A Detailed Foodie Guide to Haikou
by SOPHIE INGRAM
Feb 26, 2025
đ´ Essential Hainan Travel Route Recommendations
đď¸ 5 Days & 4 Nights Classic Itinerary (Perfect for First-Time Visitors)
**Day 1: Haikou (Experience Local Hainan Culture)**
- **Qilou Old Street** (Nanyang-style architecture, super photogenic)
- **Century Bridge/Cloud Cave Library** (Instagrammable spot with stunning sunsets)
- **Hainan University South Gate Night Market** (Local snacks: QÄŤngbÇliĂĄng, Lingshui Sour Rice Noodles, ZÄopòcĂš)
**Day 2-3: Sanya (Island Vacation Mode)**
- **Wuzhizhou Island** (Chinaâs version of the Maldives, tons of water activities)
- **Houhai Village** (Paradise for surfing beginners, beach parties at night)
- **Coconut Dream Corridor** (Free sunset views, ultra-photogenic)
- **Yalong Bay Tropical Paradise Forest Park** (Filming location for *If You Are the One*)
**Day 4: Wanning (Less Crowded but Breathtaking)**
- **Riyue Bay** (Chinaâs surfing paradise, great for photos)
- **Shimei Bay** (Serene and picturesque, perfect for relaxing)
- **Xinglong Coffee Valley** (Experience Hainanâs coffee culture)
**Day 5: Wenchang (Watch Rocket Launches + Eat Authentic Wenchang Chicken)**
- **Tonggu Ridge** (Overlook Moon Bay with spectacular views)
- **Dongjiao Coconut Plantation** (Hainanâs densest coconut grove)
- **Wenânan Old Street** (Retro Qilou buildings, even more charming than Haikouâs)
â ď¸ **Tips to Avoid Scams:**
- Be cautious with seafood stalls in Sanyaâopt for **Hema Fresh** or **Chunyuan Seafood Plaza**.
- Avoid street vendors selling "wild jackfruit"âit might be artificially ripened.
đ¨ **Budget-Friendly Stays (Student-Friendly)**
đ° **Affordable (ÂĽ100-300/night)**
- **Haikou**: Homestays near Qilou Old Street (convenient for food and exploration)
- **Sanya**: Hostels or chain hotels (e.g., Hanting, Home Inn) in Dadonghai/Sanya Bay
- **Wanning**: Surf hostels in Riyue Bay (great for young travelers)
đ **Seaside Resorts (ÂĽ500-1000/night)**
- **Sanya Yalong Bay**: MGM, The St. Regis (private beaches + luxury experience)
- **Wanning Shimei Bay**: The Westin/Le MĂŠridien (quiet and less crowded)
đ **Transport Guide (Budget Version)**
âď¸ **Flights**: Fly to Haikou first (30% cheaper than Sanya), then take high-speed rail to other cities.
đ **High-Speed Rail**: Hainanâs island loop is super convenient (HaikouâSanya: 1.5h, ~ÂĽ100).
đ **Car Rental**: Ideal for groups of 4 (ÂĽ150-200/day), especially for Wanning/Wenchang.
đĄ **Travel Tips**
â
**Sunscreen! Sunscreen! Sunscreen!** (Hainanâs UV is intenseâuse SPF50+, hats, and sunglasses.)
â
Bring student ID/gaokao admission ticket (discounts at some attractions).
â
Avoid midday outings in July-August (too hotâexplore mornings or evenings).
â
Book accommodations early (summer is peak seasonâSanya hotels spike fast).
đ **Best Ways to Explore Hainan**
- **Couples/BFFs**: Sanya + Wanning (photos + relaxation)
- **Families**: Haikou + Wenchang (culture + food)
- **Adventurers**: Wanning surfing + Wuzhishan hiking
Hainan is *perfect* for post-gaokao relaxation! If time allows, stay longerâsleep in, then lounge by the sea all day~ đ
Post by Wilson_4 Liam | Jun 16, 2025


















