Is It Safe to Visit Haikou, China? A Complete Guide

Haikou, the capital of Hainan Province, is a beautiful city known for its tropical climate, striking beaches, and vibrant culture. However, due to political tensions, there have been concerns about the safety of visiting Haikou. In this article, we will explore the current situation in Haikou and provide an unbiased and honest guide for tourists.

Political Tensions and Safety Concerns

Haikou is located in Hainan, an island province that China claims as its territory. However, the island has also been claimed by other countries, including Vietnam and Taiwan. This territorial dispute has caused tensions between China and other nations and has raised concerns about the safety of visiting Haikou.

Despite these tensions and occasional protests, Haikou remains a relatively safe destination for foreign tourists. The Chinese government has taken measures to ensure the safety of all visitors, including increased police presence in popular tourist areas and strict security checks at airports.

Common Scams and Precautions

Like any other tourist destination, Haikou has its fair share of scams and crimes. However, by taking some simple precautions, tourists can reduce the risk of falling victim to these scams:

Be cautious when booking hotels and tours

Some unscrupulous travel agencies and hotels may charge more than they should for their services. To avoid being ripped off, do your research before booking and choose reputable and reliable travel companies and accommodations.

Avoid illegal taxi services

Illegal taxi services have been known to overcharge unsuspecting tourists. Make sure to only use licensed taxis, which have meters and are uniformly colored.

Keep your valuables safe

Pickpocketing and theft can occur in heavily crowded areas, such as markets and tourist spots. Keep your valuables safe by keeping them in your hotel safe, using a money belt, or carrying a cross-body bag that cannot be easily snatched.

Safe Places to Visit in Haikou

While there are certain areas in Haikou that are best avoided due to political tensions, there are plenty of safe and enjoyable destinations for tourists.

Hainan Tropical Wildlife Park and Botanical Garden

This popular attraction is home to a variety of animals, including tigers, monkeys, and gibbons, as well as a vast array of tropical plants. Visitors can take a guided tour or explore on their own. The park is open daily and is an excellent destination for families with children.

Wugong Temple

This ancient temple, located in the heart of Haikou, is a perfectly preserved example of traditional Chinese architecture. Visitors can stroll through the peaceful garden and admire the serene statues and calligraphic inscriptions. The temple is open daily and is free to visit.

Haikou Volcano National Geopark

This fascinating geopark is home to a dormant volcano, hot springs, and other unique geological features. Visitors can take a guided tour or explore on their own. The park is open daily, and admission fees are reasonable.

Conclusion

Overall, Haikou is a relatively safe destination for foreign tourists, despite some political tensions and occasional scams. By taking a few simple precautions and sticking to safe and enjoyable destinations such as the Hainan Tropical Wildlife Park and Botanical Garden and the Wugong Temple, tourists can have a fantastic experience in this beautiful city.

It is essential to always stay updated on the current situation in Haikou before planning a trip there. By following credible sources such as the U.S. Department of State and practicing common sense, tourists can ensure a safe and memorable trip to Haikou, China.

An Insider’s Guide:
Visiting Haikou, China

Haikou is the provincial capital of Hainan Province in China, known as the “Coconut City” because of its lush coconut trees. Haikou is renowned for its beautiful parks, sandy beaches, warm weather, and water sports. However, tourists often wonder if it is safe to visit Haikou, and the answer is yes. Haikou is a safe, friendly, and comfortable city where tourists can enjoy their vacations without any worry. Here’s everything you need to know for a memorable trip to Haikou.

Local Attractions

Haikou is a city with a rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural scenery. Like any other city in China, Haikou boasts several top attractions that visitors should not miss. Some of these attractions include:

• Qilou Old Street: Qilou Old Street is a pedestrianized area filled with colonial-era architecture that highlights the city’s past. Here, you can find shops, cafes, art galleries, and stores.
• Haikou Volcano Park: This is a volcanic park that comprises five extinct volcanoes, each with a unique shape and size. Visitors can take a cable car to the top to enjoy panoramic views of the city.
• Hainan Tropical Wildlife Park and Botanical Garden: This is an animal park and botanical garden located on Haikou’s outskirts, with more than 200 species of animals from worldwide.
• Hongshulin Seaside Resort: It is a beautiful seaside resort in Haikou, where you can relax, enjoy water sports, and have a delicious seafood dish.

Dining Spots

Haikou is a food lover’s paradise, with a vast selection of dishes to choose from. The city is home to tasty street food, seafood, and traditional Hainanese cuisine. Here are some of the dining spots to check out:

• Xinyuan Seafood Square: This is the most famous seafood street vendor in Haikou. Here, you can find fresh seafood at a reasonable price, grilled or wok tossed, and served with a variety of sauces.
• Shanshui Xiangsijie: This is a fashionable restaurant located in downtown Haikou that serves high-quality Cantonese and Hainanese cuisine.
• Banqiao Ecological Restaurant: It is a natural eco-scenic restaurant located on the banks of the Nandu River. The restaurant features a tropical forest and wetland environment with pavilions, offering Chinese dishes that use fresh, organic ingredients.

Cultural Experiences

If you’re interested in immersing yourself in Haikou’s culture, you won’t be disappointed. Haikou has many cultural gems that visitors can explore, such as:

• Hainan Museum: This museum showcases the history and culture of Hainan Province. It houses a collection of over 100,000 relics, artifacts, and historical documents.
• Dongpo Academy: The academy is a place where the famous Chinese scholar Su Dongpo once stayed. It features Chinese paintings and calligraphic works, bronze relics, and ceramic crafts.
• Hainan Provincial Library: It is the busiest local library, known for its traditional architecture, serene environment, and outstanding collection of books.

Local History

Haikou has a long and distinctive history that has shaped the city into what it is today. Here are some of the local historical sites worth checking out:

• Wugong Temple: The temple was built to honor five famous generals in the Song Dynasty who had contributed to the region’s development. It was classified as a national-level key cultural relic preservation unit in 2006.
• Haikou Xiuying Fort: This is the most massive ancient military defense building in China, built in 1891 during the Qing Dynasty. The Fort houses collections of rifles, mortars, and cannons.
• Qiongtai Academy: Qiongtai Academy was a traditional Chinese academic institution, where entrepreneurs gathered to conduct educational, civic, and scientific affairs. It is a representation of China’s ancient education system.

Off-the-beaten-path suggestions

If you’re craving some off-the-beaten-path experiences, Hainan Island has plenty of hidden gems for travelers willing to seek them out, such as:

• Dongshan Ridge Forest Park: It is a national forest park that offers a picturesque hiking trail through the woods, mountains, and streams.
• Mangrove Forest: You can take a boat tour through Haikou’s mangrove forest, which is a protected area housing diverse flora and fauna.
• Xixiu Beach Park: It is Haikou’s only volcanic-rock beach that is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and snorkeling.

In conclusion, Haikou is a city that offers visitors a great mix of leisure, culture, and history. It is safe, friendly, and open, welcoming travelers from all over the world. Don’t hesitate to book your trip and visit Haikou; you won’t regret it.