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Zhongshan Road in Haikou is a bustling street known for its vibrant atmosphere, colonial architecture, and local markets. Visitors can enjoy shopping for local products, explore historical buildings, and sample Hainan's street food. It’s also a great place to take a leisurely walk, enjoy a coffee at a nearby café, or browse through antique shops and local boutiques.
Zhongshan Road, located in Haikou, Hainan Province, boasts 123 street numbers and is the best-preserved historical street in the city. As the oldest commercial street in Haikou's old town, it enjoys considerable popularity not only in Hainan but also in Southeast Asia.
The arcades here are imbued with Lingnan and Nanyang influences. Most were built by overseas Chinese returning from Southeast Asia in the early 20th century, drawing inspiration from Nanyang architectural styles. They are modest, often two or three stories high, and the dozens of them connected together create a truly spectacular sight. The long corridors in front of the shophouses connect the entire block, providing shade from the sun and heavy rain, while also serving as a place for shopkeepers to engage with customers.
Tropical maritime monsoon climate;
Suitable for all seasons
It is recommended to visit for 1 to 2 hours
free
All day
Zhongshan Road is one of Haikou’s oldest streets, playing a significant role in the city’s history as a commercial hub during the colonial era. The street is lined with historic buildings that reflect the blend of Hainanese and colonial architectural styles. It remains a central location for shopping, dining, and local cultural experiences in Haikou.
Zhongshan Road is located in the central part of Haikou. It is easily accessible by taxi or bus, and the road is pedestrian-friendly, so walking is also a good option. The street is well-known, so local transport services will frequently go through it.
Zhongshan Road is open all day, with most shops and restaurants starting to open from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM. The best time to visit is in the evening when the street comes alive with lights, street performers, and a vibrant atmosphere. If you prefer a quieter experience, visiting in the morning or late afternoon is ideal.
There is no entrance fee to visit Zhongshan Road as it is a public street. However, individual attractions such as museums, exhibitions, or cultural sites along the road may charge a fee. Tickets for these can usually be bought on-site or online depending on the attraction.
Booking tickets in advance is not necessary for visiting Zhongshan Road itself. For attractions or events along the road, it's best to check if advance booking is required, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Exploring Zhongshan Road can take between 1 to 2 hours, depending on how much time you spend shopping, eating, and exploring the local markets and historical sites. If you're interested in deeper exploration of the local culture, you could spend more time.
The must-see highlights of Zhongshan Road include the colonial-era architecture, local shops selling Hainan specialties, and the bustling street food vendors. Don’t miss the nearby parks and cultural sites that add to the street's charm, such as the Haikou Arcade and local temples.
Guided tours are available in Haikou, and many local operators offer walking tours of Zhongshan Road. These tours are typically available in Mandarin, and some may offer English-speaking guides, particularly for foreign tourists interested in history and culture.
The best viewpoints for photography along Zhongshan Road are from the pedestrian areas where you can capture the colonial architecture and the busy street scenes. There are also beautiful old buildings and temples that offer a historical backdrop for photographs. Sunset views of the street are also stunning.
A good route to follow is to start from the Zhongshan Road entrance near the city center, explore the historical buildings and shops, visit the Haikou Arcade, then continue walking to the nearby parks and temples. Make sure to stop at a café for a break and enjoy the street food stalls along the way.
Night visits are highly recommended, as Zhongshan Road becomes lively with lights, music, and street performances. While there are no formal light shows, the street’s vibrant night atmosphere offers great opportunities for sightseeing and photography. Special cultural tours may also be available in the evening.
Zhongshan Road can be crowded, especially in the evenings and on weekends. The least crowded times are in the mornings or weekdays, particularly early in the week, when locals are less likely to visit.
Facilities on Zhongshan Road include public restrooms, numerous cafes and restaurants offering local Hainanese food, and a variety of shops. There are also plenty of benches and rest areas for visitors to relax. Many street vendors offer drinks and light snacks along the road.
Zhongshan Road is mostly accessible to elderly, children, and disabled visitors. The area is pedestrian-friendly, though some sections may involve uneven pavement or steps. Visitors with mobility challenges should exercise caution in some parts of the street.
Mobile payments like WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely accepted in the shops and restaurants along Zhongshan Road. Cash may still be used, but it’s more convenient to use mobile payment apps, especially for tourists.
There are numerous restaurants and cafes along Zhongshan Road, ranging from local Hainanese eateries to international fast food chains. Popular spots include seafood restaurants, local noodle shops, and cafés serving Hainan coffee.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available in some of the local restaurants, offering dishes like tofu, vegetables, and noodles. Halal food options are available in restaurants catering to Muslim visitors.
There are several hotels near Zhongshan Road, including the Haikou Marriott Resort & Spa, Haikou Hotel, and budget accommodations. The city center offers various lodging options, making it a convenient place to stay for exploring the area.
Nearby attractions include Haikou’s Temple of the Five Lords, Haikou Arcade, and the Hainan Provincial Museum. These sites can be easily combined into a day trip, as they are within walking distance or a short drive from Zhongshan Road.
There are several souvenir shops along Zhongshan Road selling local products, such as Hainan tea, coconut-based products, handicrafts, and tropical fruit preserves. Traditional Hainanese textiles and jewelry are also popular souvenirs.
After visiting Zhongshan Road, taxis, buses, or ride-hailing services like Didi are readily available to take visitors to other parts of Haikou or nearby attractions. Public transport is easily accessible, and there are also rental services for bikes and electric scooters.
