Haikou sits on the north coast of Hainan Island, at the mouth of the Nandu River, facing the mainland across the Qiongzhou Strait. It is the island's capital and its main port, a low-lying, flat city where the sea breeze and the tropical climate shape daily life. The old treaty-port history is visible in the arcaded shophouses of Qilou Old Street, while newer commercial streets and waterfront areas have grown up around it.
For a visitor, the city divides into a handful of practical bases. The historic centre puts you among the old streets and the day-to-day commerce of the city. Longhua District, inland and central, is where much of the hotel stock clusters. Haidian Island lies to the north, separated from the main city by the Haidian River and reached by four bridges, the largest being Haikou Century Bridge. The east riverside area along the Qiongshan Avenue side is quieter and more resort-like. This guide covers which of these areas to choose, and what kind of accommodation to expect at each budget level.
Best areas to stay in Haikou
1. Longhua District
Longhua District is the central, inland part of Haikou and the most straightforward base for a first visit. Much of the city's accommodation is concentrated here, from budget chain hotels to four-star business properties, and several addresses sit close to city attractions, shopping malls and business establishments. If you want to be within easy reach of the sights and the commercial heart of the city, this is the area to start with.
It suits first-time visitors and business travellers in particular. The district is flat and central, so getting around is simple, and you will find the widest spread of room types and price levels here.
2. Qilou Old Street and the old town
The old town is built around Qilou Old Street, whose arcaded buildings blend Southern Chinese and colonial styles from Haikou's treaty-port past. The surrounding streets hold some of the oldest surviving buildings in the city, a mix of Portuguese, French and Southeast Asian influences, and were historically divided by trade, with separate streets for medicine, silk and bespoke clothes, fresh fish and meat, and incense, candles and paper goods.
Staying here puts you inside the historic fabric of the city rather than beside it. It suits travellers who want to walk out of the door into the old streets and who value atmosphere over modern facilities. Note that restoration and preservation projects for these buildings are still under discussion, so parts of the area are in flux.
3. Haidian Island
Haidian Island forms the northern part of the city, separated from the main part of Haikou by the Haidian River. It is reached by four bridges, the largest being Haikou Century Bridge, which connects the Guomao district with the island at the estuary. Hainan University's main campus is here.
This is a good choice if you want a slightly removed base with a direct bridge link back into the city. It suits longer stays and anyone with business or study ties to the university. Because the island is separated by the river, plan on crossing a bridge whenever you head for the old town or the central districts.
4. East riverside and Qiongshan Avenue
The east riverside area, along Qiongshan Avenue, is where you find the resort-style end of Haikou's accommodation, including larger properties with spa and leisure facilities in a seaside setting. It is more spread out and quieter than the centre.
It suits travellers who want space, leisure facilities and a waterfront setting, and who do not mind being away from the old town. Some properties here run courtesy shuttle buses to the city centre, which makes the distance manageable for sightseeing.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: Dormitory beds and simple private rooms in hostels, and two-star chain hotels with basic rooms and in-room internet. Expect the widest choice in the central districts.
- Mid-range: Three- and four-star hotels, often with air-conditioning, cable TV and internet access, and sometimes additional facilities such as restaurants, banquet or meeting space, and hot spring water in the rooms.
- Splurge: Four- and five-star properties, including resort-style hotels with spa centres, multiple restaurants, pools, gardens and convention facilities, some in a seaside setting with shuttle service to the city centre.
Best area for a first visit
Longhua District is the best base for a first visit. It is central, it holds the largest concentration of hotels across all price levels, and several properties there are close to city attractions, shopping malls and business establishments. From there you can reach the old town and the rest of the city without committing to a riverside or island location.
Frequently asked questions
How do I find and check hotels in Haikou?
As in other Chinese cities, you can use booking apps to see hotels in Haikou, look at the pictures, and then visit the hotel in person to check the rooms before committing.
Which part of the city is easiest for getting around?
The central districts are the simplest base. Haikou is almost completely flat and only a few metres above sea level, so walking and short rides are easy, but Haidian Island is separated from the main city by the Haidian River and reached only by four bridges.
When should I plan around the weather?
April to October is the active period for tropical storms and typhoons, most of which occur between August and September. May to October is the rainy season, with the heaviest rainfall in September.
Is the city centre within reach of the seaside resorts?
Some resort properties in the east riverside area offer a courtesy shuttle bus service to the city centre of Haikou for guests who want to explore the city.
Compare live prices for your dates with the booking tools on this page before you decide where to base yourself.