Haikou Zhongshan Road

海口中山路

Zhongshan Road in Haikou is a very famous old street with baroque architectural styles.

Introduction

  • Attraction Location: Haikou City, Hainan Province, China (海南省海口市)

  • History: Zhongshan Road is one of Haikou’s oldest commercial streets, named after Sun Yat-sen (Sun Zhongshan, 孙中山). It dates back to the early 20th century and was the city’s main business and trade center during the colonial period. The street reflects Hainan’s historical blend of local and foreign influences.

  • Architecture: The street is famous for its Qilou-style (骑楼) buildings—arcaded shophouses with a mix of Western and Southern Chinese architectural features. These buildings feature covered walkways, colorful facades, and traditional decorative motifs, preserving Haikou’s historic urban landscape.

  • Cultural Value: Zhongshan Road is a living heritage site, representing Haikou’s cultural, commercial, and social history. It is a vibrant area where locals and tourists mingle, shop, and experience traditional Hainan culture, street snacks, and festivals.

Visiting Information

  • Opening Hours: Open 24 hours (best visited during daytime)

  • Ticket Price: Free to enter; individual shops and attractions may charge small fees.

  • Best Photo Spots: Qilou buildings along the street, colorful shop signs, evening street lights, local street performances.

  • Time Reference: 1–3 hours depending on shopping and dining interests.

Where to Sleep (Nearby Hotels & Stays)

  • Luxury:
    Haikou Hilton Hotel (海口希尔顿酒店)
    Hainan Guesthouse (海南迎宾馆)
  • Mid-range:
    Golden Coast Lawton Hotel (金海岸罗顿大酒店)
    Hainan Airlines International Hotel (海航国际酒店)
  • Budget & Boutique:
    Haikou Banana Hostel (海口香蕉青年旅舍)
    Haikou International Hostel (海口国际青年旅舍)

What & Where to Eat

  • Must-Try Dishes:
    Hainanese Chicken Rice (海南鸡饭)
    Wenchang Chicken (文昌鸡)
    Jiaji Duck (加积鸭)
    Hele Crab (和乐蟹)
    Coconut Rice (椰子饭)
    Local street snacks (海南粉, 海南糕)
  • Famous Spots:
    Zhongshan Road Food Street (中山路美食街)
    Qilou Snack Shops (骑楼老街小吃店)
    Local Seafood Restaurants nearby

What Souvenirs to Buy

  • Coconut-based products (椰子糖, 椰子糕)
    Hainan coffee (海南咖啡)
    Tropical fruits (tamarind, dragon fruit)
    Local handicrafts and pearl jewelry

Transportation

  • By Taxi: Easily accessible from Haikou downtown; fares around 15–20 RMB from central areas.
  • By Bus: Multiple city bus routes pass near Zhongshan Road; stops include Zhongshan Road Station (中山路站).
  • By Bicycle/Walking: From nearby attractions like Wugong Temple (五公祠) or Haikou People’s Park (人民公园), it is 10–15 minutes walk.

Nearby Attractions

  • Wugong Temple (五公祠) – 1.5 km, 5–10 min taxi or 20 min walk
  • Haikou People’s Park (海口人民公园) – 1 km, 10–15 min walk
  • Qilou Old Street (骑楼老街) – 0.5 km, adjacent along the same street

Tips for Visitors

  • Wear comfortable shoes; the street is best explored on foot.
  • Visit in the late afternoon to enjoy cooler temperatures and lively street activities.
  • Carry cash; small vendors may not accept mobile payment.
  • Try local street food in small portions before committing to larger meals.
  • Respect shopkeepers and avoid blocking walkways while taking photos.
  • Evenings offer good photography for the lit-up Qilou buildings.

Recommended itineraries

  • Half-day Heritage Tour:
    Zhongshan Road (中山路, morning) → Qilou Old Street (骑楼老街, 5 min walk) → Wugong Temple (五公祠, 10 min taxi)
  • Full-day Food & Culture Tour:
    D1: Zhongshan Road (中山路, morning) → Lunch at Zhongshan Road Food Street (中山路美食街) → Haikou People’s Park (海口人民公园, 10 min walk) → Afternoon at Hainan Provincial Museum (海南省博物馆, 5 min taxi) → Evening stroll back to Zhongshan Road for dinner and night photos.
  • 2-Day Haikou Exploration:
    D1: Zhongshan Road (中山路) → Qilou Old Street (骑楼老街) → Wugong Temple (五公祠)
    D2: Holiday Beach (假日海滩, 30 min taxi) → Haikou Volcano Park (海口火山口公园, 40 min drive) → Dongzhai Mangrove Reserve (东寨港红树林保护区, 50 min drive from Volcano Park)

User Reviews

By There is a silent sea in my heart |

A branch of Qilou Old Street, surrounded by many local specialties.

By because of you |

Zhongshan Road was named after Sun Yat-sen, who once rested in a pavilion along the road. Its geographical coordinates are 20°02′N, 110°20′E. The road runs east-west in the middle of Haikou's old city.

By Xinxin |

It is located in the center of Qilou Old Street, with many snacks.

By NBA |

This is also part of the Qilou Old Street, so it would be nice to take a stroll here.

By Non-remainder czj |

Zhongshan Road is located in Haikou City, Hainan Province. The road is short and not wide, but it is the earliest commercial street in the old city. It is well-known not only in Hainan, but also in Southeast Asia.

By silver |

The building has a little bit of Nanyang style, but nothing particularly attractive. I was a little disappointed when I came here because of its reputation.

By Charles |

In the old town area of ​​Haikou, Zhongshan Road seems to be a specially protected area with a similar isolated pedestrian passage, forming a completely pedestrian street. Compared with the other old streets with arcades and the constant flow of vehicles and chaotic motorcycles, here you can appreciate the surrounding buildings more quietly.

I remember there seemed to be a place you could visit where you could get a free Haikou tourist map. There was also a Mazu Temple - Tianhou Palace, which was quite big. You could go in and worship Mazu.

What impressed me most was that many of the arcades had a lot of plants hanging on the floors.

By Sophie |

We visited Haikou's Qilou Old Street, a recent internet sensation. This old street was recently renovated. Compared to the bustling commercial street next door, the pedestrian walkway was sparsely populated, and the facades of the buildings on both sides were a bit shabby.

Many years ago, Zhongshan Road was a bustling commercial center near Haikou Port. Its terraces exuded a relaxed, Southeast Asian atmosphere, where merchants and sailors from around the world gathered to trade. Recent reconstruction has transported visitors back to that era.

The most interesting thing is the sculptures on the streets, which vividly tell the stories of the past to the children.

By Dog Meat Pancake |

Zhongshan Road is currently the main street for commercial development of the Qilou Old Street and is also a gathering area for tourists. The arcades in the old street have been renovated, and various businesses have settled on the first floor facing the street, combining the simplicity of the old street with modern trends, giving it a brand new atmosphere.

By Goodbye. Time |

I went to Hainan last summer vacation. The sand and beaches in Hainan are very fine, the water is very clear, and the people of Hainan are very warm and welcoming.

By ★JoShun★ |

A great place to visit. Ancient architecture, modern charm

By 🐥Jay Lee |

There are not many people, the scenery is very special, you can take pictures

By 🍒 Cindy |

Anyway, it's that kind of building. I rode a Mobike and it took half an hour to walk around.

By Celtic |

Haikou's most historic streets, arcades, and architectural styles brought back by overseas Chinese have a strong sense of history, and it is now one of the places with a strong sense of life.

By 1111 Sanan Madman |

Zhongshan Road, this name is synonymous with various local snacks in old-style residential areas in many places. The same is true in Haikou. Now it has improved a lot and is considered a pedestrian street with arcade characteristics.

By Otaku |

It is next to the Qilou Old Street, just like that, bustling and leisurely.

By vivid |

A street with Nanyang characteristics. I recommend visiting it if you have time.

By VirusLing |

There are delicious foods on the road. If you don’t know what to eat, come here and take a look and pick something.

By Shinsukeemon doesn't have a sword |

After lunch in the afternoon, I took photos and strolled around the nearby old street. In fact, the Qilou Old Street is not just one street, but a block grid composed of several old roads. The buildings on both sides of the road are in the Nanyang Qilou style, showing the characteristics of local customs.

By Ant Moving |

Zhongshan Road was originally called Huanhaifang (Huanhaifang) because its northern side faced the sea during the reign of Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty. It was called Dajie (Dajie) in the late Qing Dynasty and renamed Zhongshan Road in 1925. The road stretches 388 meters from Boai North Road in the east to Xinhua North Road in the south. Zhongshan Road was once a street of hardware and lighting, with arcades and rows of neon advertisements. It is now primarily a commercial street for Wenzhou residents.

By Jason Qu |

The arcade-style old street in Haikou is the oldest commercial street in the old city of Haikou.

By C Pig |

Hainan’s characteristic arcade old street, now that you are here, why not go for a stroll?

After the double innovation, there is nothing now, but there used to be all kinds of special snacks.

But it doesn't affect our view, right?

Although city view snacks are also very important, unfortunately, they are gone.

When I first came here, I really liked trying to listen to Hainanese because it sounds so nice.

On the contrary, after being here for many years, I now understand what I can understand, but what I don’t understand still doesn’t understand, haha.



Come on, friends, when you come here, chop a coconut, or drink some Qingbuliang, or even have a cup of the old salt lemonade that became popular last year, all of which are excellent~

By ☆Grass head is not grass☆ |

Walk, stop, eat, drink, look and take pictures.

By Zechiable |

When I visited, the buildings had just been renovated. All of the buildings on Qilou Old Street were renovated. Some houses only had a single storefront left, with everything behind newly built structures. Qilou Old Street is quite large overall, and Zhongshan Road could be a pilot project. If the entire Qilou Old Street is renovated (depending on who's doing the renovation...), they're currently seeking businesses. With 30% of the businesses already settled in, there are already four Xinglong Coffee shops. It's a completely unremarkable and chaotic layout, but I heard the government is replanning it soon. I'm looking forward to creating Haikou's "Central Street"!

By Stand on tiptoe |

The old street has a lot of shopping and dining, and is also a must-see.

By Jian Ge |

Just over there on the arcade, a very nice street

By yeluluhua |

As a representative old block in Hainan, the buildings are all in the style of the former foreign trading companies.

By Seven_77🍭 |

This place is very close to the bell tower and the arcade. There are many Hainan local snacks nearby, which only real locals know.

By Xu Xiaoxian Ace |

When you have nothing to do, you can go and have a look, go shopping, and do some shopping.

By Happy Ranger |

Although short and narrow, Zhongshan Road in Haikou is the oldest commercial street in the old city. It is well-known not only in Hainan but also in Southeast Asia. Today, Zhongshan Road has become a window for foreign tourists to understand Hainan's history.

By little witch |

Although short and narrow, Zhongshan Road in Haikou is the oldest commercial street in the old city. It is well-known not only in Hainan but also in Southeast Asia. Today, Zhongshan Road has become a window for foreign tourists to understand Hainan's history.

By A wolf from the northwest |

A very distinctive street with beautiful night view at night

By A boy like the wind |

Looking at the old houses makes people feel cheerful. Although I didn’t grow up in that era, I can feel that it was very prosperous at that time...!

By Danzhou Guliang |

Zhongshan Road is connected to Qilou Old Street. Now it is getting better and better, with things to see, eat, play and shop.

By Silent Valley Facing the Wind |

Zhongshan Road should be merged into one entry with Qilou Old Street.

This is the street with the most local characteristics. You should come here to visit when you come to Haikou.

By Living in seclusion in a mountain town |

A more charming Zhongshan Road! It's just average!

By Five-year-old genius girl |

It was hot at noon when I went to the street inside the arcade and many shops were not open. I felt it was okay, so I just looked around.

By Echo |

The renovated arcade buildings lack some of their historical flavor.

By SosoMomo |

A simple pedestrian street with some small shops.

By Xuanzang's Journey to the Tang Dynasty |

It's very good, you must go there. There are several unique cafes, restaurants and small commodity stores, all of which are quite good! Recommended!

By Le Trade |

This place does not exist at all, it is actually the Old Street of Arcades.

By Kiwen |

It's near Haikou Old Street, very close, you can go shopping

By CASPER |

The commercial street is very lively at night, with many snacks and local specialties.

By Enjoy the scenery along the way |

A good place to take photos, with a strong literary and artistic atmosphere. Just over there on the arcade

By zzyg3966 |

If you go to Haikou, you should go here. It is a good place to understand the life of local people.

By Zhang Laozhuang |

The building is beautiful and the commercial atmosphere is not too strong.

By Island Jiuyue |

The typical arcade landscape has a unique flavor. I recommend everyone to try the Qingbuliang.

By I am a tree |

Nanyang style, near the arcade, you can go sightseeing, maybe you will get unexpected gains~

By huchichi |

Arcade buildings first appeared in ancient Greece over 2,000 years ago, becoming popular in southern Europe and the Mediterranean region in modern times, and then spreading to Southeast Asia. Most of the arcades on Haikou's Old Street were built by waves of overseas Chinese returning from Southeast Asia in the early 20th century, drawing inspiration from the architectural styles of the region. Zhongshan Road, now completely renovated, resembles a newly renovated film and television studio. Haikou's arcade streets initially took shape between the 1920s and 1940s. Merchants and laborers active in Southeast Asia and the mainland's coastal regions became carriers of Nanyang culture, bringing architectural styles and styles from various regions to Haikou, creating a fusion of European and Asian character in Haikou's arcade historical and cultural district. The arcades are relatively modest, mostly two or three stories high, and some still retain the remains of their former businesses, as well as intricate carvings on railings, doors, and windows. After carving out their fortunes in a foreign land, the Hainanese who ventured to Southeast Asia returned home, bringing their life's hard-earned savings with them to build homes and settle down in their old age. Several or more than ten arcades are staggered and connected together, and the long corridors with corridors and columns in front of the shops connect the entire block, which can provide a shelter from the scorching sun and heavy rain for pedestrians, creating a relatively cool environment, and can also become an open communication place for businesses to do business and attract customers.

By Singlemarco |

Zhongshan Road is a main street in Haikou's Qilou Old Street. It is now a pedestrian street. The Qilou buildings along the street have been renovated and are still very nice. There is also a Qilou Old Street History Museum on the road. I recommend you to visit it. Walking on Qilou Old Street, it feels very good.

By Happiness and Joy |

Good, good, good, good, good, good, good, good

By Hello tomorrow |

Haikou Zhongshan Road is the famous old street with arcades.

By Hot eyed cute |

This street has a distinctly foreign charm. Get off at the Bell Tower, walk along the road across from the Bell Tower, turn left at the fork in the road, and walk a few dozen meters to the left until you reach the intersection with Zhongshan Road. You'll recognize it instantly. Zhongshan Road is dotted with several cafes, large and small, all beautifully decorated. There are also many bronze statues adorning Zhongshan Road, perfect for photo ops. Zhongshan Road also hosts various cultural and photography exhibitions, and I've seen them a few times. The foreign charm is worth a visit.

By Exploding ice cream |

The old street has a lot of history, but it's a bit crowded

By Xu0000 |

It's an old street. Very charming. Black tiles and white walls.

By BrighterDay |

There are many small shops with inflated prices, not as good as Taobao

By joke |

Although Zhongshan Road in Haikou is short and not wide, it is the oldest commercial street in the old city. It is well-known not only in Hainan but also in Southeast Asia. Now, Zhongshan Road has become a window for foreign tourists to understand the history of Hainan. Well, it has definitely not been renovated. Although the government has started to repair and protect it, it is old and even a little dilapidated.

By The wind is clear and the clouds are light |

Haikou Old Street has become very beautiful now and is one of the must-see attractions in Haikou.

By k. |

The old architectural style is preserved. The shops have everything. The prices are generally higher than those in Guangzhou. I went shopping there and talked to the boss. He said that things in Hainan are more expensive, but the wages are low because many things have to be shipped back and there are generally fewer processing factories.

By TDFHLK |

The newly renovated arcade and Nanyang-style architecture are worth a visit.

By Wind dances in the distance |

There are countless Zhongshan Roads across China, but the one in Haikou is quite unique. The buildings are mainly Lingnan-style arcades, making it an old street in Haikou.

By You lead the way, I'll follow |

A busy commercial street with many snacks, but it is easy to get ripped off and the prices are a bit expensive.

By mumin1966 |

A relatively busy and prosperous commercial street, it's nice to go shopping if you have nothing to do

By Beautiful West Coast |

Zhongshan Road Old Street is full of old arcades. If you want to see them, you can go and have a look. Dongmen Market is also nearby.

By Ten Wenlong |

The local characteristics are strong, and there are many tea houses for morning tea.

By Ding A smile Ding |

At that time, we were walking on the old street of Zhongsan Road. It was quite short. We stayed in a coffee shop for a while, but I forgot the name. There was also a stage inside.

By A lone sail in the distance |

The streets in Haikou are less crowded, very clean, and the air is good, which is something you can't experience in Beijing.

By Chen Weijie 7 |

It's just a road renovated by Haikou for the development of tourism. There's nothing special about it, but the arcade buildings are quite distinctive.

By Sweet XiaoKE |

When I was studying, I loved going shopping with my roommates! It was quite interesting!

By Hurry |

Zhongshan Road has completely become a gathering place for food stalls. There is no electricity at night and it is pitch black. I am a little disappointed!

By Everyone knows that the East Evil |

A road I used to go to often. Although it is now more commercialized, it is still very unique.

By Silly. Xiaoxuan |

The uniform arcade buildings next to the water alley in the city center are very distinctive. However, they were renovated two years ago and there are many local specialty snacks.

By ZJY |

The streets are full of Lingnan-style arcades, which makes you feel like you've stepped back in time. However, it is already in a state of disrepair, with low-end businesses being the main focus. It needs renovation. However, I am also worried that the original style will soon disappear.

By Zheng Xiaobao |

Zhongshan Road is a pedestrian street that intersects with Boai Road. It is mostly lined with small, artistic shops, coffee shops, and pastries. It is relatively clean. If you want to experience the characteristics of Haikou, it is better to go to the surrounding pedestrian streets.

By Oh my big girl |

There is an old street in Haikou, you can go and have a look.