The city of Haikou in China is the capital of the small province of Hainan, located on the island of the same name. A narrow strait separates the island from the central part of China. Numerous tourists come to enjoy the peace, to see ancient sights, to relax inexpensively with the whole family.
How to get there
Haikou (China) is especially fond of the inhabitants of Siberia and the Far East.
From Khabarovsk, you can fly to a Chinese island in 10-12 hours, however, planes do not fly every day.
Charter flights depart from Moscow twice a week, and it will take you only 10 hours to travel. You can fly from Sheremetyevo, Vnukovo, Domodedovo, but you need to make a transfer in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou or some other Asian cities. Planes regularly fly out from Pulkovo (St. Petersburg).
Going to Haikou, China, from Khabarovsk and Moscow, you will need to make one change. If you fly from other cities, the travel time increases significantly, as does the number of connections.
The cost of the flight depends on the carrier company, the minimum ticket price is from 37 thousand rubles.
Meet the city of Haikou
The city of Haikou (China) is inhabited by almost 2 million people.
The city has a Kamelia airport, the second on Hainan Island. Haikou is separated from another major city of Sanya by 3 hours by car.
However, the tourism industry in Haikou is still poorly developed, this affects the price level - they are low, which attracts experienced travelers. Housing in the private sector costs from 50 yuan (450 rubles), from 150 yuan (1350 rubles) in a 3 star hotel. Accommodation in a five-star hotel is much more expensive, in 2017 it cost 800-3000 yuan per day, which is 7.1-27 thousand rubles. But in good hotels there is a convenient all-inclusive system, and the price per room includes a visit to the spa or various wellness treatments.
Entertainment for every taste
Initially, Haikou in China was considered a place to stay disgraced nobles - away from the eyes of the emperor. However, they soon noticed that the climate on the island is too good for those who are objectionable, and Hainan has become a health resort.
What to do in Haikou (China)?
- Take a course of wellness treatments. Many hotels have their own spas, where they qualitatively perform a variety of massages and carry out other pleasant and useful cosmetic procedures.
- Visit the thermal springs. The Mission Hills Resort features 5 volcanic mineral pools and bathtubs.
- Restaurants It's a shame to visit China and not try local delicacies, especially since Hainan Island has a unique South Asian cuisine. What is worth ordering:
- ciao bing, or fried ice - a fresh dessert;
- barbecue on the street from the tray - this is meat and fried tofu, oysters and scallops, even cobra meat;
- of course, a Peking duck and noodles;
- betel nuts are legal and inexpensive.
Finally, shopping. Clothing and cosmetics, souvenirs and jewelry, handicrafts made of wood and metal - all this is usually brought by tourists as a souvenir.
Night life. Bars, restaurants, night markets attract tourists, however, it should be noted that Chinese music sounds almost everywhere, and the attendants communicate more in their native language.
Beach vacation
Holidays in Haikou, China, are unthinkable without visiting the beach. A winding 30-kilometer line of snow-white sandy beaches surround Haikou. The Hainan Strait, connecting the Gulf of Tonkin and the South China Sea, is characterized by clear water, clean and clear. Tropical vegetation makes beaches even more attractive.
It should be noted that all the beaches of Haikou are public, so the entrance to them is free, they have dressing rooms, deck chairs, showers, there are bars. You will have to pay only for additional comfort - a separate umbrella or deck chair.
In the western part of Haikou is Hihiu Beach, where surf lovers gather.
Weather
In China, Haikou, according to tourists, the weather favors relaxing on the beach and leisurely walks.
As befits a tropical region, Haikou is never cold or damp. The hottest months are May-August, when the air temperature rises to +32. At this time, the water temperature is almost equal to the air temperature.
Somewhat cooler in December-March. The air warms up to +22, the water keeps the temperature +25.
Attractions Haikou, China
In addition to the natural beauties of which the tropical island of Hainan is famous, in Haikou there are places where excursions are traditionally led. The cost of such trips is low, but the impressions remain for life. What to see:
- Geological Park "Stone Mountains", which is located near an extinct volcano. In 15 minutes you can drive from the city to the park and walk along the two-kilometer road to the vent of the volcano. The geopark has 30 caves, 40 volcanoes, a basalt garden, lava tunnels and volcanic rock structures.
- The oldest building on the island is the Ugunzi Temple, built during the Ming Dynasty. The temple is surrounded by a tropical park of extraordinary beauty.
- Be sure to visit the tomb of the most honest official in Chinese history, Hai Zhui, built in the XVI century.
- Artillery fort, where guns and casemates were preserved.
- A safari park where you can get an idea of all the inhabitants of the tropics - after all, the park has about 4000 animals and birds, 1000 plants. The park is 30 km from Haikou.
- Coconut tree plantations.
- In Haikou itself it is worth taking a walk around the Old Town, where many notable buildings of old Chinese architecture have been preserved.
As a conclusion
In conclusion, it can be noted that, compared to even many Russian resorts, a vacation in Haikou, China, is much more profitable.
In addition, it is always interesting to see another country and try Asian cuisine directly on the spot.
Haikou hotels have a high level of service, the sea is always clean and warm, it’s easy to pick up an excursion program as entertainment, and a visa is not required to visit the Chinese province.