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The Hainan Provincial Museum is a must-visit for history and culture enthusiasts. It showcases the rich heritage of Hainan through its collection of local artifacts, cultural exhibits, and historical displays. Visitors can explore ancient relics, traditional Hainanese costumes, and learn about the island’s evolution. Don't miss the special exhibitions and interactive displays that make the museum engaging for all ages.
The Hainan Provincial Museum is a comprehensive modern museum in Hainan Province. It is located at 68 Guoxing Avenue, Haikou City, east of the Provincial Cultural Park. Before 1984, the Hainan Provincial Museum was the only provincial museum in China with only a name but no building. Planning for its construction began in 1984, and it opened on November 15, 2008.
The museum occupies a total area of over 60 mu (approximately 166 acres). The first phase of the project covers approximately 18,000 square meters and primarily includes exhibition halls, a cultural relic storage facility, technical rooms, service facilities, and office space. The second phase, encompassing approximately 7,000 square meters, will showcase artifacts and specimens related to the history of the South China Sea, the Maritime Silk Road, geopolitics, and marine bio-mineral resources, drawing on the conservation and restoration of the Huaguang Jiao No. 1 shipwreck and the nearly 10,000 pieces of porcelain recovered from it.
The first phase of the exhibition hall consists of three floors. The ground floor primarily houses the calligraphy and painting hall and two temporary exhibition halls. The second floor houses the ceramics hall, history hall, and boutique hall. The third floor houses the ethnic minority hall, history hall, and boutique hall. The museum features four primary exhibition areas: the Hainan Collection of Cultural Relics, the Hainan History Exhibition, the Hainan Ethnic Minorities Exhibition, and the Hainan Intangible Cultural Heritage Exhibition. The second phase, covering approximately 7,000 square meters, will house the "Huaguang Jiao No. 1" shipwreck exhibition hall, the intangible cultural heritage exhibition hall, an art exhibition hall, a safety and fire control center, and an academic lecture hall.
Tropical maritime monsoon climate;
Suitable for all seasons
It is recommended to visit for 2 to 3 hours
Free admission, limited to 3,000 people per day; ticket issuance stops at 16:30, and individual visitors (with ID card or valid ID) are limited to one ticket per person, valid for the day, and will be invalid after the expiration date.
9:00-17:00 in the off-season; 8:30-17:00 in the peak season; closed on Mondays
The Hainan Provincial Museum in Haikou is dedicated to preserving and exhibiting the history, culture, and natural heritage of Hainan Island. It is a key cultural institution on the island, providing insight into the indigenous cultures, the island's diverse ecosystems, and its transformation over the centuries. The museum plays a vital role in educating both locals and tourists about Hainan's past.
The Hainan Provincial Museum is located in Haikou, the capital city of Hainan Province. You can reach it by taking a taxi or bus from various points in Haikou. It is also within walking distance from nearby hotels and tourist spots. There are no direct metro lines, but public buses and taxis are the most common means of transport.
The museum is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with the last entry at 4:30 PM. To avoid crowds, it’s best to visit in the early morning on weekdays. Weekends and public holidays tend to be busier, so visiting during the week is ideal for a more relaxed experience.
Entry to the Hainan Provincial Museum is free, though special exhibitions may have a small fee. Tickets can be obtained on-site, and no prior booking is necessary for regular entry. However, it's a good idea to check online for any special events or exhibitions that may require advanced tickets.
For general entry, no advance booking is required. However, for special exhibitions or events, it's recommended to book tickets a few days in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons or public holidays.
Visitors typically spend 1.5 to 2 hours exploring the museum. If you’re interested in learning in-depth about each exhibit, you may need around 3 hours. It’s a well-organized museum, so most people can enjoy a comprehensive visit in under two hours.
Must-see highlights include the traditional Hainanese cultural exhibits, ancient relics, and the museum’s collection of natural history displays, including marine life. The most notable exhibit is the section on the indigenous Li and Miao cultures, showcasing their traditional crafts, clothing, and art.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and audio guides are offered in several languages, including English and Chinese. The museum also provides some interactive exhibits that enhance the visitor experience.
Photography is allowed in most parts of the museum, and the best spots for photos are near the displays of Hainan’s traditional costumes, artifacts, and the large dioramas that depict the island’s history. The exterior of the museum also offers great architectural shots.
Start with the main entrance and explore the general history and cultural sections. Then, move to the natural history exhibits that showcase Hainan’s biodiversity, followed by the sections dedicated to indigenous cultures. Finish with any temporary exhibitions on display. The museum is organized in a way that allows you to follow a chronological path.
Currently, the Hainan Provincial Museum does not offer night visits or light shows. However, there are occasional special tours and exhibitions that may extend into the evening hours, so it’s worth checking the museum’s schedule for any such events.
The museum can get crowded during weekends and holidays, especially in the afternoon. The best times to visit are early mornings on weekdays, especially Tuesday through Thursday, when visitor numbers tend to be lower.
The museum has well-maintained toilets, a small gift shop selling souvenirs related to Hainan's culture, and a few rest areas for visitors to relax. There is no large cafeteria inside, but small refreshments are available in the museum’s lobby.
The Hainan Provincial Museum is wheelchair accessible and is suitable for elderly and disabled visitors. There are ramps and elevators to ensure easy access to all floors. The museum is also child-friendly with interactive displays and exhibits designed to engage younger audiences.
The museum accepts both cash and mobile payments, such as WeChat Pay and Alipay, for purchases in the gift shop. Entry is free, so no cash is required for admission.
Inside the museum, there is a small café offering light refreshments. For more dining options, there are several restaurants and cafes located within walking distance, offering both local and international cuisine. Popular choices nearby include restaurants serving seafood and Hainanese specialties.
Nearby restaurants offer a variety of vegetarian and vegan options, with some serving Hainanese vegetarian dishes. Halal food options are also available at selected restaurants in the area, reflecting the multicultural influences in Haikou.
There are several hotels near the Hainan Provincial Museum, ranging from budget options to luxury accommodations. Recommended options include the Haikou Marriott Hotel, Shangri-La Hotel, and more affordable choices like Hainan International Hotel.
Other nearby attractions include the Haikou Volcano Park, the Nanshan Temple, and the Haikou Old Street. These can easily be combined for a full day trip in the Haikou area, offering a mix of cultural, historical, and natural sites to explore.
The museum has a small souvenir shop selling items such as traditional Hainanese crafts, local artwork, postcards, and books on the island’s culture and history. Popular souvenirs include coconut-themed products and items representing the indigenous cultures of Hainan.
Taxis and ride-hailing services like Didi are the best way to continue your trip after visiting the museum. Haikou’s public transportation network, including buses, is also accessible for further exploration of the city.
