Day 1｜Understanding the Old Times of a City in the Deep Alleys of the Arcades
Route: Arcade Old Street → Clock Tower → Xitianmiao Snack Street → Yundong Library → Ocean University South Gate Night Market
On the first day, I deliberately avoided distant attractions, wanting only to immerse myself in Haikou's "daily life."
The Qilou Old Street (Zhongshan Road, Longhua District, free, open all day) is the most soulful place in Haikou in my heart. Built by Hainanese overseas Chinese who returned to their hometown after venturing to Southeast Asia, it features nearly 600 two- or three-story colonnaded arcade buildings. The Baroque parapets blend with the simplicity of northern Hainan residences. Walking through the colonnades of Zhongshan Road feels like stepping into an old Southeast Asian dream. I recommend visiting the Tianhou Temple (dedicated to Mazu) and the Nanyang Qilou Culture Exhibition Hall along the way; both are free and photogenic.
At the end of the old street is the Haikou Clock Tower (No. 20 Changdi Road, free). The red clock tower is a Haikou landmark; when it's lit up in the evening, it frames the coconut trees, creating a truly immersive atmosphere.
At noon, I headed to Xitianmiao Snack Street for lunch—a place locals consider the "core area of Hainan cuisine." I ate Wu Ribiao's garlic fried pork ribs (golden and crispy), Yao Ji's spicy soup rice (the pepper flavor was so strong it made my nose sweat, yet strangely addictive), Zhen Dafu's salted guava/salted lemonade (salty-sweet and refreshing, a lifesaver for cutting through grease), and a bowl of Ya Mei Hainan noodles (the gravy is rich and flavorful, can be eaten dry or wet). This meal solidified my positive impression of Haikou's vibrant, down-to-earth atmosphere.
This afternoon is reserved for Yundong Library (Century Square Road) On the 1st, admission is free, but reservations must be made 7 days in advance via the "Haikou Yundong Library" WeChat official account at 0:00. Daily visitor limit is 500 people. Open Tuesday to Sunday 10:00-22:00, closed Mondays (children under 10 are not allowed). The pure white, streamlined building is nestled by the sea, its arched opening framing the azure sea and the Century Bridge into a natural painting—no wonder tickets are so hard to get. I managed to snag a morning session and sat on the seaside steps watching the sunset over "Orange Sea" for an hour; it was truly therapeutic.
In the evening, I headed straight to the night market near the South Gate of Hainan University (the area around the South Gate of Hainan University). The barbecue, herbal dessert, fried food, and fruit stalls were bustling with activity. Finish with a bowl of Coconut Delight Tea from Yeyutang, a perfect blend of coconut milk, red beans, barley, and watermelon—just the right amount of sweetness.
Personal experience: The best way to experience the Qilou Old Street isn't by "checking off photos," but by finding a local teahouse, sitting down, ordering a pot of partridge tea with some fried snacks, and watching the local grandpas and grandmas chat leisurely—that's the true rhythm of Haikou.
Day 2｜From a Thousand-Year Cultural Heritage to the Cinema of the Republic of China: Understanding Hainan's "Spiritual Manuscript" in One Day
Route: Provincial Museum → Municipal Museum (Wugong Temple) → North and South Fruit Market → Feng Xiaogang Movie Town
I wanted to catch up on history on the second day.
The Hainan Provincial Museum (No. 68 Guoxing Avenue, Qiongshan District, Hainan Province, free admission, rating 4.8) is the best starting point for a comprehensive understanding of Hainan's history and culture. From Li ethnic brocade weaving and the Maritime Silk Road to overseas Chinese migrating to Southeast Asia, a two-hour guided tour will leave you in awe of this island.
Then, you can walk to the Wugong Temple (No. 169 Haifu Road, Qiongshan District; adult ticket 17 yuan, concession ticket 12 yuan, 8:00-18:00, last entry at 17:30). It is known as "Hainan's First Building," commemorating five famous officials (Li Deyu, Li Gang, etc.) who were exiled to Hainan during the Tang and Song dynasties. The temple also contains the Su Gong Temple (commemorating Su Dongpo) and the Fusu Spring.
Standing beneath the plaque proclaiming "Hainan's First Building," one truly grasps the weight of the Central Plains' cultural heritage that this island once inherited. The city museum is actually located within the Wugong Temple complex, so I visited it as well.
In the afternoon, I went to the North-South Fruit Market to stock up on tropical fruits—mangoes, wax apples, dragon fruit, and custard apples—at much more affordable prices than in the tourist area. I ate my fill on the spot.
The highlight is the Mission Hills Huayi Brothers Feng Xiaogang Movie Town (No. 19 Yangshan Avenue, Longhua District; all-inclusive ticket for all three areas is approximately 185-238 RMB for adults, 9:00-22:00). It combines 1942 Youth (retro Republic of China street), the filming location of "Youth", the Nanyang Tide Scenic Area, and the Dongfanghong Scenic Area into one place. The streets, clock tower, and the Avenue of Celebrity Handprints are all real locations. I changed into a cheongsam (the scenic area offers a makeup and styling package) and took so many photos in the Youth Courtyard and Nanyang Square that my memory card exploded; the 16:00 live performance "Nanyang Past - Nanyang Afternoon" is definitely worth watching.
When the lights come on at night, the entire neighborhood seems to have stepped back in time, with an atmosphere even more mesmerizing than during the day.
Personal experience: The value for money of the Movie Town depends on whether you're willing to "get into the story." If you're just going through the motions, it might feel expensive; but if you treat it as an immersive theatrical experience—including costume changes, photo opportunities, and a performance—it's worth the ticket price.
Day 3｜Integrating Sea Breeze, Duty-Free Shopping, and Art into One Day
Route: cdf Haikou Duty-Free City → Seaview Platform → Xixiu Beach → Wanlv Park → Sky Mountain
Day 3: The "Modern Haikou" Route.
Haikou International Duty-Free City (No. 5 Haise Road, Xiuying District, 10:00-22:00) is the world's largest single duty-free shop. It's quite far from the city center, so it's recommended to allow 3-4 hours. Note: Duty-free shopping requires your ID card and departure certificate (airline/high-speed rail/ferry ticket). The annual quota is 100,000 RMB per person. It offers a wide selection of luxury goods, cosmetics, and digital products. The giant "flying escalator" is a great spot for photos. If you have a tight schedule or are staying in the city center, you can consider visiting the Riyue Plaza Duty-Free Shop (Guoxing Avenue, the preferred choice in the city center, convenient transportation). In the afternoon, head north along the west coast. The viewing platform and Xixiu Beach are locals' "back garden" for enjoying the sea—less crowded, windy, and with expansive views, perfect for relaxing. Holiday Beach is also in this area (we'll explore it in more detail on Day 4), so just admire it from afar for now.
Next, head back to the city center and visit Wanlv Park (next to Binhai Avenue, a free large lawn park). Coconut groves, grass, and sea views line the park, making it a top choice for Haikou residents to relax on weekends. A casual stroll here will make you feel refreshed.
The final stop is Sky Mountain (a new landmark on the coastal walkway, adjacent to the Yundong Library area), a white-domed building with a sea view. The atmosphere is gentle when the lights are on in the evening, forming the "Twin Stars of Haikou's Coastal Arts and Culture" with the Yundong Library.
Personal experience: Unless you're a shopping enthusiast, there's no need to queue for half a day at the duty-free shop—I'd rather spend my time on the West Coast coastal walkway.
A stroll along the route from Cloud Cave to Sky Mountain, watching the sunset over Haikou, is more therapeutic than any shopping mall. Day 4 | Deep Breathing in the Crater, Saying Goodbye to the Animals Route: Volcanic Cluster Geopark → Holiday Beach → Swan Lake Animal Base → Return Trip Finish your "nature" journey on the last day. Leiqiong Haikou Volcanic Cluster World Geopark (No. 89, Fengjing Road, Shishan Town, Xiuying District; Peak season 54 RMB, Off-season 45 RMB, Half price for students/over 60 years old, 8:00-18:00, last entry at 17:30, approximately 15 km from the city center). It's the only coastal volcanic geological park in China. Climbing to the 222.8-meter summit, the highest point in Haikou, offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the volcanic cluster, the city, and the Qiongzhou Strait. A trail leads down to the bottom of the Ma'anling crater, about 90 meters deep, allowing for close-up views of lava walls, volcanic bombs, and porous rocks. You can also walk through a natural underground lava tunnel (about 780 meters long, cool and temperature-controlled inside). I arrived around 8 am, avoiding the high temperatures; the concentration of negative ions felt like a forest bath.
After descending the mountain, head to Holiday Beach (Xiuying District Coastal Avenue) to enjoy the sea breeze and wade in the water, adding a "beach ritual" to this island trip.
The last stop is Haikou Swan Lake Animal Base (east side of Qingchun East Bank, Guilin Yang Avenue, Meilan District; adults approximately 80 RMB, children 50 RMB, last entry 8:30-18:30, 17:30). This is a free-range ecological park where you can interact closely with hundreds of animals including black swans, white swans, flamingos, lemurs, tortoises, and parrots—buy 10 RMB/serving of special feeding food to feed the lemurs, or take a 30-minute pedal boat ride for 30 RMB to feed the waterfowl. The pink flamingo valley is perfect for taking photos. Even if you're not with kids, it's easy to be healed by these "natives."
Afterwards, collect your luggage and proceed to Meilan Airport (airport duty-free shop 6:00-23:00, you can restock before leaving the island), concluding your four-day trip.
个人体会：火山口+天鹅湖这条线一个在西南、一个在东北，距离不近，建议自驾或打车串联最顺；若靠公车会较耗时。这一天节奏放松些，把傍晚留给机场前的清补凉，刚刚好。
必吃清单
海南粉、抱罗粉、辣汤饭、蒜香炸排骨、老盐水果饮、清补凉、老爸茶
海口不会用「惊艳」留住你，它用的是一种慢下来的温柔——骑楼廊下的茶香、西海岸的落日、火山口的那口凉风。四天刚好够你从「过客」变成「暂时住在这里的人」。
Updated:2026-08-14 17:33:42
