 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
||
|
||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
||||||||||
■ Population: 1,800,000
■ Currency: Chinese Yuan or Renminbi (RMB)
■ Country and city code: +86, +898
■ Tourist info: Hainan Provincial International Travel Agency, Flat A, 3/F, Changlong Building, Airport Road, Haikou, China
■ tel: +86 (0)898 536 3619/679 1124
■ email: hnly01@yeah.net
■ website: www.cqits.com
FUN FACT
Haikou literally means “Mouth of the Sea” in Mandarin as it’s the gateway to the South China Sea.
Tomb of Hairui (Shugang Dadao, Hairui Shi, Banya Village)
Named after an official who was banished to the island after criticising the emperor, the tomb of Hairui is a beautiful and colourful example of Ming Dynasty design. It was badly damaged during the Cultural Revolution but has recently been restored. Admission costs RMB5 (SGD1). Open from 8am to 6pm.
Jingrun Pearls (Haixiu East Road, tel: +86 (0)898 6750 1299)
Many people come to Haikou to shop for seawater pearls, which are prized for their coloured surface and large size. While there are many bargains available, it is best to shop in a reputable place like this rather than risking low quality products.
Mingzho Department Store (Haixiu East Road)
One of many department stores along Haixiu East Road, this one specialises in indigenous products made from coconut – coconut coffee, coconut powder and coconut wafers! The clothing section also stocks Hainan shirts, which differ from their Hawaiian counterparts by depicting dragons instead of palm trees.
Kuaihuolin (1 Wuzhishan Road)
This restaurant allows diners to pick and choose their meal from trolleys winding their way around the tables. The food is simple local fare but cheap, fresh and delicious. Dishes are priced between RMB10 (SGD2) and RMB30 (SGD5.80). $$
Yefengtang (4 Haixiu Dadao, tel: +86 (0)898 6535 1234)
This restaurant inside the Haikou Hotel is a long-time favourite for Hainanese specialities such as chicken rice. Main dishes are priced between RMB25 (SGD4.90) and RMB50 (SGD9.70). $
Golden Seacoast Night Club (Guobin Hotel, 44 Haixiu Avenue)
Locals rate this as the best nightclub in Haikou, with fantastic views to boot. There are a phenomenal 25 balconies to choose from. The service is excellent and the range of drinks is impressive.
Haikou Hotel (4 Haifu Dadao)
Traditionally a favourite among travellers. The service and restaurant are exceptional, with local and international fare on offer. The rooms are stylish and modern – great for that beach holiday. Rates start from RMB300 (SGD58.40). $
BY CASEY WHALE
* FOR EXCLUSIVE DEALS, BOOK HOTELS AT www.TIGERAIRWAYS.COM
