Haikou Overview

Haikou overview can help you have a more comprehensive understanding of Haikou from the basic information, geographical location, history and so on. 

Basic Information

• Chinese Name: 海口市
• Location: North of Hainan Province
• Government Seat: Xiuying District(秀英区)
• Area: 3145.93 square kilometers
• Population: An approximate population of 2,302,30
• Ethnic Groups: There are more than 30 ethnic groups in Haikou, including Han, Li, Miao, Hui, Manchu, Yao, Mongol, Korean, Tujia, Bouyei, Dong, Zhuang and She. 
• Language: Hainanese and Mandarin
• Airport: Haikou Meilan International Airport(海口美兰国际机场)
• Universities: Hainan University
• Important Festivals: The featured festivals and celebrations in Haikou include Gongqi(公期), Flowers Exchange Festival(换花节), Junpo Festival(军坡节) and Merry Making Festival of Hainan Island(海南岛欢乐节). 
• Railway Stations: Meilan Railway Station(美兰高铁站), Haikou Railway Station(海口站) and Haikou East Railway Station(海口东站). 
• Famous Attractions: Holiday Beach, Volcanoes Geopark, Wanlu Park, Tropical Wildlife and Botanical Garden, etc. 

Geography

Haikou is located in the north of Hainan island, and it is adjacent to Wenchang in the east, Chengmai in the west, Anding in the south and Qiongzhou strait in the north. Haikou city roughly starts from Laocun of Dazhipo Town in the east to Bonan village of Xixiu town in the west, with a distance of 60.6 kilometers from east to west; Starts from Wucheshang village of Dapo town in the south to the sea in the north, with a distance of 62.5 kilometers from south to north. Haikou city covers an area of 3145.93 square kilometers, including land area of 3145.93 square kilometers, sea area of 861.44 square kilometers and coastline of 136.23 kilometers. 

The terrain of Haikou is slightly in the long heart-shaped, with gentle slope. Nandu river, the longest river in Hainan island, runs through the middle part of Haikou city. The eastern part of Nandu river slopes from south to north, and the western of Nandu river slopes from north to south. It is relatively high in the northwest and southeast, the banks of Nandu river in the middle part is low and flat, the north part is mainly coastal plain. 

Climate

Haikou has a long annual sunshine duration and large radiation energy. The average annual sunshine duration is more than 2000 hours. Annual average temperature is 24.3℃, the highest average temperature of 28℃ and the lowest average temperature of 18℃ or so. The annual average precipitation is 2067 mm, and the annual average evaporation is 1834 mm. Haikou is mainly effected by southeaster and northeaster, and the annual average wind speed is 3.4 m/s. October to May of the following year is the best time to visit Haikou.

Administrative Divisions 

Haikou City has jurisdiction over 4 districts, including 21 sub-districts, 22 town, 207 community and 245 villages. 

• 4 Districts: Xiuying District(秀英区), Longhua District(龙华区), Qiongshan District(琼山区), Meilan district(美兰区)

Things to Do in Haikou

Tourist attractions in Haikou are relatively concentrated. There are many attractions including Temple of the Five Lords(五公祠) which is known as "The No.1 Tower of Hainan", the cemetery of Hai Rui(an honest and upright official in Ming Dynasty), beautiful Holiday Beach, the Qiongtai Academy near the downtown, fascinating Maanshan Crater, Dongzhai port mangrove forest(A forest on sea that appears when tide rises), etc. All of these will make your trip to Haikou full of interest and novelty. The beach is the place that Haikou citizens love most, and swimming in holiday beach to enjoy sea water bath has become an indispensable part of the daily life of Haikou Citizens. 

Culture

In the long history of Chinese civilization, Hainan island has a long history and unique culture. From ancient times to modern times, it is an important branch of Chinese civilization and part of the essence of Chinese history and culture. As the political, economic, cultural and transportation center of Hainan province, Haikou city has been the important land and sea transportation hub in the southern border of China since ancient times and an important commercial port. The migration of population, the integration of ethnic groups and the integration of languages make it a unique multi-culture.

History

Haikou is the city with most historical and cultural charm  in the whole Hainan Island. It is originated in the Han Dynasty, and opened the port in the late Song Dynasty and early Yuan Dynasty. The name "Haikou" first appeared in the Song Dynasty, and it now have a history of more than 900 year. 

In the history, Today's Haikou was once named Haikoupu in Song dynasty, Haikou port in the Yuan dynasty, Haikoudu, Haikousuo and Haikousuo city in Ming dynasty, Haikou commercial port and Qiongzhoukou in the Qing dynasty, Haikou town in the early republic of China. Haikou once belonged to Guangxi, Guangdong and Qiongshan county. Until April 13, 1988, the seventh National People's Congress passed the resolution on the establishment of Hainan province and the establishment of Hainan special economic zone, and Haikou became the provincial capital of Hainan. 

The long history of Haikou city not only describes the long and tortuous development process of Haikou city, but also describes the glorious revolutionary tradition of Haikou city. The existing "Temple of Five Lords" is built to commemorate famous officials who were exiled to Hainan island to spread culture and promote cultural development and exchange in Hainan. The cemetery of Hai Rui that was build to commemorate Hai Rui, an honest and upright official in Ming dynasty. There are also Li Shuoxun Martyr Memorial Pavilion, Jinniuling Martyrs Cemetery and other revolutionary sites.