Haikou Banana Hostel

Haikou City has many outdoor BBQ stalls. If your looking for Western standard comfort and cleanliness these places may not be for you: the outdoor BBQ stalls are usually little more than a few plastic tables and chairs put out on the street. However, I consider these to be one of the charms of Haikou city. The stalls do not exist in the day time, but wait until the sun sets and the temperature drops and at around 9 o'clock in the evening certain streets will come alive with BBQ sights and smells.

To order food, look at what is on display and choose what you want. The method works even if your Chinese is limited. Here are some of my favourite Haikou BBQ dishes:

• BBQ fish served with fresh small limes. 5 RMB. (Mackerel pike fish, also known as Pacific saury, Chinese: 秋刀魚 Qiū dāoyú)
• Whole sweetcorn. 3 RMB
• Dried squid with wasabe and soy sauce. 10 RMB
• BBQ'ed oysters with garlic. 10 RMB for a tray of 10
• Chicken wings. 3 RMB
• Local beer

The street BBQs are popular with local people and form part of the Haikou nightlife. Many locals drink beer and eat BBQ at these stalls until early morning. Some of the stalls are still open at 4am. It is normal to go eat at a BBQ after leaving a nightclub late at night before going home to sleep.

Where?

There are many BBQ stalls within walking distance of Haikou Banana Hostel. Try the corner of San Dong Lu and Hai Da Lu, or Er Dong Lu.

If you like to try different street food, you will enjoy this place. Lots of choices from around China. Very affordable.

Chinese name: 海大南门小吃一条街. Pinyin: Hǎi dà nán mén xiǎochī yītiáo jiē

English name: Hainan University south gate street food

Type of food: Street food. 小吃 (Xiǎochī)

Chinese address: 海甸岛三西路海南大学南门对面 (Hǎi diān dǎo sān xi lù hǎinán dàxué nán mén duìmiàn)

How to get there: just at the opposite side of the south gate of Hainan university on Sanxi Lu. About 5 minutes walk from the Banana Hostel.

Price per person: 9 RMB.

Comments English:

Super snacks and more around, definitely can make you a real treat, and ultra-affordable price Well, suffice 9 yuan per capita. Recommend：qingbu liang, roujia mo, liang pi noodles, freshly squeezed orange juice, etc.

Comments Chinese:

超多的各地小吃，绝对可以让你一饱口福，而且价格方面超实惠哦，人均9元人民币足矣。特色推荐:清补凉、炒冰、鸡蛋饼、鲜榨橙汁等等。

Buy the fresh seafood from the market stalls and take it to the restaruant area to be cooked. There is lots of fresh (alive) food to choose from, ranging from the ordinary (fish, prawns) to the exotic (snakes, turtles). This is a local style place so don't expect western standard cleanliness, but the food is fresh so little risk of food poisioning.

It is very busy and lively (ie noisy) and part of the fun is experiencing the buzz and bargining for your food. If you are quite fussy about what and where you eat this place may not be suitable for you. Also, as in most places in China, don't expect anybody to understand English.

Chinese name: 板桥路海鲜市场. Pinyin: Bǎn qiáo lù hǎixiān shìchǎng

English name: Ban Qiao Road Seafood Market

Type (分类): Sea food. 海鲜 (Hǎi xiān)

Chinese address: 板桥路板桥新村. Pinyin address: Bǎn qiáo lù bǎn qiáo xīncūn

How to get there: Taxi - 15 RMB. Or take bus 11 and get off at the Qīngnián lùkǒu stop and then walk.

Opening times: Usual Chinese evening meal times: 17:00 to 19:30.

Price per person: around 30 RMB.

Comments: Haikou Ban qiao is a very affordable and famous place to eat seafood, the price not expensive, you can buy fresh seafood and to the local processing of the food stalls opposite.

Comments Chinese: 板桥路是海口吃海鲜很实惠的地方，价格又不贵，买了新鲜的海产品去对面的排挡就地加工了。

Hēng měi lè fàndiàn

Foreigner friendly restaurant, with a picture menu and individual meal sets. Prices are around 20-30 RMB per meal. Most food is Chinese with a couple of Chinese style Western dishes.

Million restaurant is very close to the Haikou Banana Hostel. It is on the opposite side of Renmin Avenue, a few metres north. It has a green, red and white sign.

3 branches, 1 near DC
Clean, fast, simple, good service, good taste. Menu: noodle dishes, dumplings, cold vegetable dishes.

Picture menu. Foriegner friendly.
Price per person 15-20.
Highly recommended

Haikou is a fairly large tropical city and the capital of Hainan. It is the business and transport centre of the island and a major port. It is a relaxed kind of place. Expect long breaks around lunch time and for shops to be open till late in the evening. Indeed Haikou is perhaps at its most lively at 10pm in the evening with many people outside along the streets eating, drinking and shopping.

Sights

There are good views of the modern Haikou skyline and sea from Century bridge. Wonder along HaiDian river and see the local traditional wooden fishing boats. Head to the east end of the river at around 5pm to see the fish markets. The old town centre retains a fast disappearing part of Chinese history - the Hutong. Spend an hour or 2 here getting lost amongst the winding narrow alleyways of this tradition housing style. Stroll with the locals along the bustling fruit and food stalls on Haidian San Xi Lu in the evening and stop for a snack of 'chao bing'.

Here are some of the better cinemas in Haikou City. Cinema ticket prices are around 30 RMB. Some of the big Western movies are shown with the original English language.

 {gallery}haikou{/gallery}

Haikou has many bars and clubs around the city. There are few different types of drinking establishments in Haikou. Here s a brief summary:

• Small local style bars. Here most seating is outside on wooden benches. The beer is usually cheap, from around 5 RMB for a small can. The decor may be a little shabby and the music outdated. However, these places can be fun if you want to experience the ordinary peoples drinking habits, or enjoy some beer outside during a warm evening. These bars open in the evening around 8pm and are open until the early morning. Many bars also have BBQ available so you can eat while you drink.
• Large nightclubs. These bars are decorated at the opposite end of the spectrum to the small local bars. Lots of money is spent on large flashy lights, mirrors and a large sound system. Drink prices are therefore much more exspensive. Individual drinks may cost around 20-40 RMB. Beers are more reasonable if you buy 12 at a time. A bottle of vodka will cost around 300 RMB, this may work out well if your sharing with some friends. Most clubs play fairly similar music. The more modern ones will play a mix of recent House, Hip-hop, RnB, Western Chart Pop, and Chinese songs. Most clubs have a very small dance floor and lots of tables. It is normal for slightly intoxicated Chinese to toast drinks at your table. Open from evening till late. Music is generally loud.
• KTV. At KTV bars your generally order a private room to share with your friends.

Bars and night clubs are generally concentrated in different areas around Haikou. Here is an introduction to some of these areas:

Heping Avenue Bar Street (和平大道酒吧街 Hépíng dàdào jiǔbā jiē)

There are many small local style bars on Heping Ave (和平大道 Hépíng dàdào) in Haidiandao, around 10 minutes walk from Haikou Hostel. There are at least 10 bars along the road. The bars normally stay open as long as their are customers. Bars in this area include:

• Red's Pub (aka Hash House), 红蜘蛛, Hóng zhīzhū. The meeting point for the Haikou Hash House Harriers. Situated on the corner of Heping Avenue and 2 East Road.
• German Wolf Bar, 德狼酒吧, Dé láng jiǔbā. Has a large German fighter plane outside.
• Pretty Girl Bar, 如花酒吧, Rúhuā jiǔbā. A bit more upper class compared to the other bars. Bar downstairs and a club upstairs.
• Hangout Bar, 雪屋, Xuě wū. Nice large outdoor area. A little difficult to find. Follow San Dong Road east of Heping Avenue and take the first road heading south. The bar has a small entrance halfway down this road on the west side of the road.

Guomao Bar Area (国贸 Guómào)

There are a number of large nightclubs on, or near, Guomao Road (国贸路 Guómào lù).

• 88 bar, 88酒吧, bā bā jiǔbā. Popular and open late every day of the week.
• MM Club, MM酒吧, MM jiǔbā
• Allen Story Club, 阿伦故事酒吧, ā lún gùshì jiǔbā
• Queen's Club, 皇后酒吧, huánghòu jiǔbā
• SOHO, 苏荷酒吧, sū hé jiǔbā
• Minghao, 名好酒吧, Míng hào jiǔbā

Haikou Bay Area (海口湾 Hǎikǒu wān)

Haikou Bay is a newly developed area. More international standard. You can eat good quality food (prices are not cheap) at Lounge bar and Coco bar durng the day time and drink there in the evening.

• Coco Bar, Coco酒吧, Coco jiǔbā. Most days has a decent buffet from 6-9pm with unlimited beer, 78 RMB per person.
• Lounge Bar, 领事馆酒吧, Lǐngshìguǎn jiǔbā. Also a restaurant.
• 18 Bar, 外滩十八号酒吧, Wàitān shí bā hào jiǔbā. Fairly standard Chinese club.

Century Bridge Area (复兴城 Fùxīng chéng)

There is an entertainment area under Century Bridge that has several large Chinese nightclubs and KTV.

• Meilihui Club, 美丽会酒吧, Měilì huì jiǔbā
• Dubai Club, 迪拜酒吧, Díbài jiǔbā
• Century Club, 世纪酒吧, Shìjì jiǔbā

BBS is a small bar located just to the west of north gate of Hainan University (on 5 West Road in Haidian Island). It is popular with students. A large glass of draught beer costs 10 RMB.

Some popular clubs are Allen Bar and 66 Bar (now called 88 Bar). Both of these clubs are located in the Guomao area.

Here is a video clip taken from inside 88 Bar in Guomao area of Haikou.

These are the main parks in Haikou:

• Wan Lu Yuan (Thousands Green park)
• Jin Niu Ling Yuan (Golden Bull Mountain-Peak park)
• Renmin Park (People's Park) next to East Lake.
• Baishamen (Whie Sand Beach)

Wan Lu Yuan has more large open green areas, whereas Jin Niu has more winding paths and thick tropical vegetation. Join the locals on a sunny afternoon at Wan Lu Yuan flying a kite (can be bought for 5 RMB at the gate) and playing badminton.

If your interested in Tai Chi (Taijiquan), push hands, or other martial arts then go Renmin Park in the morning before 11.00am. Haikou residents practice most days at the park.

Renmin park also has wood carving stalls next to East Lake on weekends. You can see examples of the traditional Chinese art form that involves carving tree stumps.

Baishamen is close to the Banana Hostel, about 1.5 km away on the north coast.

Opening times:  swimming pool 16:00 - 22:00, Jacuzzi 18:30 – 22:00

Cost: 20 rmb

Directions: From Haikou Banana Hostel take a 3-wheeled trike to the far north of Heping Dadao. This costs 5 rmb and takes around 10 minutes.

{gallery}hostel/jiangnan{/gallery} 

Holiday Beach (假日海滩 Jiàrì hǎitān)

To the west of Haikou city, Holiday Beach stretches for over 10km. This is the main beach in Haikou. In the summer we suggest visiting in the late afternoon to avoid the mid-day heat and staying until after sunset. The central area attracts a lot of locals in late afternoon, but it is easy to escape the crowds, if you wish, by walking a bit further down the beach.

You can swim in the sea and have a go on the jet-skis (15 minutes costs 70 rmb, though your probably have to haggle on the price).

In the main area of the beach there are outdoor street food stalls and places to buy drinks. There is a nice new swimming pool and hot spring, the price starts at 28 RMB for the swimming pool. You need to pay a little bit more to use the hot spring.

To the west of the main entrance there are volley ball nets and an outdoor BBQ area. Bring your own food to the BBQ. You pay around 50 RMB for charcoal and to use the one of the BBQ pits. The BBQ pits can be very popular in the evening with locals and can provide an atmospheric setting: with the smell of good food, many people having fun, and a nice sunset on the palm tree lined beach.

{gallery}holidaybeach{/gallery}

Xixiu Beach (西秀海滩 Xixiù hǎitān)

Closer to the west of Haikou city is Xixiu Beach, which 1-2km further west becomes Holiday Beach. The Hainan Windsurfing and Sailing Association has equipment for rent on Xixiu Beach.

Baishamen Beach (白沙门海滩 Báishāmén hǎitān)

On the north coast of Haidian Island (in the north of Haikou, near to the Haikou Banana Hostel) is Baishamen Park and Beach. The beach is about 1km long and next to where part of the Nandu River reaches the sea. The area was re-landscaped in 2010-2011.

Guilinyang Beach (桂林洋海滩 Guìlínyáng hǎitān)

To the east of Haikou is the beach area of Guilinyang. This is a quieter place than Holiday beach. The best area of Guilinyang beach is probably around the Crown Plaza hotel.

Map of Haikou's Beaches

A tour of the Hainan Asia Pacific Brewery in Haikou.

Date: 20 June 2009

Time:  3.30pm to 8.00pm

Price: 50 RMB including transport, beer, and pizza.

The Haikou Convention Centre (海口会展中心 Hǎikǒu huìzhǎn zhōngxīn) is located on Binhai Road, just to the west of Evergreen Park. There are regular events, most are probably not of interest to tourists but may be useful for some Hainan expats.

You can check upcoming events on their Chinese website:

http://www.ite-haikou.com

March 19th - 20th.

Where: Haikou Bay. Just to the west of Haikou Evergreen Park.

An emerging industry in Hainan - yachting.

Here is a list of the local government organised activities in Haikou over the October Holiday period.

1."Beautiful Hainan" Art Exhibition, 09:00-17:00 September 28-October 4, Haikou People's Art Museum (No.1,Second West Road (Er Xi Lu), Haidian Dao).

2.Real Estate Fair, 09:00-18:00 September 30-October 2, Haikou Exhibition Center (Binhai Avenue, on the west to Evergreen Park).

3.Painting, Calligraphy and Photo Exhibition, 09:00-17:00 September 30-October 4, Hainan Painting Gallery (No.3, Garden Road(Gong Yuan Lu)).

4.Festoon Lights Exhibition, September 30-October 30, Evergreen Park.

5.People's Celebration Party, 17:00-18:00 September 30, Evergreen Park.

6.Garden Party, 17:00-18:30 on September 30 and 09:00-11:30 from October 1-7, Evergreen Park.

7.Fireworks Party, 20:30-21:00 September 30, Evergreen Park.

8.Folklore Performance, 20:00-22:00 October 1-2, Evergreen Park.

9.Square Performance, 20:00-21:30 October 1-3, Yixin Square, Mingzhu Square, Nanya Square and RT-MART Square in Guoxing Avenue.

Here is a map of Haikou City. It was created by Haikou Banana Hostel. Click on the image to open a larger map.

Download Haikou City Map:

• Download a high resolution image of the above Haikou map (0.3MB)

Haikou Map Key:

Notes for info below: Number represents marker on map. English name, Chinese, Pinyin, Map co-ordinates

Eating

1. Haidian 3 Road Evening Street Food, 三西路(海大南门对门)小吃街,  Sānxilù xiǎochī jiē, 2C
2. Cheap Muslim Noodles, 兰州面点, Lánzhōu miàn diǎn, 2C
3. Local Snacks: Chao Bing & Qingbu Liang (evening only), 炒冰和清补凉, Chǎo bīng hé qīng bǔ liáng, 2C
4. Xiyu Xinjiang Restaurant, 西域餐厅, Xīyù cāntīng, 1C
5. Beijng Roast Duck, 中兴楼北京烤鸭店, Zhōngxìng lóu běijīng kǎoyā diàn, 1C
6. Haidian 2 Road Outdoor BBQ, 海甸二路烧烤, Hǎi diān èr lù shāokǎo, 1C
7. Hainanese Restaurant (1st floor of Huandao Tide Hotel), 琼州八珍, Qióngzhōu bā zhēn, 1C
8. Banqiao Rd Seafood Market & Restaurant , 板桥路海鲜排档, Bǎn qiáo lù hǎixiān páidàng, 1C
9. Jinlong Rd Restaurant Street, 金龙路, Jīnlóng lù, 2B
10. Winner Pizza, 尊宝美食,Zūn bǎo měishí, 2B
11. KFC, 肯德基, Kěndéjī, 2C
12. McDonalds, 麦当劳, Màidāngláo, 2C
13. Local Fresh Food Market, 三西路菜场, Sān xi lù càichǎng, 2C

Beaches, Hot Springs, Swimming Pools

14. Holiday beach, 假日海滩, Jiàrì hǎitān, 4B
15. Baishamen Park & Beach, 白沙门公园, Báishāmén gōngyuán, 2D
16. Xixiu beach (windsurfing), 西秀海滩, Xi xiù hǎitān, 4B
17. Crown Spa Beach Resort, 皇冠滨海温泉酒店, Huángguàn bīnhǎi wēnquán jiǔdiàn, 1B
18. Baishamen Hot Spring (18:00-21:00), 白沙门温泉, Báishā mén wēnquán, 1D
19. Swimming pool (16:00-21:00), 绿岛家园 游泳池, Lǜ dǎo jiāyuán yóuyǒngchí, 2D

Shopping

20. Mingzhu Square, 明珠广场, Míngzhū guǎngchǎng, 2B
21. Nanguo Supermarket, 南国超市, Nánguó chāoshì, 1C
22. Carrefour Supermarket, 海府路 家乐福超市, Hǎi fǔ lù jiālèfú chāoshì, 1B
23. RT-Mart Supermarket, 大润发超市, Dà rùn fā chāoshì, 2B
24. DC City (electronics), DC城, DC cheng, 海秀路DC城, 2B
25. Tailong City (female clothes), 泰龙城, Tailong cheng, 2B
26. The Grocery (Western food supplier), 金贸中路1号 半山花园23号别墅, 2B

Historic / Tourist

27. Five-Lord Temple, 五公祠, Wǔ gōng cí, 1A
28. Hairui Memorial Temple, 海瑞墓, Hǎi ruì mù, 3A
29. Xiuying Fortress, 秀英炮台, Xiù yīng pàotái, 3B
30. Bell Tower, 钟楼, Zhōnglóu, 2C
31. Qiongtai College, 琼台书院, Qióng tái shūyuàn, 1A
32. Hainan Museum, 海南省博物馆, Hǎinán shěng bówùguǎn, 1A
33. Historic Street Area, 博爱路新华路地区, Bóài lù xīnhuá lù dìqū, 1C
34. East Gate Market, 博爱路东门市场, Bóài lù dōng mén shìchǎng, 1C
35. Impressions Hainan Beach Performance, 印象海南岛, Yìnxiàng hǎinán dǎo, 4B

Nightlife

36. Allen Club, 阿伦的故事, Ā lún de gùshì, 2B
37. 66 Club,  66吧, Liù liù ba, 2B
38. Red’s Pub (Hash House) 红蜘蛛酒吧, Hóng zhīzhū jiǔbā, 1C
39. Lounge Club, 领事馆, Lǐngshìguǎn, 3B
40. MM Club, MM酒吧, MM Jiǔbā, 2B
41. 18 Club, 外滩十八号酒吧, Wàitān shí bā hào jiǔbā, 3B
42. Hangout Outdoor Bar, 雪屋酒吧, Xuě wū jiǔbā, 1C

Other

Accommodation

Haikou Banana Youth Hostel, 海口巴纳纳国际青年旅舍, Hǎikǒu ba nà nà guójì qīngnián lǚshě, 2C
Tel/电话: 0898 66286780  www.haikouhostel.com
Email/电邮: haikouhostel@gmail.com

You can check the high speed train timetable online at the following website, however it is only in Chinese:

http://203.88.208.133/cgishell/module/train/train_time_list.pl?Corp_ID=HAK133&MODULE=sl800_train.htm

• Clock Tower (钟楼站 Zhōnglóu zhàn). Buses 30, 5, 20, 26 from Renmin Dadao, on the opposite side of the road from hostel.
• Holiday Beach (假日海滩 Jiàrì hǎitān). Bus 37 from the Clock Tower (钟楼站 Zhōnglóu zhàn).
• Crown Spa Beach Resort (皇冠酒店 Huángguàn jiǔdiàn). Bus 27 from opposite side of road from Clock Tower (钟楼站 Zhōnglóu zhàn) (heading east).
• Mingzhu Square/Haikou Park (明珠广场 Míngzhū guǎngchǎng). Bus 19 or 36 from Renmin Dadao, opposite side of road from hostel.
• Ever Green Park (万绿园 Wàn lǜ yuán). Bus 21 from Renmin Dadao, opposite side of road from hostel.
• Haikou Volcano Park (海口火山口公园 Hǎikǒu huǒshān kǒu gōngyuán). Bus 7 from ‘3 East Rd’ (三东路 Sān dōng lù), opposite Nanguo Supermarket. Get off at 海榆中线 Hǎi yú zhōngxiàn. Then get a mini-bus to Shishan Town (石山镇 Shíshān zhèn).
• Guomao Area (国贸 Guomao). Bus 7 from ‘3 East Rd’ (三东路 Sān dōng lù), opposite Nanguo Supermarket.
• Five Lords Temple (五公祠 Wǔ gōng cí) and East Bus Station (海口东站 Hǎikǒu dōng zhàn). Bus 11 or 44 from outside hostel (京海花园 Jīng hǎi huāyuán), on the opposite side of the road.
• South Bus Station (海口南站 Hǎikǒu nán zhàn). Bus 20 from Renmin Dadao, opposite side of road from hostel. Get off at Poxiang Rd stop (坡巷路站 Pō xiàng lù zhàn) and walk about 400m north, the South Station is on your right at the major junction.
• Hainan Museum (海南省博物馆 Hǎinán shěng bówùguǎn). Bus 43 or 27 from the Clock Tower (钟楼站 Zhōnglóu zhàn). Get off at the Hainan Sq. stop (海南广场站 Hǎinán guǎngchǎng zhàn), walk 200m east along main road.

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Tourism shuttle bus A. Baishamen to Volcano Park

Stops: Báishā mén ￫ jīn hǎiàn dà jiǔdiàn (Golden Coast Hotel) ￫ wànfú xīncūn ￫ wàn lǜ yuán (Ever Green Park) ￫ fùháo dàshà ￫ hǎinán qiáo zhōng ￫ yàzhōu guójì dà jiǔdiàn (Asia International Hotel) ￫ jīnniú lǐng gōngyuán (Golden Bull Mountain-Peak Park) ￫ hǎi ruì mù (Hairui Tomb) ￫ huǒshān kǒu gōngyuán (Volcano Park)
Departure time:(Baishamen to Volcano Park) 9:00 am, 2:00 pm
(Volcano Park to Baishamen) 12:00 noon, 5:00pm
Price:10 RMB per person. Total distance, one way: 34km

旅游A线 ：白沙门－火山口公园

途径：白沙门 → 金海岸大酒店 → 万福新村 → 万绿园 → 富豪大厦 → 海南侨中 → 亚洲国际大酒店 → 金牛岭公园 → 海瑞墓 → 火山口公园

发车时间：(白沙门-火山口公园)上午09：00、下午14点;
(火山口公园-白沙门)中午12：00、下午17：00。<单向>
票价：单程34公里，10元

Here is a list of the bus routes in Haikou.

You can use this link to Google maps http://ditu.google.cn to get bus routes. Click on '公交／驾车' and enter the start point and destination. Google will show you a suggested route. Works best if you enter Chinese characters.

You can also check Haikou bus routes using this link to aibang.com:

http://bus.aibang.com/haikou/abbdx-bus#s=area%0Dabbd%0Acity%0D%E6%B5%B7%E5%8F%A3%0Acmd%0Dface%0Atype%0Dline

Select 公交, then 线路查询 to enter the bus route number you are interested in.

1. Xiuying-Fucheng   秀英-府城
Qiuhai Ave. 丘海大道， Xiuhua Rd. 秀华路，Xiuying Ave. 秀英大道,Haixiu Rd. 海秀路 Haifu Rd. 海府路，Qiongzhou Ave. 琼州大道，Wenzhuang Rd. 文庄路，Zhongshan Rd.中山路，Gaodeng St. 高登街.

2. Longhua bus terminal-Xiuying   龙华总站-秀英
Longhua Rd. 龙华路 Jiefang West Rd.解放西路，Xinhua South Rd. 新华南路 Donghu Rd. 东湖路，Boai South Rd. 博爱南路， Haixiu East Rd. 海秀东路 ，Daying West Rd. 大英西路，Datong Rd.   大同路, Haixiu Rd. 海秀路, Xiuying Ave. 秀英大道, Xiuhua Rd. 秀华路, Qiuhai Ave. 丘海大道.
   
   3. Xiuying-Police Hospital   秀英-武警医院
Xiuying Ave. 秀英大道, Binhai Ave. 滨海大道, Changdi Rd. 长堤路, Bailong North Rd. 白龙北路, Wenming East Rd. 文明东路.

   4. Guomao-Fucheng 国贸-府城   
Wenhua Rd. 文华路, Jinmao Rd. 金贸路, Guomao Rd. 国贸路, Yusha Rd. 玉沙路, Jinlong Rd. 金龙路, Longhua Rd. 龙华路, Jiefang West Rd. 解放西路, Xinhua South Rd. 新华南路, Donghu Rd. 东湖路, Boai South Rd. 博爱南路,  Haifu Rd. 海府路, Qiongzhou Ave. 琼州大道, Jianguo Rd. 建国路,  Zhongshan Rd.中山路,  Gaodeng St. 高登街.

5. Wanfu New Country-Liushuipo  万福新村-流水坡
Haidian WuxiRd. 海甸五西路, Renmin Ave.人民大道, Changdi Rd. 长堤路,  Longhua Rd. 龙华路, 
Jiefang West Rd. 解放西路, Xinhua South Rd. 新华南路, Wenming Rd. 文明路.

    6. Xinbu Island- Rongshan    新埠岛-荣山
Changdi Rd. 长堤路,  Binhai Ave. 滨海大道,  Xiuying Ave. 秀英大道,  Haisheng Rd. 海盛路, Haiyu West Line 海榆西线.

    7. Nongken Hospital-Jiaoyu education college 农垦医院-教育学院
Baishui Tang 白水塘   Xiuying Ave. 秀英大道,  Binhai Ave. 滨海大道,  Shimao East Rd. 世贸东路， Jinmao Middle Rd. 金茂中路，Jinlong Rd. 金龙路，  Guomao Rd. 国贸路,  Longkun North  Rd. 龙昆北路， Binhai Ave. 滨海大道, Changdi Rd. 长堤路,  Renmin Rd.人民路， Erdong Rd.二东路， Haida Rd. 海达路， San Rd. 三路.

8.Guomao-Hainan Square   国贸-海南广场  
  Guomao Rd. 国贸路,  Longkun North Rd. 龙昆北路， Yanzao Heng Rd. 盐灶横路，Longhua Erheng Rd. 龙华二横路，  Jiefang Rd. 解放路，  Boai North Rd. 博爱北路, Changdi Rd. 长堤路, Peace North Rd. 和平北路， Wenming Zhong Rd. 文明中路，Bailong South Rd. 白龙南路, Haifu Yiheng Rd. 海府一横路，Qunshang Rd. 群上路.   

9.Xiuying- Fucheng  秀英-府城  
Xiuying Ave. 秀英大道,  Haixiu West Rd. 海秀西路,  Haixiu Zhong Rd. 海秀中路, Jinken Rd. 金垦路， Jinyu Rd. 金宇路， Nansha Rd. 南沙路，  Longkun South Rd. 龙昆南路， Fengxiang West Rd. 凤翔西路。

    10.  Longhua bus terminal -Hainan Middle School  龙华总站- 海南中学 
Longhua Rd. 龙华路， Datong Rd.   大同路, Haixiu East Rd. 海秀东路, Five Finger Moutain Rd. 五指山路， Lantian Rd. 蓝天路， Xisha Rd. 西沙路，  Longkun South Rd. 龙昆南路， Banqiao Rd. 板桥路. 

    11. Wanfu Xincun -Fucheng   万福新村- 府城 
Haidian Wuxi Rd. 海甸五西路，  Renmin Ave. 人民大道, San East Rd. 三东路， Haida Rd. 海达路， Er East Rd. 二东路， Peace North Rd. 和平北路，  Wenming Zhong Rd. 文明中路，Bailong South Rd. 白龙南路, Haifu Yiheng Rd. 海府一横路， Haifu  Rd. 海府路， Red City Hu Rd. 红城湖路， Longkun South Rd. 龙昆南路， Fengxiang West Rd. 凤翔西路。 

    12. Guomao – Fucheng  国贸-府城  
 Guomao Rd. 国贸路, Yusha Rd. 玉沙路, Jinlong Rd. 金龙路,   Longhua Rd. 龙华路,  Datong Rd.   大同路, Guangchang Rd. 广场路，  Donghu Rd. 东湖路, Bo’ai South Rd. 博爱南路,  Haifu Rd. 海府路,  Jianguo Rd. 建国路,  Hong Cheng Hu Rd. 红城湖路.  
 
    13. Xinbu Island – Guomao   新埠岛-国贸  
Bailong Rd. 白龙路， Haifu Yiheng Rd. 海府一横路， Lantian Rd. 蓝天路，WuZhiShan Rd 五指山路， Daying Rd. 大英路， Nanbao Rd. 南宝路，  Lantian Rd. 蓝天路， Xisha Rd. 西沙路，  Longkun Rd. 龙昆路， Huahai Rd. 华海路， Jinlong Rd. 金龙路，Yusha Rd. 玉沙路。

     14. New Harbour -Jinpan  新港 -金盘 
XinGang Rd. 新港路,  Taihua Rd.  泰华路, Binhai Ave. 滨海大道, Changdi Rd. 长堤路, Bailong Rd. 白龙路, Haifu Rd. 海府路,   Red City Hu Rd. 红城湖路.  Nanhai Ave. 南海大道, Jinniu Rd. 金牛路,  Jinpan Rd. 金盘路. 

     15. Wanfu Xincun – Jinpan   万福新村 – 金盘 
Wuxi Rd. 五西路, Renmin Ave. 人民大道, Er East Rd. 二东路，  Heping Ave. 和平大道， Heping Rd. 和平路,  Haifu  Rd. 海府路   Haixiu East Rd. 海秀东路, Daying  West Rd. 大英西路, Datong Rd.   大同路, Lantian Rd. 蓝天路， Xisha Rd. 西沙路，Nansha Rd. 南沙路, Jinlian Rd. 金濂路,   Jinniu Rd. 金牛路,  Jinpan Rd. 金盘路.

     16. Xiuying Paolou – Police Hospital  秀英炮楼 – 武警医院 
Baishui Tang Rd. 白水塘路， Haiyu Middle Line 海榆中线， Xiuying Ave. 秀英大道， Haixiu Rd. 海秀路， Haifu Rd. 海府路,   Haifu Yiheng Rd. 海府一横路， Bailong South Rd. 白龙南路  ， Wenming East Rd. 文明东路。

     17. Wanfu Xincun -Luoniu Shan Stop  万福新村 – 罗牛山站 
Wuxi Rd. 五西路, Renmin Ave. 人民大道, Si East Rd. 四东路， Haida Rd. 海达路， Er East Rd. 二东路，Renmin Ave. 人民大道, Changdi Rd. 长堤路, Binhai Ave. 滨海大道, Longkun North  Rd. 龙昆北路， Haixiu Middle Rd. 海秀中路， Haixiu West Rd. 海秀西路， Xiuying Ave. 秀英大道，Xiuhua Rd. 秀华路，Qiuhai Ave. 丘海大道.
   
     18. Fuhai New City – Jinpan   福海新城- 金盘 
  Peace Ave. 和平大道，San East Rd. 三东路，Haitong Rd. 海彤路，  Er East Rd. 二东路， Renmin Ave. 人民大道, Changdi Rd. 长堤路, Binhai Ave. 滨海大道,Mingzhu Rd. 明珠路，Guomao Rd. 国贸路， Yusha Rd. 玉沙路， Jinlong Rd. 金龙路，Longhua Rd. 龙华路， Longkun Rd. 龙昆路， Chengxi Rd. 城西路， Jinpan Rd. 金盘路.

     19. Baisha Men -Jinpan 白沙门 – 金盘 
Renming Ave. 人民大道,   San East Rd. 三东路， Haida Rd. 海达路， Er East Rd. 二东路，    Heping Ave. 和平大道， Heping Rd. 和平路,  Haifu  Rd. 海府路   Haixiu East Rd. 海秀东路, Daying  West Rd. 大英西路,  Datong Rd.  大同路,  Longkun South Rd. 龙昆南路， Chengxi Rd. 城西路， Jianshe Sanheng Rd. 建设三横路，Jinpan Rd. 金盘路.

     20.  Wanfu Xincun -Asia Haoyuan   万福新村- 亚洲豪苑 
Haidian Wuxi Rd. 海甸五西路，  Renmin Ave. 人民大道, Changdi Rd. 长堤路, Longhua Rd. 龙华路，Longkun South Rd. 龙昆南路， Chengxi Rd. 城西路， Jianshe Sanheng Rd. 建设三横路，Jinpan Rd. 金盘路. Jinniu Rd. 金牛路,  Jinlian Rd. 金濂路。 

     21.  Baisha Men -Meilan Airport 白沙门 – 美兰机场 
 Renmin Ave. 人民大道, Changdi Rd. 长堤路, Binhai Ave. 滨海大道, Mingzhu Rd. 明珠路，Guomao Rd. 国贸路， Yusha Rd. 玉沙路， Jinlong Rd. 金龙路，Longhua West Rd. 龙华西路， Longkun South Rd. 龙昆南路，  Fengxiang West Rd. 凤翔西路， Xin Dazhou Ave. 新大洲大道. 

     22. XinGang Port -Nongken Hospital  新港-农垦医院 
New Harbour Rd. 新港路,  Taihua Rd.  泰华路, Binhai Ave. 滨海大道, Longhua Rd. 龙华路， Datong Rd.  大同路, Haixiu East Rd. 海秀东路,  Haixiu Middle Rd. 海秀中路，Haiken Rd. 海垦路, Nanhai Ave. 南海大道,  Qiuhai Ave. 丘海大道.

     23. Guangyi XinCun-Guoxing Middle School 广益新村—国兴中学
Haitong Rd. 海彤路，  Haidian Erdong Rd. 海甸二东路，  Renmin Ave.人民大道，  Haidian Wuxi Rd.海甸五西路，  Century Bridge 世纪大桥，  Binhai Ave.滨海大道， Longkun Rd. 龙昆路， Fengxiang West Rd.风翔西路，  Dayuan Rd.大园路，  Wanshouting Rd.万寿亭路， Zhongshan South Rd.中山南路，  Fengxiang West Rd.风翔西路，  City South Rd.城南路
 
      24. Haidian Yixi Rd.-Haikou Prison  海甸一西路—海口监狱
Haidian Yixi Rd.海甸一西路，  Haidian Er Rd.海甸二路，  Heping Ave.和平大道，  Heping Rd. 和平路， Haifu Rd.海府路，  Haixiu East Rd.海秀东路， Daying West Rd.大英西路，  Datong Rd.大同路，  Haixiu Rd.海秀路，  Xiuying Ave.秀英大道，  Haiyu Middleline海榆中线

      25. Fuan Country—Pobo Food Market  福安村—坡博市场
Haihong Rd.海虹路，  Haidian Erdong Rd.海甸二东路，  Renming Ave.人民大道，  Changdi Rd.长堤路，  Boai North Rd.博爱北路，  Zhongshan Rd.中山路，  Xinhua North Rd.新华北路，Jiefang West 解放西  Longhua Rd.龙华路，  Yilong Rd.义龙路，  Longkun South Rd.龙昆南路，  Nansha Rd.南沙路

      26. Diankun Xiaoqu-Nongken Hospital  甸昆小区—农垦医院
Wu West Rd.五西路，  Renmin Ave.人民大道，  Changdi Rd.长堤路，  Bo’ai Rd.博爱路，Zhongshan Rd.中山路， Xinhua Rd.新华路，  Jiefang West Rd.解放西路，  Longhua Rd.龙华路 Longkun Rd.龙昆路，  Nansha Rd.南沙路，  Jindi Rd.金地路，  Jinken Rd.金垦路，  Haiken Rd.海垦路，  Nanhai Ave.南海大道，  Qiuhai Ave.丘海大道
 
      27. Xinbu Rd.—Luoniushan Station  新埠路—罗牛山站
Changdi Rd.长堤路，  Binhai Ave.滨海大道，  Xiuhua Rd.秀华路， Qiuhai Ave.丘海大道

      28. Meishe He Station— Haikou Train Station  美舍河站—火车站
Haifu Yiheng Rd.海府一横路，  Lantian Rd.蓝天路，  Wuzhishan Rd.五指山路，  Haixiu East Rd.海秀东路，  Datong Rd.大同路，  Longhua Rd.龙华路， Yusha Rd.玉沙路，  Guomao Rd.国贸路， Mingzhu Rd.明珠路，  Binhai Ave.滨海大道，  Qiuhai Ave.丘海大道，  Xiuhua Rd.秀华路， Xiuying Ave.秀英大道，  Binhai Ave.滨海大道，

      29. Meishe He Station—Xiuying 美舍河站—秀英
Qunshang Rd.群上路，  Haifu Yiheng Rd.海府一横路，  Haifu Rd.海府路，  Haixiu East Rd.海秀东路，  Daying West Rd.大英西路，  Datong Rd.大同路，  Longkun North Rd.龙昆北路， Guomao Rd.国贸路，  Mingzhu Rd.明珠路，  Binhai Ave.滨海大道，  Xiuying Ave.秀英大道，  Xiuhua Rd.秀华路，  Qiuhai Ave.丘海大道，

      30. Wanfu Xincun—Gang’ao Qu  万福新村—港澳区
Haidian Wuxi Rd.海甸五西路，  Renmin Ave.人民大道，  Changdi Rd.长堤路，  Longhua Rd.龙华路，  Haixiu Rd.海秀路，  Haisheng Rd.海盛路， Keji Ave.科技大道

      31. Longhua Zongzhan—Hainan technique School  龙华总站—省技校
Longhua Rd.龙华路，  Binhai Ave.滨海大道，  Xingang Rd.新港路，  Taihua Rd.泰华路， Binhai Ave.滨海大道，  Longkun North Rd.龙昆北路，  Guomao Rd.国贸路，  Jinmao Rd.金贸路， Xiucheng Rd.秀城路，  Haiken Rd.海垦路，  Nanhai Ave.南海大道，  Jinpan Rd.金盘路，  City West Rd.城西路，  Fengxiang Rd.风翔路，  Dayuan Rd.大园路，

      32. Pao Tai---Yan Zao 炮台—盐灶
Jinzi Rd.金字路， Jinken Rd.金垦路， Haixiu Rd.海秀路， Xiupo Rd.秀坡路， Jinmao Rd.金贸路， Guomao Rd.国贸路， Yusha Rd.玉沙路， Binhai Rd.滨海路， Longkun Rd.龙昆路， Yuhe Rd.玉河路， Yanzao Rd.盐灶路， Longhua Rd.龙华路， Datong Rd.大同路， Haixiu Rd.海秀路，Longkun Rd.龙昆路， Nansha Rd.南沙路，
  
      33. Hainan Square—Xiu Ying  海南广场—秀英
Guoxing Ave.国兴大道， Meiyuan Rd.美苑路， Qunshang Rd.群上路， Haifu Yiheng Rd.海府一横路， Lantian Rd.蓝天路， Xisha Rd.西沙路， Longkun South Rd.龙昆南路， City West Rd.城西路， Jinpan Rd.金盘路， Nanhai Ave.南海大道， Qiuhai Ave.丘海大道， Xiuhua Rd.秀华路， Xiuying Ave.秀英大道， Haisheng Rd.海盛路，

      34. The Youth Rd.—Shi Mao 青年路—世贸
The Youth Rd.青年路， Wenming East Rd.文明东路， Heping South Rd.和平南路， Haifu Rd.海府路， Haixiu East Rd.海秀东路， Daying West Rd.大英西路， Datong Rd.大同路， Longhua Rd.龙华路， Jinlong Rd.金龙路， Yusha Rd.玉沙路， Guomao Rd.国贸路， Jinlong Rd.金龙路， Jinmao Rd.金贸路，

      35. Green Jiayuan— Haikou Train Station 绿色佳园—火车站
Fengxiang Rd.风翔路， Qiongzhou Ave.琼州大道， Gaodeng Street 高登街  Zhongshan Rd.中山路， Fengxiang Rd.风翔路， Longkun Rd.龙昆路， Nanhai Ave.南海大道， Nansha Rd.南沙路， Dongsha Rd.东沙路， Jinken Rd.金垦路， Haixiu Rd.海秀路， Longhua West Rd.龙华西路， Jinlong Rd.金龙路， Yusha Rd.玉沙路， Binhai Ave.滨海大道，

     36. Baisha Rd.—Nongken Zongju 白沙路—农垦总局
Renmin Ave.人民大道， Haidian Sandong Rd.海甸三东路， Heping Ave.和平大道， Heping North Rd.和平北路， Wenming West Rd.文明西路， East Lake Rd.东湖路， Bo’ai South Rd.博爱南路， Haixiu East Rd.海秀东路， Daying West Rd.大英西路， Datong Rd.大同路， Haixiu Rd.海秀路， Haiken Rd.海垦路，

      37. Green Jiayuan—Train Station 绿色佳园—火车站
Fengxiang East Rd.风翔东路， Qiongzhou Ave.琼州大道， Haifu Rd.海府路， Bailong Rd.白龙路， Changdi Rd.长堤路， Binhai Ave.滨海大道，

      38. Around the City Line 环线
Haifu Rd.海府路， LanTian Rd.蓝天路， Wuzhishan Rd.五指山路， Daying Rd.大英路， Nanbao Rd.南宝路， LanTian Rd.蓝天路， Xisha Rd.西沙路，  Longkun South Rd.龙昆南路， HongCheng Hu Rd.红城湖路，

      39. Economic College—West Bus Station 经济学院—西站
Guoxing Ave.国兴大道， Haifu Rd.海府路， Zhenxing Rd.振兴大道， Haifu Yiheng Rd.海府一横路， Bailong Rd.白龙路， Changdi Rd.长堤路， Binhai Ave.滨海大道， Xiuying Ave.秀英大道， Haixiu West Rd.海秀西路， Qiuhai Ave.丘海大道， Xiuhua Rd.秀华路， Jinding Ave.金鼎大道，

      40. Jin Pan—Haikou Train Station 金盘—火车站
Jinpan Rd.金盘路， Jinniu Rd.金牛路， Jinlian Rd.金濂路， Nansha Rd.南沙路， Xisha Rd.西沙路， Blue Sky Rd.蓝天路， Wuzhishan Rd.五指山路， Haixiu East Rd.海秀东路， Daying West Rd.大英西路， Datong Rd.大同路， Haixiu Rd.海秀路， Haisheng Rd.海盛路， Changyi Rd.长怡路， Binhai Ave.滨海大道，

      41. Gangwu Ju—Haikou Meilan Airport 港务局—美兰机场
Dongfangyang Rd.东方洋路， Shugangheng Rd.疏港横路， Qiuhai Ave.丘海大道， Binhai Ave.滨海大道， Xiuying Ave.秀英大道， Haixiu Rd.海秀路， Wuzhishan Rd.五指山路， Lantian Rd.蓝天路， Haifu Rd.海府路， Qiongzhou Ave.琼州大道， New Dazhou Ave.新大洲大道，

      42.Zijing Garden—Green Jiayuan  紫荆花园—绿色佳园
Zijing Rd.紫荆路， Minsheng Rd.民声路， Yulan Rd.玉兰路， Binhai Ave.滨海大道 Longhua Rd.龙华路， Longkun Rd.龙昆路， HongCheng Hu Rd.红城湖路， Zhuyun Rd.朱云路， XinCheng Rd.新城路， Zhongshan Rd.中山路， Fengxiang Rd.风翔路，

      43. Longhua Zongzhan—Huangguan Hostel 龙华总站—皇冠酒店
Longhua Rd.龙华路， Changdi Rd.长堤路， Bailong Rd.白龙路， Haifu Rd.海府路， Guoxing Ave.国兴大道， Qiongshan Ave.琼山大道，

      44. Bai Sha Men—Medicine College 白沙门—医学院
Renmin Ave.人民大道， Haidian Sandong Rd.海甸三东路， Haida Rd.海达路， Haidian Erdong Rd.海甸二东路， Heping Ave.和平大道， Heping Rd.和平路， Haifu Rd.海府路， Qiongzhou Ave.琼州大道， Jianguo Rd.建国路， Fengxiang Rd.风翔路， Cheng West Rd.城西路， XueYuan Rd.学院路，

     45. Huangguan Hostel—Gui Lin Yang 皇冠酒店—桂林洋
Qiongshan Ave.琼山大道， Guoxing Ave.国兴大道， Haifu Rd.海府路，HongCheng Hu Rd.红城湖路， Longkun South Rd.龙昆南路， Fengxiang West Rd.风翔西路， Dayuan Rd.大园路， Wanshouning Rd.万寿宁路， Zhongshan South Rd.中山南路， New Dazhou Ave.新大洲大道，

     46. Dayuan Rd.—Three Mlies 大园路—三公里
Dayuan Rd.大园路， Zhuyun Rd.朱云路， Xincheng Rd.新城路， Zhongshan North Rd.中山北路， Wenzhuang Rd.文庄路， Qiongzhou Ave.琼州大道， New Dazhou Ave.新大洲大道

     Tourism Line A: Haikou Technology School—Hairui Tomb  旅游A:省技校—海瑞墓
Zhongshan Rd.中山路，HongCheng Hu Rd.红城湖路， Nanhai Ave.南海大道 Nansha Rd.南沙路， Longkun Rd.龙昆路， Longhua Rd.龙华路， Yusha Rd.玉沙路， Binhai Ave.滨海大道， Mingzhu Rd.明珠路， Jinmao Rd.金贸路， Binhai Ave.滨海大道， Xiuying Ave.秀英大道， Xiuhua Rd.秀华路， Qiuhai Ave.丘海大道，

     Tourism Line B: Asia Haoyuan— Haikou Train Station  旅游B：亚洲豪苑—火车站
Jinlian Rd.金濂路， Jinniu Rd.金牛路， Nanhai Ave.南海大道， Haiken Rd.海垦路， Jinken Rd.金垦路， Jinzi East Rd.金字东路， Nansha Rd.南沙路， Longkun South Rd.龙昆南路， Haixiu East Rd.海秀东路， Daying West Rd.大英西路， Datong Rd.大同路， Longhua Rd.龙华路， Binhai Ave.滨海大道，

New 5 a-side football pitches in Haidian Dao (Nov, 2011)

Follow Sanxi Lu (三西路) to the very west and you come to an old port area. Turn right, the pitches are about 100 metres ahead on the right hand side.

There are 4 pitches and a small bar for post football beers.

Haikou Golden Dragon football Pitches (海口金龙足球场, Hǎikǒu jīn lóng zúqiú chǎng).

Address: Haikou City, Jinlong Road, Next to Shangbang Shopping Centre.

海口金龙路上邦百汇城旁, Hǎikǒu jīn lóng lùshàng bāng bǎi huì chéng páng.

Reservation hotline 订场热线: 68590688, 13697567799.

QQ: 123922527.

There are more and more watersports available in Haikou. There is a windsurfing and sailing club on Xixiu Beach in Haikou. Xixiu Beach is just to the west of Haikou city, just before Haikou's Holiday Beach.

Windsurf rental prices are 100-150 RMB per day. Tution is available, but do not expect much spoken English.

Address of Windsurfing and Sailing Club in Haikou:

Xixiu Beach, Binhai West Road, Haikou City, Hainan Province.

地址: 海南省海口市滨海西路西秀海滩公园. Hǎinán shěng, hǎikǒu shì, bīnhǎi xi lù, xī xiù hǎitān gōngyuán.

• Official website of the Hainan Sailing and Windsurfing Association (Chinese language):

http://www.hnfx.org.cn/

• Hainan Sail Organisation:

website 网站: www.hailine.com/361913

Telephone 与我联系: 0898-68648956

The 2012 Snooker Hainan World Open will be hosted in Haikou city.

Snooker heavyweights Ronnie O'Sullivan, Mark Williams and John Higgins are to attend, attracted by the 400k GBP prize money.

It will be held from Feburary 27 to March 4, 2012.

Source: http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/china/2011-11/11/c_131241811.htm

Sunday the 20^th April, 2008 was the first ever Ironman triathlon in China. The event was hosted in Haikou city, the capital of Hainan Island. According to the competitors and organizers the event was a success.

As a person who lives in Haikou, I was interested in how the first Ironman China would unfold. In the days leading up to the event it threatened to go pear shaped. There had been 3 weeks of sunny days until a few days before race day when there was a typhoon warning for the Ironman weekend. Fortunately, as per my experience so far, the typhoon was something of an anti-climax, consisting of little more than a bit of wind and rain. It all cleared up quickly and by the race day was clear and sunny.

The race consists of a 4km swim, 180km of cycling, and a 40km run to the finish. I watched by the finish line and saw the winner, Germany's Olaf Sabatschus, finish in 8 hours and 52 minutes. Second was South Korea's Park Byung-hoon and third Tim Marr of the US. Parts of Haikou traffic where redirected and the race passed through different areas of Haikou. Many local people got in to the spirit of it even thou most had probably never heard of Ironman before. They lined the streets and cheered on the competitors with calls of ‘jia you’ (literally translates as ‘add oil’ and are words of encouragement to push yourself harder).

Some of the competitors were staying at the banana hostel. It was interesting meeting the people who push themselves to such extremes, hearing about their experiences, and their preparation. Hopefully the Ironman China will be a regular event in Haikou. I believe the local government is actively encouraging such events because they help the economy of Haikou without the need for heavy industry.

Update: The Ironman has become an annual event, with competitions on April 2009 and March 2010.

Wondering where to watch the 2010 World Cup? Baishamen Park in the north of Haikou City has a massive screen and beer tents. 20 RMB admission includes 2 beers. The park is bustling in the evening giving a good atmosphere to enjoy the greatest football competition. Locals appreciate good football and cheer any team that displays some skill.

A reasonable gym situated on Haidian Island in the north of Haikou. There are free weights, exercise machines, ping pong tables and some classes. Don't expect too much, but there is enough equipment for a decent work-out.

Location: opposite the Haikou Banana Hostel.

Price: 1 month 200 RMB or 100RMB if you are a student.

6 months 660RMB.

Haikou Hash meet every Saturday at 3:00pm at Red's pub on Heping road. A bus then takes the 'Hashers' to a rural area outside of Haikou. We normally go to a small village and follow a trail around the tropical countryside for 6 to 10 kms. Some people jog while others walk. After the exercise the drinking begins. We also eat at a restaurant, usually within Haikou city. All this costs just 35 rmb, including bus, meal, and as many beers as you can drink.

It's a good way to see some of the more inaccessible areas of Hainan. You will see plenty of beautiful and interesting sights and visit remote areas that you would not otherwise see.

 Haikou Hash bbs (Chinese)

{gallery}hash{/gallery} 

March 13 – 17th 2010.

The Hainan international sailing yacht race started from Haikou, sailing along the east coast via Wenchang, Boao, LingShui, and finally arriving in Sanya.

Haikou hosted the the first ever Ironman in China in April 2008. It is back again on 19 April 2009.

Official website:

http://ironman.com/events/ironman/china

March 14th 2010.

The third Haikou Ironman takes place on Sunday 14th March. The swim course is located at Nandu river. The bike leads to the Shishan volcano area and back, and the running finishes at Haikou Park next to the East Lake.

 Official website: http://www.ironmanchina.com/

Haikou's 3rd annual hot air balloon festival begins on June 15 2009. There will be 25 teams competing. The balloons take off from Wanlu Yuan (Evergreen Park) on Binhai Road.

Here is a link to some pictutes:

http://english.sina.com/life/p/2009/0611/247839.html

昌明村 Chāngmíng cūn

This village is located just south of the main entrance to Holiday beach. Turn left on the first road after the Mayflower golf course (if coming from the centre of Haikou) and follow the dirt road for 1-2 km.

The village is very quiet and has some old lava rock buildings, a quite large temple, and some kind of gun tower. I have been unable to find out any history of the village. The village is surrounded by farmland and it is easy to find the villagers at work in the fields.

You may consider cycling to this village, especially if you where cycling to Holiday beach anyway, and want to see some off the beaten track villages.

Photo of Changming Village Gun Tower, Near to Haikou's Holiday Beach

Map of Changming Village

There is an interesting food market street at Dong Men (East gate, 东门). This market street can be found on Boai Lu (博爱路). Expect to see a vast array of dried seafood, fake antiques, and many animals from Cobra snakes to turtles on sale for food.

Getting There:

Walk: 15 minutes. Head south down Renmin Dadao, cross over the bridge and the road into the old section.

Bus: Catch either 20, 26, 30, or 5 from opposite side of the road, outside the hostel. Get off at the Bell Tower (zhong lou 钟楼), then go across the street.

Bicycle: A good way to explore the area because you can easily cover a lot of ground, stopping and turning as you please. 10 minutes by bike to get to old section.

海口骑楼老街

其中最古老的建筑四牌楼建于南宋，至今有600多年历史。2009年6月10日，首届"中国历史文化名街评选推介"活动在北京揭晓，海口骑楼老街榜上有名。海口骑楼老街以其唯一性、独特性荣获首批十大"中国历史文化名街"称号。

骑楼建筑最早见于2000多年前的古希腊，近代才流行于南欧及地中海一带，并传至东南亚。海口得胜沙路、文明东路、中山路、博爱路、解放路，两侧都是一幢幢始建于十九世纪末的南洋风格柱廊式骑楼。编号 011的"海口市骑楼街(区)"最早建于1849年，具有浓郁的欧亚混交化特征，至今还发挥着情感价值。

乘车路线

步行需要15分钟，沿着从民大道向南走，穿过人民桥，再向前走即到了骑楼老街。

公交车：路对面乘坐20/26/30/5路车，在钟楼站下，横穿马路,对面即是.

自行车:如果你能欣然接受骑车过程中频繁的停车、转弯，那么，骑自行车也是一个不错的选择,到那仅需要10分钟左右。

The Hainan Museum opened in 2009 and will give you an insight into the history of Hainan. Sometimes there are collections from outside Hainan. Entrance is free.

博物馆设有10个展厅，面积约8000平方米，展览突出海南特色、民族特色和边疆特色。基本陈列展示了海南历史、海南少数民族、海南非物质文化遗产、海南馆藏文物精品4个专题。在特别陈列"重器灵光"，则展出了国家文物局入藏海南省博物馆的三件珍贵文物：越王亓北古剑、唐三彩马和宋青白釉花口凤首壶，为海南省博物馆的镇馆之宝。地址：海口市国兴大道68号

Getting There 乘车路线:

Hainan Museum is located in the east of Haikou city on Guoxing Avenue.

Bus: Catch either 20, 26, 30, or 5 from opposite side of the road, outside the hostel. Get off at the Bell Tower (zhong lou 钟楼) then change bus to either 27 or 43 to Guoxing Dadao. 马路对面坐20/26/30/5路车，在钟楼站下，再换乘27/43路车到国兴大道即到

The museum is close to Five Officials Temple so if you visit the temple first you can then get a 3 wheeled motorbike for 3-5 RMB to the museum.

海南省博物馆距离五公祠非常近，因此，如果您先参观五公祠，再乘坐三轮摩托车到博物馆，车费为3-5元

Taxi: about 25 RMB.乘出租车需要花费人民币25元左右

Bicycle: about 40 minutes.自行车有40分钟左右的车程

Haikou has many temples. The most famous is Five Officials Temple (五公祠 Wǔ gōng cí). This is a  fairly well known place on the tourist route, ticket price 20 RMB.

There are many small interesting temples that are generally not visited by tourists and do not have an entrance fee. These are real temples that are still part of the local communities. Wander off the main roads into the small hutong back alleys and your bound to find a few. If you do not like tourist places these temples may be more interesting than Five Officials Temple.

{mosmap kml[0]='http://www.haikouhostel.com/images/stories/kml/Haikou-temples.kml'|kmlrenderer='geoxml' |kmlsidebar='left'|kmlsbwidth='200'|mapType='Satellite'|showMaptype='0'}

Lake Temple 湖中寺 Hú zhōng sì

A real temple still used by Buddhists. Normally most lively in the morning, expect lots of incense, chanting, and music.

Near Xiuying port on Haigang Road (海港路 Hǎigǎng lù) behind the Kaiwei Hotel (凯威大酒店 Kǎi wēi dà jiǔdiàn).

Buddha's Birthday ceremonies will be on June 19.

Buses: 28, 7, 6, 39, 35.

Lake Temple Photos:

 {gallery}haikou/Lake_Temple{/gallery}

Renxin Temple on Haidian Island, 仁心寺, Rén xīn sì.

This temple has its own website: http://www.renxinsi.org.cn

Not sure which temple these photos are from:

 {gallery}haikou/haidian temples{/gallery}

Qiongtai Fudi (琼台福地 Qióng tái fúdì)Temple on Wenzhuang Road (文庄路 Wén zhuāng lù):

Well looked after, medium sized temple built to protect the local area. Lots of detailed stone carvings.

{gallery}haikou/qiongtai-fudi{/gallery}

Qiongtai College (琼台书院 Qióng tái shūyuàn)

This is not actually a temple but an ancient college. Qiongtai College is credited with bringing modern academic study to Hainan from elsewhere in China. The interior has been restored and in some ways looks similar to a temple. Part of the college space is used as an art gallery for locally inspired art (Aug 2010). There are small good painting and photos on display.

Entrance fee: 5 RMB

{gallery}haikou/qiongtai-college{/gallery}

Baishamen Tianhou Temple 白沙门天后宫 Báishā mén tiān hòugōng

This small temple is situated in Baishamen Village on Haidian Island in the north of Haikou City.

The temple is dedicated to Mazu. Mazu (妈祖, māzǔ) is a sea goddess from the first century AD and is worshipped by Chinese fisherman in the south-east of China.

The temple was first built in the Song Dynasty by a merchant from Fujian Province. It has since been rebuilt 4 times.

External links (Chinese language, but has pictures):

• http://bbs.898.travel/thread-2854-1-1.html
• http://forum.china.com.cn/viewthread.php?tid=684297

Tianning Temple 天宁寺 Tiān níng sì

Small, one room temple near Five Officials Temple.

Address: 海口市琼山区红城湖路, Hǎikǒu shì, qióngshān qū, hóngchéng hú lù

{gallery}haikou/tianning-temple{/gallery}

Photos of Five Officials Temple (五公祠 Wǔ gōng cí)

{gallery}haikou/five-officials-temple{/gallery}

Shengmu Temple 圣母庙 Shèngmǔ miào

地址：海口市龙华区海垦路

Guansheng Temple 关圣庙 Guān shèngmiào

地址：海口市山高路附近

Taihua Nunnery 泰华寺 Tài huá sì (aka: 泰华庵 Tài huá Ān)

Located in Lingshan.

永庆寺 Yǒng qìng sì

刚重建的,大手笔呀!!

就在盈宾岛,过了足球训练基地就到了.

大悲阁 Dàbēi gé

国兴大道的大悲阁: 经济学校后门 国兴街道办事处对面

在得胜沙路找到一个庙

Here is a graph of the monthly average temperatures in Haikou city.

The temperature data is from the following weather website: www.wunderground.com

You can study Chinese at this school. They are located on Haidian Island in Haikou city, less than 1km from Haikou Banana Hostel.

http://www.haikouschool.com/

Hainan University is also known locally as Hai Da. This is a Chinese abbreviation of Hainan and daxue (which means university in Chinese).

Location of Hainan University

The main campus of Hainan University is located in the north of Haikou City, on Haidian Island. It is close to the Haikou Banana Hostel (within walking distance). The south gate of the university is on San Xi Road. The east gate is on Renmin Avenue. The north gate is on Wu xi Road.

Courses

The university runs Chinese language courses especially for foreigners wanting to learn Chinese. There are classes for all grades of fluency, from complete beginner to advanced.

Foreigners can also study most of the degree courses that are available to the Chinese students.

Fees

Tuition fees are around 7000 RMB per semester or 14500 per year.

Further Information

Official Hainan University website:

http://www.hainu.edu.cn/en1/index.html

Hainan University on Wikipedia:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hainan_University

Haikou's Mangrove Reserve is located about 20km to the east of Haikou city centre.

The Chinese name of the mangrove area is 红树林 (Hóng shù lín) or the Red Forest. I guess this name is related to the type of mangrove trees that grow in the area because there is a type of mangrove called red mangrove, or rhizophora mangle.

Here is a description of red mangrove from wikipedia:

Rhizophora mangle, known as the red mangrove, is distributed in estuarine ecosystems throughout the tropics. Its viviparous "seeds," in actuality called propagules, become fully mature plants before dropping off the parent tree. These are dispersed by water until eventually embedding in the shallows.

The mangrove supports certain species of bird, so it may be of interest if you are a bird watcher. The area is abundant in oysters and local people come to small restaurants on the edge of the mangrove to eat the fresh oysters. Another famous food is the salt water duck.

Tourist boats depart from a port near Yanfeng town (演丰镇 Yǎn fēng zhèn). They give a tour through some of the mangrove.

Here is a map showing the location of the mangrove swamp area in relation to Haikou city:

Pictures of the mangrove area next to Yanfeng town.

{gallery}haikou/haikou-mangrove/mangrove-pics{/gallery}

Yanfeng Town and Surrounding Villages

Apart from the mangrove the surrounding area also has some interesting features. There is a well maintained temple near Luwei Village (禄尾村 Lù wě icūn). There are still some traditional wooden boat builders with workshops on the estuary. Each boat is hand made and it is interesting to watch the carpenters at work and see the techniques used. For example, the use of fire and heavy stones to bend the planks of wood. It is also interesting to wander around the small villages and enjoy the farmland.

{gallery}haikou/haikou-mangrove/yanfeng{/gallery}

Video From a Kayaking Trip at Mangrove Swamp Near Haikou in Hainan.

Articles about the mangrove area:

• http://www.etravelblackboard.com/article/117570/hainan-the-key-to-ecological-treasure-trove

13,000 years ago, northern Hainan was the scene of extensive volcanic eruptions. The rich volcanic resources left by these eruptions gave the area its fertile soils, the strange shapes of its volcanic remnants, its lava caves, its valuable igneous rocks, and its abundant tropical ecology. This geologic event was critical in moulding the scenery and culture of the area today.

Just to the south-west of Haikou City is a protected national geological and historical site several kilometers squared in size. There are several points of interest here. The landscape is dotted with small volcanoes, there are 2 lava caves (the largest of which is 3 kilometers long), old villages built entirely from lava rock, and scenic terraced tropical farmland.

The best way to explore the area is by bicycle if you can cycle that far (60km+ for the round trip). However it is not easy to find all the points of interest independently due to lack of signs and decent maps, but it is possible if you speak Chinese.

Volcano Tourist Park 火山口公园 Huǒshān kǒu gōngyuán

Ticket Price 60 RMB.
One of the volcano cones has been preserved and converted into a tourist park. You can walk through the landscaped park area into the mouth of the dormant volcano. The park area also contains examples of: dried lava flow and rock; indigenous plants; traditional hand carved uses of the lava rock, etc.

Měi shè Village 美社村

Translated by Haikou Banana Hostel, orignal Chinese source http://www.hkhsq.com.

In 2008 the village appeared in the "top ten cultural villages of Hainan."

In the center of this once stronghold village, is its "history card": a gun tower named "Fuxing building (Fú xìng lóu 福兴楼)". This is an impressive five-storey stone tower. The passage of time is evident through the rain-stained walls; with moss that tracks the sun; and a few bullet holes and scars caused by artillery fire and aircraft bombing from when the Japanese invaded Hainan, leaving indelible marks that deepen the mystery of the tower. The tower was built in 1927 and is about 20 meters high. It was built with funds raised by the villagers. It’s purpose was to protect the village from gangs of thieving criminals.

The tower was built during a chaotic time, when there was little law and order in rural areas. It was common for bandits to steal the village cattle, sheep and grab other possessions, so Meishe village united with their money to build a resistance effort.

The village contains many examples of the old lava rock buildings that characterize this area. But unique to this village are a few new lava rock homes built to modern standards.

Meishe is a progressive village has been awarded the "virtues of the farm demonstration sites", the "safe home model village", "provincial standard range of ecological village point of civilization," municipal "non-toxic Village" and "zero domestic violence village" and so on. If you have the opportunity to visit the volcano countryside, the may wish to take a look at Meishe village to experience the history, village community, civilization and modernity.

Róng táng Village 荣堂村 & Caves 洞穴 dòngxuè

Another surprise in the Volcano Park area, is a stone village called Rong Tang Village. Rong Tang Village, is about 400 meters north of the town government office in Shishan Town. The entire village is made of volcanic rock and is about 800 years old. The houses village, walls, roads, shrines, and tombs, are all built from the abundant volcanic rock, creating a unique village landscape. The village is a historic example of making the most of local resources.

The village is situated at the entrance of a cave system. There is also another cave hidden on the north side of the Haikou Bybass Road.

The village is well preserved. Most village residents have moved out, only a few elderly people remain. Give the the elderly a few RMB to be a guide.

Rúfú Village 儒符 and Rúfú Pagoda Ruins 儒符石塔 Rúfú shítǎ

Source: http://www.haikou.gov.cn/zlhk/ShowArticle.asp?ArticleID=35083

The Rufu Pagoda was built in the Song Dynasty around 800 years ago. Today, just the base still stands. It is one of the oldest structures in Hainan. It was built entirely from volcanic rock and its style is rare in China. The design has influences from perhaps India or other south-east Asian countries.

{besps}haikou/volcano/rufu_village{/besps}

Resources

Map of the volcano tourist park:

Map of whole of protected volcano park:

Chinese map of volcano park location:

Hainan Phoenix Herb Garden 海南凤生香草园 Hǎinán fèng shēng xiāngcǎo yuán

This herb agro-ecological park is about 30 km from Haikou City. It is near to Sanjiang Town, just off the Haikou to Wenchang (Haiwen) Expressway. The main varieties of herb are: lavender, rosemary, thyme, basil, sage, lemon balm, oregano, chamomile, chrysanthemum cotton fir, geranium, lemon Lemongrass, spearmint, verbena, mint, yarrow, according to spearmint, rosewood and so on.

{gallery}hainan/Haikou-Herb-Garden{/gallery}

Company Address：海南省海口市海甸五东路12号宝阳花园B2栋-10A室. Hǎinán shěng hǎikǒu shì hǎi diān wǔ dōng lù 12 hào bǎo yáng huāyuán B2 de dòng- 12 shì
Park Address：海口市美兰区三江镇红牛饮料厂对面200米处. Hǎikǒu sh,ì měi lán qū, sānjiāng zhèn, hóngniú yǐnliào chǎng duìmiàn 200 mǐ chù
Company Phone：0898-66289385
Park Phone：0898-65776106
Sales Phone：13518034787 宋圣根
E-mail:hnfsxcy@163.com
(从东站坐上大致坡或文昌的车，到红牛饮料厂下，车费6.5--9元不等。也可以坐车到三江镇，再坐三脚猫到达香草园)

Official Website (Chinese only)

http://www.hnfsxcy.com

Links to articles about the Herb Garden. All are Chinese language.

http://www.shanhuw.com/phoenix_health_and_herb_garden.php

http://hiagri.gov.cn/Html/2010_07_26/2_99335_2010_07_26_99558.html