Haikou, a fast developing city with golden beaches attracts thousands of tourists especially during the summer months. Nevertheless, there are few problems encountered in finding a room here, even during the peak season. Most of the hotels in Haikou range from middle to top of the range, although out of season discounts are available so it is worth asking!

Attractions

Wugong Temples

Wugong Temples, are approximately 5 kilometers (about 3.1 miles) from the centre of Haikou City, and were originally constructed during the reign of Emperor Wanli in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). It was renovated on several occasions during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). Now, it is a place known for its sense of peace, tranquility and beauty.

After many years of renovation and development, the existing Wugong Temples are now an attractive ancient architectural complex that include the Wugong Temple (Five Officials Temple), the Sugong, Hairui and Fubo Temples, and Guanjia Tang (Watching Crop Hall), and Xuepu Tang (Studying Hall). They cover an area of about 2,800 square meters (about 0.69 acres). Wugong Temple is the main part of this building complex and Wugong Temple is considered to be "the No.1 Building in Hainan" even though it is only a two-storied wooden building. This was constructed to commemorate the five famous officials- Li Deyu, Li Gang, Zhao Ding, Li Guang and Hu Quan who were banished to Hainan during the Tang Dynasty (618-907) and the Song Dynasty (960-1279). The main hall houses the vivid and lifelike stone statues of the five prestigious officials. On the inner pillars, there are two much praised couplets which visitors, having learnt about the background of the five officials, cannot help but admire. Additionally, a stone tablet that is carved with calligraphy inscriptions of Emperor Huizong, from the Song Dynasty, is also displayed in the Wugong Temple.

Sugong Temple, located in the east of the Wugong Temple, is another fascinating destination. Su Dongpo was one of the greatest poets of the Song Dynasty. He dug two springs for the locals when he heard that they were finding it difficult to get water supplies. Hence the local people constructed a temple to commemorate his contribution to their community. One of the springs still exists even to this day.

On the right of the Wugong Temple, there is a peaceful yard where fresh flowers and thriving trees are planted. There are two main buildings here. One, the Xuepu Tang, is the old site where the famous scholar Guo Wanxiang often gave lectures. The other is Wugong Jingshe, which is where the students of the Hainan Province, (at the end of the Qing Dynasty) learned historical works and poems.

If you want to know more about the famous people in the history of Hainan Province, you can visit the museum that is opposite the Wugong Temple. The exhibits in the museum will definitely fulfill your appetite for knowledge.

Admission Fee: CNY 20
Bus Route: 1,11

Tomb of Hai Rui

Tomb of Hai Rui is situated in the western outskirts of Haikou City, 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) from the civic center. It represents peoples esteem towards Hai Rui, an upright and uncorrupted official. It was originally built in 1589 during the Ming Dynasty (1368 -1644), and some of the constructions in the tomb garden remain intact. With an area of over 4,000 square meters (4784 square yards), the layout was designed according to the level of the official titles at that time. Today it is rated as the Key Cultural Relic Preservation of Hainan Province.

Story about Hai Rui

Hai Rui (1514 - 1587), born in Hainan Province, was an official in the Ming Dynasty. He is famed as a statesman for his honesty and performance of his duty as well as his clean life. After his death, people chose the location in obedience to his spirit from heaven.

One typical story illustrates his honesty. After seeing the emperor wink at the corruption of court officials, he prepared a coffin for his death and said farewell to his wife. Then he went to the emperor, expressing his criticism and advice. His words were not accepted but cost him his court position and he was jailed. After his release, he returned to his hometown and helped with irrigation projects. At the age of 72, he was employed again by the court to work in Nanjing, and passed away in the third year of his service.

His integrity also gained peoples recognition. When he worked for the court, he was needy and could not pay for servants. He wrote articles or inscriptions for others in order to earn money. This was quite uncommon because in Chinese feudal society, most officials had servants and lived a rich life. After his death when people helped clear up his mementoes, they were surprised to find only eight taels of silver and a few clothes.

The Visit to Tomb of Hai Rui

Tomb of Hai Rui is a place worthy of a visit because there you cannot only view the scenery and constructions, but also know more about Hai Rui.

Going across the Hai Rui Bridge and entering the tomb garden, you will be greeted by the exuberant pines and coconut palms and sweet lotus, which make the garden tranquil and simple. Along the path stand stone statues of lions, goats and horses. Walking forward and stepping up three levels of stairs, you can see a stone tortoise carrying a stele on its back.
Thirty meters (32.8 yards) farther still on the third level is the tomb area of Hai Rui. In front of it lies an incense burner, which is also solemn. On each side stand four 4-meter-high (13-feet-high) monuments by Hai Ruis disciples and colleagues. Behind those, are the four levels of stairs and the tomb of Hai Rui?

Tomb of Hai Rui is surrounded by white granite. It is 3.3 meters (10.8 feet) high and faces to the west. The base of the tomb is octagonal with four carved stories. On these stories is a round ceiling made out of pieces of vesuvianites from Hainan Island.

A pavilion stands behind the tomb with two couplets by Hai Rui, both praising his honesty. Going to its back you will see the Qingfeng Pavilion displaying Hai Ruis stories and relics, and you can understand why he has been respected by generations of people.

Admission Fee: CNY 10
Bus Route: 2,16, 19

Dongjiao Coconut Plantation

To visit Dongjiao (Dongjia Yelin) coconut plantation, visitors will have to take a twenty-minute ferry from Qinglan Harbour. This plantation has 500,000-coconut trees of various varieties of coconut species. Tracking through small footpath among the coconut palms, you will find it cozy and relaxing. Elegant log huts are built under the shady trees for tourist to rest.
Standard rooms complete with simple stylish furniture and amenities are available for retreats. It is a best place for resting and outing with a friend and families, and has a cup of tea under the shady palm.

Beach resorts with deluxe chalets and villas is being developed this area. The restaurants are well known for their seafood cuisine. Beach and water sports with sun bathing amenities is also available but at a little higher price.
Admission Fee: CNY 30

Tropical Ocean World

Haikou Tropical Ocean World, located in Binhai Xi Lu (west road of Binhai), is the first big tropical and oceanic theme park in China. Covering an area of 89 acres (33 acres sea area and 8 acres sand beach area), it is a paradise where you can not only see the tropical rain forests marvelous spectacles but also the wonders of ocean life. You can also view the most advanced movies and enjoy high-tech entertainment facilities, along with the sunshine and the surf of the sea.

Millennium Tower

Built in the year 2000 in the shape of a fish and standing 131.101meters (430 feet) tall, the Millennium Tower symbolizes the ocean culture of the new century in Hainan. As it is the highest sight-seeing tower in the world, it was listed in the Guinness (Book of Records) in 2000. When you ride the elevators to the three-story sight-seeing platforms you have a birds-eye view of the city of Haikou and a panoramic view of the entire Qiongzhou Strait. Experience the splendid feeling of traveling to the top of the worlds highest sight-seeing tower.

Performance Plaza

If you enjoy spectacular performances, the Performance Plaza will satisfy you completely. With a 20 foot long flexible stage and a lift platform in addition to the main stage, it is the largest one among similar theme parks in China and has the most beautiful stage. The auditorium is divided into two sections: The Center Stand and the Zoology Stand can each hold about 2300 spectators. On any evening between 8pm and 10pm, under the bright and colorful lights, you can lose yourself in the rich and remarkable programs performed by the performance group, which is made up of nearly 220 actors.

Tropical Rain Forest

If youre fascinated by the wonders of nature, your appetite will be satisfied in the Tropical Rain Forest. Four different sections too miraculous to be missed are scattered throughout this area. In the Rare Trees Garden you can see many species of rare trees from all over Hainan Province, and the Tropical Flowers Garden contains a veritable ocean of gorgeous, aromatic flowers. Covering an area of 8 acres, the Tropical Rain Forest will bring you into another world where you can experience the feeling of walking in a tropical forest full of lush, verdant trees and mysterious paths. You will also see some valuable trees like upas. After viewing the breathtaking sights, you can grab a bite to eat at the Tropical Melon and Fruit Garden. Not only can you have a look at the tropical fruits, you can also taste them accompanied by the sound of soothing music in the self-serve area that can hold hundreds of visitors. How joyful it is!

The Happy Ocean is an entertainment complex that includes other attractions:
• Statues of marine life
• Multi-color fountains containing 30,000 carps
• The Laser Water - Curtain Film which depicts the local folk tales of Hainan
• The Island of Myths - a theme park to entertain and educate children
• The Shell Arts Museum - displaying nearly 1,000 seashells and shell carvings - the largest collection in China
• The Rocket Bungee - a challenging and thrilling ride that can shoot you 70 meters up in the air in two seconds
Since it opened in December 2000, millions of people have visited Tropical Ocean World, and today it is the pride of Hainan providing a mix of entertainment and education. So when traveling in Hainan, it is a must - especially for those with children.
Admission Fee: Entrance: CNY 65; Millennium Tower: CNY 100; Rocket Bungy: CNY 100; Laser Water-Curtain Film: CNY 20; Performance Plaza: CNY 10
Opening Hours: 08:30 - 17:00; Performance Plaza: 20:00 - 22:00
Bus Route: You 1,2,3 (Tourist bus)

Shimei Bay

Have you always looked for your Xanadu? Why not come to Shimei Bay for a memorable holiday?
Located on the southeast coast of Wanning City, Hainan Province, about 160 kilometers (about 100 miles) south of Haikou City, Shimei Bay is made up of two crescent-shaped bays. Thanks to the sea and surrounding mountains, Shimei Bay displays beautiful natural scenery.

Here tourists can enjoy a mild climate, sunlight and fresh air all year with a soft clean beach surrounded by an exotic 4000-year-old evergreen forest (Vatica mangachapoi Blanco) which stretches for several tens of kilometers. With the blue mountains, clean water, exquisite beach, the elegant coconut trees and the charming Li Minority Group fishing houses, it is considered to be the most beautiful unexploited bay in Hainan by the World Tourism Organization.

The best entertainment in Shimei Bay includes swimming, collecting seashells or sipping coffee in a caf¨¦. In addition, a variety of activities await those who are energetic and fond of challenge. Korean style diving can satisfy tourists ages eight to eighty. Fishing by the seashore, on a boat, or on an island is also amazing. Dangling from a parachute with a rope tied to a speedboat is exciting as you experience flying to better appreciate the unique and charming scenery.
While here, you must taste the delicious seafood. Like many other places in Hainan, Shimei Bay abounds with various fish and crabs.

Shimei Bay is an ideal leisure destination destined to become an international seashore resort emphasizing ecological tourism and dedicated to quality service. It is an excellent choice for your holiday.

Qiongtai Academy

Qiongtai Academy is located on Wenzhuang Road, in the Qiongshan District of Haikou City. It was initially built in 1705 in memory of Qiu Jun, a famous scholar from the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). The academy was named Qiongtai because Qiu Jun was called Mr. Qiongtai. At one time, the academy was the supreme institution of Qiongshan. It is now the site of the Qiongshan Teachers Training School.

The main building of the academy is the Kuixing Lou Building. Kuixing was believed to be the god of examinations and the building was named after Kuixing to help the students who trained here to win the imperial examinations. The building is a typical Chinese brick-and-wood structure architecture with two floors. Green tiles, red corridors, carved beams and painted rafters are splendidly set off by the green trees which surround the building.

The events behind the famous story Search the Academy occurred here. Sometime during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), a student of the academy fell in love with a maid of local governor. At that time, young people did not have the right to choose their husband or wife. So the governor was very angry after he found out about the relationship. The maid escaped before he could punish her and ran into the academy for help. The governor wanted to search the academy, but the schoolmaster Xie Bao denied his request and sent the maid out of the city during the night. Finally, the maid and the student married. They lived happily together, and later the student succeeded in the imperial examinations.

Admission Fee: CNY 5
Opening Hours: 08:00 to 17:30
Recommended Time for a Visit: 40 minutes
Bus Route: 1

Haikou Travel Tips
Hainan Province is the second largest island off the Chinese mainland, the largest being Taiwan. Hainan is the more southerly of the two and is nearer to the mainland, separated only by narrow straights. Hainan is the largest special economic zone of China.

Haikou, the provincial capital has a tropical marine climate with an average annual temperature of 20 C (68 F). Its spring is warm with almost drought conditions but the high summer temperatures bring heavy rain in their wake. Autumn is a season of typhoons and rain storms. It can feel quite cold in winter by contrast. As a rule, the best time to travel is between November and the following April. From May to October Haikou has its rainy seasons, with the precipitation reaching a peak during September. As high temperatures warm the waters of the South China Sea from June to September tropical storms (hurricanes), known here as typhoons, are driven toward the coast and Haikou can experience force 8 storms that cause considerable problems for traffic.
Besides the national festivals celebrated across the country by the Chinese people such as the Spring Festival, National Day and the International Labor Day, etc., Haikou celebrates a number of local festivals.

Coconut Festival:

This takes place during late March or early April. Hainan Island is known as the Coconut Island and the unique Hainan International Coconut Festival is held in Haikou each year. The largest and most influential local festival of Hainan, it attracts tourists all over the world. The festival is designed to enhance local commerce and features tourism, culture, folk customs, sports and economic issues and trade. The coconut culture and folk customs of the Li and Miao minorities make a special contribution to the celebrations.

Huanhua Festival (Flower Exchanging Festival):

Celebrated on January 15 of the Chinese lunar calendar, the Chinese Lantern Festival, the Huanhua Festival is a joyful event. On this day people exchange flowers to pray for a happy life in the coming year. The rose is the most popular flower chosen for exchanging. The grandest sight of this festival is to be found along the street between Haifu Road and Fucheng Town in the Qiongshan District.

Minority Groups

As well as the Han people, there are a number of minority groups living in the province. The Li Ethnic Minority Group is the native group of Hainan. With a population of over 1.3 million, they inhabit the Mt. Wuzhishan and southwestern areas of the Island. The Li Minority has a close cultural relationship with Zhuang and Buyi minorities. Their most famous product, Li Brocade, has been greatly admired since the Tang Dynasty (618-907).

Visa

Visitors come to Hainan Province for official business or less than 15 days trip from countries and regions that have foreign relations or official business can obtain visas at Haikou or Sanya Customs.
Tourists from the following countries have the privilege of a free visa via travel agencies approved by Hainan. These countries are Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Korea, Philippines, India, Germany, UK, France, Australia, Italy, Russia, Sweden, Switzerland, Spain, Holland, USA and Canada, etc. Taiwan residents can apply for a throwaway permit at Haikou or Sanya Port. Residents of Hong Kong, Macau and overseas Chinese people can enter Hainan with a Returning Card or other approved valid certificate.

Upon entering Hainan, tourists must declare their luggage and articles at the Customs. Please Dial: 0898-851-6888 for detailed information on Chinese Customs.

Money
Tourists can have money exchanged to Chinese currency at the Bank of China and large hotels. The Ren Min Bi (Chinese currency) comes in denominations of 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1
Dialing Code: 0898
Zip Code: 570000

Useful Numbers:
Tourist Complaint: 8008768188 (Free)
University:
Hainan University (http://www.hainu.edu.cn/en): It is the largest and key university of Hainan Province. It has Foreign Language schools teaching English, Japanese and French.
Location: No. 58, Renmin Avenue, Haikou, Hainan
Hainan Normal University (http://www.hainnu.edu.cn): Established in 1949, it is the oldest advanced institute of Hainan Province. And it is the key normal university in Hainan. Chinese Center for Foreigners of the university is approved by the State Council to enroll foreign students from Japan, Thailand, USA, Korea and Germany, etc.
Location: No. 99, Longkun South Road, Haikou, Hainan

Haikou Climate

The best time to visit Haikou is between November and April. When the weather is fine here this is a gorgeous spot, although on hot days it may be more comfortable outside the city and on one of the islands great beaches.

October to May here is the rainy season and in September especially, expect to experience very heavy rainfall. During June to September typhoons are not unusual and very strong wind affect the city approximately once every ten days during this period. The rains however, do not last for too long and despite their severity if you plan your trip well, its unlikely the bad weather will affect your plans too much.