Live Your Best Lives
Haikou's Qilou Old Street is one of Haikou's most distinctive streetscapes. Its oldest structure, the Four Archways, was built during the Southern Song Dynasty, boasting a history of over 700 years. Haikou's Qilou are primarily found in the city's historic neighborhoods, including Deshengsha Road, Zhongshan Road, Boai Road, Xinhua Road, Jiefang Road, and Changdi Road. There are nearly 600 three- and four-story buildings of various sizes. Most are adorned with elegant and detailed sculptures and Western-style ornamentation, lending them a distinct Baroque feel. The buildings are modest, mostly two or three stories high, and some retain the remains of former businesses and intricate carvings on railings, doors, and windows.
The traditional living model of the old streets has left behind many very interesting neighborhood spaces, such as the ancestral temple space that combines an open-air stage and community activity space; the outdoor worship sites for the God of Land that are everywhere, where people offer sacrifices year-round; and the larger indoor teahouses, mostly used by the elderly to chat and while away their lonely time. The teahouses are bustling with people, commonly known as "Dad Tea".
The tropical marine monsoon climate is like spring all year round, with rain and heat occurring at the same time.
Suitable for all seasons, with more suitable temperatures in autumn and winter
It is recommended to play for 1 to 2 hours
free
All day
Qilou Old Street in Haikou, Hainan, is known for its historical and cultural significance. The street dates back to the 19th century and features traditional Qilou-style architecture, where the buildings are elevated on stilts, allowing for sheltered spaces underneath. It showcases the fusion of Chinese and Western influences and has served as a trading hub throughout Hainan's history.
Qilou Old Street is located in the city center of Haikou, Hainan. It is easily accessible by taxi, bus, or walking from the Haikou city center. Public transportation such as local buses can also take you to the street.
The street is open year-round and is accessible at all times. However, it is best to visit in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds and enjoy cooler weather. The best time to visit is during the cooler months, from November to February.
There is no entrance fee to visit Qilou Old Street. It is a public, open-air street and can be accessed freely by all visitors.
No advance booking is required to visit Qilou Old Street as it is a public street without an entrance fee.
Visiting Qilou Old Street typically takes about 1-2 hours, depending on how much time you spend shopping, taking photos, and exploring nearby attractions.
Guided tours are available in Haikou and can be arranged through local tour operators. Audio guides may be available at certain points along the street in Chinese and English.
Night visits are possible, and the street has a different ambiance at night with its lit-up buildings and bustling night markets. However, there are no light shows or special tours specifically available for the street.
Qilou Old Street can get crowded during weekends and public holidays, especially in the afternoon. To avoid the crowds, it is best to visit early in the morning on weekdays.
The street is relatively accessible for elderly visitors and children, although some areas may have uneven pavement due to the age of the buildings. It might be less accessible for disabled visitors due to the lack of ramps and some areas with stairs.
Both cash and mobile payments (such as WeChat Pay and Alipay) are widely accepted in the area. Credit cards may also be accepted in larger stores and restaurants.
Vegetarian and vegan food options are available at some restaurants, though it is advisable to check with the staff for specific dietary requirements. Halal food options may be limited but are available in some parts of Haikou.
Yes, there are several souvenir shops along Qilou Old Street. Typical souvenirs include local handicrafts, Hainanese teas, traditional clothing, and decorative items.
