Qilou

Historic area with colonial architecture

Xiuying

Coastal area with a beach and hotels

Haidian

Modern area with shopping centres

Must-try food

Hainanese Chicken Rice

Rice cooked in chicken broth, served with chicken

Coconut Soup

Soup with coconut milk and seafood

Fresh Seafood

Catch from the South China Sea

Where to go next

Sanya

Resort city with beaches 2 hours away

Wenchang

City with a spaceport 1 hour away

Qionghai

City with beaches and temples 1.5 hours away

Family Friendly
Suitable for families with children
Yes
Nightlife
Level of nightlife
medium
Getting there
Nearest airports
Международный аэропорт Хайкоу Мэйлань (HAK).
Check flight prices Putivator
Compare prices from 800+ airlines — Putivator
Search
Visa
Visa requirements
not required
Best Season
Months with the most comfortable weather
November-April
Accommodation
Hostel (Dorm Bed)
Average price for a hostel dorm bed
$8.00
≈ 671 ₽ · ≈ 58 CNY
3-Star Hotel
Average price for a 3-star hotel room
$35.00
≈ 2 937 ₽ · ≈ 252 CNY
4-Star Hotel
Average price for a 4-star hotel room
$70.00
≈ 5 874 ₽ · ≈ 504 CNY
5-Star Hotel
Average price for a 5-star hotel room
$150.00
≈ 12 588 ₽ · ≈ 1 080 CNY
Villa / House
Average nightly rate for a villa or house
$130.00
≈ 10 910 ₽ · ≈ 936 CNY
Apartment
Average nightly rate for an apartment
$45.00
≈ 3 776 ₽ · ≈ 324 CNY
Book a hotel Partner
Over 2 million hotels — Trip.com
Find
Food and drinks
Lunch at a Cafe
Average price for lunch at a casual cafe
$5.00
≈ 420 ₽ · ≈ 36 CNY
Dinner at a Restaurant
Average check for dinner at a nice restaurant
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽ · ≈ 108 CNY
Coffee (Cappuccino)
Average price for a cappuccino
$3.50
≈ 294 ₽ · ≈ 25 CNY
Beer (0.5L)
Average price for a 0.5L beer
$2.50
≈ 210 ₽ · ≈ 18 CNY
Water (1.5L)
Average price for a 1.5L bottle of water
$0.60
≈ 50 ₽ · ≈ 4 CNY
Pizza
Average price for a pizza
$8.00
≈ 671 ₽ · ≈ 58 CNY
Burger
Average price for a burger
$6.00
≈ 504 ₽ · ≈ 43 CNY
Dessert
Average price for a dessert
$3.00
≈ 252 ₽ · ≈ 22 CNY
Fast Food Combo
Average price for a fast food combo
$5.00
≈ 420 ₽ · ≈ 36 CNY
Transport
Airport Taxi
Average taxi fare from the airport to the city centre
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽ · ≈ 108 CNY
Public Transport
Average price for a single public transport ticket
$0.40
≈ 34 ₽ · ≈ 3 CNY
Short Taxi Ride
Average fare for a short taxi ride
$3.00
≈ 252 ₽ · ≈ 22 CNY
Car Rental (per day)
Average daily rate for an economy car rental
$45.00
≈ 3 776 ₽ · ≈ 324 CNY
Airport transfer Putivator
Comfortable transfer — Putivator
Book
Activities and rentals
Bike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a bike or scooter
$5.00
≈ 420 ₽ · ≈ 36 CNY
Motorbike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a motorbike or scooter
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽ · ≈ 72 CNY
Excursion
Average price for an organised excursion
$40.00
≈ 3 357 ₽ · ≈ 288 CNY
Yacht / Boat Cruise
Average price for a boat cruise
$80.00
≈ 6 714 ₽ · ≈ 576 CNY
Tiqets — museums & landmarks Haikou Partner
Museums, parks, tours - Tiqets
Find
Shopping
Shopping
Average amount spent on shopping
$60.00
≈ 5 035 ₽ · ≈ 432 CNY
Souvenirs
Average amount spent on souvenirs
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽ · ≈ 108 CNY
Tourist SIM / Internet
Average price for a tourist SIM card
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽ · ≈ 72 CNY
eSIM for travellers Partner
Internet in 200+ countries — Yesim
Connect
Frequently asked questions
Haikou: when is the best time to go?
The best season for a holiday is November-April. At this time of year the weather is the most comfortable: minimal chance of rain, moderate humidity and optimal air temperature. This is also when the tourist infrastructure runs at full capacity — all hotels, restaurants and entertainment are open. If you want to save money, consider the period right after the high season ends: accommodation prices are lower, and the weather is still pleasant. You can check the temperature by month in the match-by-month tool.
Haikou: what is the weather like in summer?
In summer, the air warms up to an average of +36.0°C, during the day — up to +33.0°C. This is a great time for beach holidays and long walks. Sunscreen is recommended during the peak hours from 11:00 to 16:00.
Haikou: what is the weather like in winter?
In winter, the air temperature stays around +15.0°C, during the day — up to +23.0°C. For the winter period these are very comfortable figures that allow swimming and sunbathing. Evenings can be cooler, so a light jacket will not go amiss.
Haikou: what is the sea temperature?
The sea near the resort warms up to an average of +30.0°C in the warm season. This water temperature is considered ideal for long swims — you can stay in the sea for hours without discomfort. The water is comfortable for both adults and children. If you want to know the exact temperature by month, use the match-by-month tool.
Haikou: when is the rainy season?
The rainy season falls on August-October. During this period rainfall is more frequent, but usually short — the rain lasts 1-2 hours, after which the sun comes out again. Humidity is higher, so being outside may be less comfortable. At the same time, accommodation and flight prices during the rainy season are significantly lower — an excellent option for a budget holiday.
Haikou: what are the beaches like?
The beaches here are with a "sand" surface, white sand, moderate water. The most popular beaches: Xiuying Beach. The beaches have sunbeds and cafes and bars.
Haikou: is it safe to swim in the sea?
Swimming is allowed here, but standard precautions should be taken. The overall danger level in the sea is rated as low — you can swim and enjoy water sports without worry. Lifeguards are on duty on the beaches.
Haikou: what are the sea hazards?
The sea contains: jellyfish. Jellyfish possible in the warm season, swimming on guarded beaches recommended. It is recommended to swim in special shoes and avoid contact with marine life.
Haikou: how much does a holiday cost?
A holiday for one person will cost around $56.00 (≈ 4 700 ₽ · ≈ 403 CNY) per day. The daily budget includes: a 3-star hotel, lunch at a cafe, dinner at a restaurant, drinking water, two public transport trips. Flights are not included in the calculation. You can calculate the cost of your holiday in more detail in the trip planning calculator across all 70 parameters.
Haikou: how much does accommodation cost?
Accommodation is available for every budget: a hostel dorm bed — $8.00 per night, a 3-star hotel room — $35.00 per night, a 4-star hotel — $70.00 per night, a five-star hotel — $150.00 per night, an apartment — $45.00 per night, a villa — $130.00 per night. In high season prices can be 20-30% higher, and in low season — lower.
Haikou: how much does food cost?
Food is one of the main expense items: lunch at an affordable cafe — $5.00, dinner at a restaurant — $15.00, a cup of cappuccino — $3.50, a 0.5L beer — $2.50, a 1.5L bottle of water — $0.60. You can eat significantly cheaper at markets and street cafes.
Haikou: how much does transport cost?
a taxi from the airport — $15.00, a single public transport ticket — $0.40, a short taxi ride — $3.00, car rental — $45.00 per day. Public transport is the most budget-friendly way to get around.
Haikou: what is there to see?
Among the main attractions are: Qilou Old Street — Colonial arcades with shops, cafes and restaurants; Volcanic Park — Park with craters and lava fields; Temple of Five Deities — Ancient temple dedicated to five deities; Xiuying Beach — Scenic sandy beach with clear water. These places are worth visiting first to get a full impression of the destination.
Haikou: what local food should I try?
Be sure to try the local cuisine: Hainanese Chicken Rice — Rice cooked in chicken broth, served with chicken; Coconut Soup — Soup with coconut milk and seafood; Fresh Seafood — Catch from the South China Sea. Local dishes are an important part of the travel experience.
Haikou: what are the best areas to stay?
For accommodation you can consider the following areas: Qilou — Historic area with colonial architecture; Xiuying — Coastal area with a beach and hotels; Haidian — Modern area with shopping centres. The choice of area depends on your preferences: active or relaxing holiday.
Haikou: is a visa required?
Visa: not required. Before your trip, be sure to check the current requirements with official sources, as the rules may change.
Haikou: how do I get from the airport?
The nearest airport — Международный аэропорт Хайкоу Мэйлань (code HAK). You can get from the airport to the centre by taxi, the average cost is $15.00. Public transport is also available — a more budget-friendly option.
Haikou: what is the currency and how much money should I take?
Currency — CNY. It is recommended to have cash for small expenses and a bank card for larger purchases. The approximate daily budget is $56.00 (≈ 4 700 ₽ · ≈ 403 CNY). Check the current exchange rate before your trip.
Haikou: is it suitable for a holiday with children?
Yes, the destination is excellent for a family holiday with children. It has all the necessary infrastructure: well-maintained beaches, cafes and restaurants with children's menus, and entertainment for all ages.
Haikou: what is the nightlife like?
Nightlife is rated as medium. There is a good choice of bars and restaurants, but without excessive noise.
Haikou: where can I go nearby?
Nearby you can visit: Sanya — Resort city with beaches 2 hours away; Wenchang — City with a spaceport 1 hour away; Qionghai — City with beaches and temples 1.5 hours away. These places are convenient to visit on a day trip.

Putivator rating

8/10
Overall rank: 111 of 2 709
Rank among coastal: 67