Haikou
From ChinaTravelGuide
South China (华南) » Hainan (海南) » Haikou (海口)
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[edit] Overview
Haikou, sometimes called "Coconut City," is the political, economic, and cultural center of Hainan Province. It is also its transportation hub. It has a population of 1.73 million people, pleasant weather and a friendly atmosphere. Because of its tropical location, Haikou has a wonderful climate with an average annual temperature of 23.8 degrees Celsius, a long summer and no winter. The air, water and environmental cleanliness of Haikou all rank among the top in the nation. Haikou has blue skies, a lush green landscape, crystal clear seas and white sand beaches.
[edit] History
Haikou is a young provincial capital but a famous historical city. It has its origins in the Han Dynasty (206 B.C-A.D.220). By the 13th century the city was already well established as a trading port and was an important part of the Maritime Silk Road.
Haikou's famous "Five Street area" has a unique blend of Chinese, Southeast Asian and Western Architecture. These streets have witnessed the transformation of Haikou from an old port town to a flourishing coastal city.
[edit] Getting in & Getting out
[edit] By Air
[edit] By Train
[edit] By Bus
[edit] By Ship
[edit] Getting Around
[edit] By Public Bus
[edit] By Tour Bus
[edit] By Metro
[edit] By Taxi & Rental Car
[edit] Attractions
Haikou's natural features – hot springs, marine forests, undersea villages, tropical wildlife parks and botanical gardens – and its many first-rate golf courses make it a popular holiday destination.
Cultural attractions include an aboriginal village exhibiting the culture of the Li minority, the famous Wu Gong Ci temple and the tombs of Hai Rui and Qiu Jun.
Haikou Crater Park (Huoshankou Gongyuan) is a 4A-level scenic spot in China. It is located in Hainan Province. Known as an international geological park, the volcanic crater, one of the most complete in the world, is located about fifteen kilometers southwest of the city of Haikou. Easily reached by highway, the crater is a remnant of a volcano that has lay dormant for 10,000 years. The area is an important source for scientific research as well as a popular tourist attraction.
Wugongsi literarily means "Five Officials Temple." Located in the city of Haikou, in Hainan Province, the Temple is a national 3A-level scenic spot. It is one of the oldest buildings in the capital, and an important symbol of China's cultural heritage. Constructed in the Ming Dynasty, it tells the story of five famous officials that were exiled to Hainan for speaking out against the Emperors.
[edit] Hotels
[edit] Budget
[edit] Luxury
- Baohua Harbour View Hotel
- Haikou Hotel
- Haikou Huitong Hotel
- Haikou Tower Hotel
- Haikou Treasure Island Hotel
- Hainan Asgard Hotel
- Hainan Huatian Hotel
- Hainan New Hot Spring Hotel
- Hainan Xinyuan Hot Spring Hotel
- Hainan Yehai Hotel
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Besides delicious seafood, Haikou is known for producing aromatic coffee and a plethora of fruits and nuts. Here are just a few examples of the myriad unique specialties Haikou, the capital city of Hainan Province, has to offer.
Rambutan
Rambutans are round, oval-shaped red fruit with soft thorns, tasting much like litchi. Native to Malaysia, they mature from June to August, four months after flowering.
Banana
Hainan, with its tropical climate, is perfect for growing bananas. Banana farms dot the island, as Hainan's bananas are favored throughout China, well-known for their sweet pulp.
Litchi (also known as lychee)
Known as the "King of Fruit," litchis are both palatable and nourishing. The white fleshy fruit comes wrapped in a reddish peel, which must be taken off before eating.
Longan
Longans look and taste much like litchis. They are smaller than litchis, and have yellow-brown peels instead of red ones. The fruit's leaf, flower, root, and seed can all be used as medicine.
Pineapple
Looking like big pinecones, pineapples have bumpy but nice-looking skin and sweet, yellow, juicy pulp.
Olive
Olives are small oily fruit. They are the source for olive oil.
Monkey bread
Monkey bread is sticky, gooey fruit that tastes like bread after being roasted.
Coconut
Coconuts are large, hard-shelled fruit with edible white flesh and lots of juice. When seen on a coconut palm, they are green in color. As they age, they turn brown; their hard shell is often used for creating coconut jewelry or other decorative items.
Cashew
Cashews are kidney-shaped nuts, eaten after roasting.
