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.
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
