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Haikou

Sun, 05/09/2010 - 12:32
Located on the northern coast of Hainan Island, Haikou is the provincial capital of Hainan. Before the 1990s, when Hainan was but a remote part of Guangdong province, Haikou was a relatively quiet, insignificant mid-sized city. Since then, with the creation of Hainan Province and rapid growth of tourism on the island, Haikou has grown substantially and has served as an important stop for many tourists on their way to various resort areas on Hainan Island. The city is 33 km across the Qiongzhou Strait from the mainland China.

Attractions

  • Dongzhaigang Mangrove Natural Reserve (Dongzhaigang Hongshulin Baohuqu)

    Dongzhaigang Mangrove Natural Reserve is approximately 30 km east of central Haikou. Half-submerged tropical trees cover the coastal area that extends over 50 km along the coast, making an impressive sight. The area is also a haven for about 150 species of birds, who make the mangrove jungle their home. Dongzhaigang Mangrove Natural Reserve is the first and also the largest of its kind.

  • Fort Xiuying (Xiuying Paotai)

    Fort Xiuying was built in the late 19th century, in the aftermath of the Sino-French war. The fort occupies 3 hectares of land and is consisted of five gun turrets, which are equipped with Krupp-made canons. The fort is located in western Haikou.

  • Haikou Geological Park of Volcanic Craters (Haikou Huoshankou Dizhi Gongyuan

    Over 13,000 years ago, there were numerous volcanoes in the northern region of what is today Hainan Island. Testifying to what happened back then are the 30-odd volcanic craters that are situated 15 km southwest of Haikou. Today, these volcanic craters make the main attraction of a geological park.

  • Haikou Holiday Beach (Jiari Haitan)

    This is the prime beach of Haikou that lies northwest of the city. Measured 7 km in length, the beach is a popular place for swimming, sunbathing, boating, dinning, theater-going and other recreational activities. One can also just come here to while time away amidst white sand, blue sea, and beautiful coconut trees. The beach is located 10 km from the city center.

  • Hainan Tropical Wildlife Park (Hainan Redai Yesheng Dongzhiwuyuan)

    Hainan Tropical Wildlife Park is located 27 km south of Haikou. Occupying 1.3 sq. km of land, it presents over 200 specicies of animals as they roam the ground of the park, including elephants, lions,rhinos, alligator... The park is also a botanical garden that showcase tropical plants.

  • Temple of Five Lords (Wugongci)

    Built in the 19th century, Wu Gong Ci is located in the southeastern district of Haikou. The temple was established to honor five prominent ministers and scholars of the Tang and Song dynasties (7th-13th century) who lived in Hainan as exiles. Today, the temple is one of the several traditional buildings that together form a garden-like scenic area, occupying 7 hectares (17 acres) of land.

  • Tomb of Hai Rui (Hai Rui Mu)

    Famed for his loyalty and uprightness, Hai Rui was a minister and judge who lived in the 16th century, during the Ming Dynasty. A legend in Chinese history and folklore, Hai was a native of Hainan Island. His tomb is part of a memorial park that include a hundred-meter long "spirit way", a monument established in the 16th century, and a small museum that records his life. The tomb is located in the southwestern part of Haikou.

  • Wanlüyuan (Evergreen Park)

    Located on the seashore of Haikou and measuring over 85 hectares (200 acres) of land, Wanlüyuan is a urban park that features tropical and subtropical plants. The garden-like park combines greens, sandy beach and recreation facilities such as playgrounds and golf courses, making a convenient and fun place to enjoy for the Haikou residents and its visitors alike.

Haikou Transportation


Airport:

Haikou Meilan International Airport is 15 km southeast of Haikou. The airport is connected to the city by shuttle buses, city buses and taxis.

Railway Station:

Haikou Railway Station (Haikou Huoche Zhan) is located 20 km west of the city center. This where train cars arrive on ferries that come across the Qiongzhou Strait and where trains depart to go farther south on Hainan Island. Haikou Train Station is linked to Haikou with city buses and taxis.

Long Distance Bus Stations:

Haikou Long Distance Bus General Station (Haikou Changtu Qiche Zong Zhan), No. 14 Nanbao Road, mostly mainland-bound buses
. Haikou Long Distance Bus West Station (Haikou Changtu Qiche Xi Zhan), Haixiu Xi Road at Xizhan Road, mostly for buses that go to the western and southern destinations on Hainan Island. Haikou Long Distance Bus Southern Station (Haikou Changtu Qiche Nan Zhan), close to the intersection of Nanhai Avenue and Longquan Nan Road, mostly for buses serving the eastern and central routes on the island. Haikou Long Distance Bus East Station (Haikou Changtu Qiche Dong Zhan), No. 148 Haifu Road, mostly for buses serving the eastern routes on the island.

Taxi:

¥10 for the first 3 km; ¥2 for each additional km.

Ports

Port Xiuying (Xiuying Gang), on Binhai Avenue, close to Haigang Road, with ferry services to Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Beihai, Zhanjiang, Haian, and Hong Kong. New Port (Xin Gang), No. 1 Xingang Road, east of Century Bridge (Shiji Daqiao) and north of Changdi Road, with ferry services to Haian and Zhanjiang. Buses and trains are ferried across Qiongzhou Strait.

Haikou Map



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