Live Your Best Lives
Located in the Cultural Park on Guoxing Avenue in Haikou, Hainan Province, the Hainan Provincial Library boasts an elegant environment, both indoors and outdoors. It is the youngest provincial public library in China. With a reading area of 14,000 square meters, it houses over 4.8 million volumes and documents, including over 1.23 million print books, over 3,500 audio-visual materials, and over 3.7 million e-books. The library also offers over 1,700 reading seats and over 190 computers for readers. With its vast digital collection, advanced network systems, and modern service facilities, the library provides seamless reading experiences.
Access to the library is simple: simply swipe your library card or ID card. The interior is peaceful and quiet. Outside, there are benches and a cafe, perfect for relaxing with a cup of coffee if you're tired of reading. The view of the trees outside the window is truly relaxing. For weekends or holidays, a visit to the library is a great way to unwind and unwind, avoiding the crowds and noise.
tropical monsoon climate;
Suitable for all seasons
It is recommended to play for 1 to 2 hours
free
Monday to Thursday 8:30-12:00, 14:30-18:00 (Closed on Fridays for maintenance. Some halls will be closed on statutory holidays until further notice.)
The Hainan Provincial Library, located in Haikou, serves as an essential cultural and educational institution for Hainan Province. It houses a vast collection of literature and historical documents related to the region, playing a key role in promoting learning and preserving cultural heritage. The library also serves as a community hub for local residents and visitors.
The library is located in the heart of Haikou, Hainan Province. You can reach it easily by taxi or public bus. The library is within walking distance of several key areas in Haikou city center. There is no metro system in Haikou, but buses regularly service the area.
The library is open from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM every day. The best time to visit is during weekdays, especially in the morning or early afternoon, to avoid the crowds, as weekends can get busier with local visitors.
Entry to the Hainan Provincial Library is free for most visitors. However, some special events or programs may require registration or a small fee. Tickets can be acquired on-site at the library, or for special events, online registration might be necessary.
Booking tickets in advance is not typically necessary for general entry, as the library is open to the public. However, for special events, workshops, or exhibitions, it is recommended to book tickets a few days in advance to secure a spot.
Typically, a visit to the Hainan Provincial Library can take between 1 to 2 hours, depending on whether you plan to read, explore digital collections, or attend any events.
Guided tours are available in Chinese, and the library staff can offer assistance in English for international visitors. Audio guides are not typically available, but library staff can provide personal tours if requested.
The architecture of the library itself is quite photogenic, especially the exterior with its modern design. The large reading halls with high ceilings and quiet study areas also make for peaceful photography spots.
Begin by exploring the main reading halls, then head to the multimedia section to explore digital resources. If you're interested in art and culture, make sure to visit the exhibition halls, where rotating displays are often showcased. End your visit by relaxing in the quiet areas with a book or attending a scheduled event.
Night visits are available until the library closes at 9:00 PM. There are no light shows, but special cultural tours and events are held occasionally in the evenings. Check the library’s schedule for details on such activities.
The library can be crowded during weekends and holidays, especially in the afternoon. The least crowded times are usually on weekdays, particularly in the mornings and early afternoons.
The library has well-maintained toilets and water dispensers throughout. There is a small café for refreshments and light snacks. Rest areas are available in the reading halls and along the quiet corridors. No large shopping facilities are on-site, but the surrounding area has local shops and restaurants.
The library is accessible for elderly, children, and disabled visitors. It has ramps, elevators, and wide aisles for ease of movement, making it an inclusive space for all visitors.
Cards and mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are widely accepted for any on-site purchases, including café items and special event fees. Cash is also accepted, but mobile payment is preferred.
There is a café inside the library that serves light snacks and beverages. Nearby, you'll find a variety of restaurants offering local Hainanese dishes, as well as international options such as fast food and cafes.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available at some nearby restaurants, though halal food is less common in the area. The library café offers vegetarian-friendly snacks and beverages.
There are several hotels and guesthouses near the library, ranging from budget accommodations to more luxurious options. The Hainan Hotel and Haikou Meilan Hotel are both relatively close to the site.
While the library itself does not have souvenir shops, nearby markets and malls sell Hainanese specialty items such as tropical fruits, teas, handicrafts, and local clothing.
After visiting the library, taxis and public buses are readily available to take you to nearby attractions, hotels, or transportation hubs like Haikou’s Meilan International Airport. You can also rent a bicycle or electric scooter to explore the city further.
