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Haikou’s city proper is divided into four districts, Longhua, Xiuying, Meilan and Qiongshan, plus the island neighborhood of Haidian across the Haidian River. Longhua is the commercial and historic core, Xiuying is the beach side, Meilan holds the airport and university, and Qiongshan is the old city. Here is the breakdown from our Haikou travel guide, with who each area suits and typical hotel prices.
Haikou Neighborhoods: Longhua District (Guomao and the Old Town)
Longhua is the center, containing the Guomao CBD, the Qilou Old Street arcades, and the best shopping and dining. Guomao is a cluster of malls and office towers around Binhai Avenue; the old town runs along Zhongshan Road and Bo’ai Road. This area suits first-time visitors who want to walk to sights and restaurants, and it is where most of the stops in our things to do in Haikou guide sit. Hotel prices run from about 300 RMB for a mid-range room to 800 RMB and up for the CBD’s five-star options such as The Langham.
Haikou Neighborhoods: Xiuying District (Holiday Beach and the West Coast)
Xiuying runs along the west coast and is home to Holiday Beach, the volcanic geopark, and most of the beach resorts, including the Grand Hotel Haikou and Haikou Marriott. This is the area to choose for a beach holiday or golf, covered in our where to stay in Haikou guide, and the beach weather peaks in the dry season our Haikou weather by month page details. The tradeoff is distance: it is a 20-minute taxi ride to the city center. Resort rooms range from about 400 RMB for a standard room to over 1,000 RMB for a beachfront five-star.
Haikou Neighborhoods: Meilan District (Airport and University Side)
Meilan covers the east and north and contains Haikou Meilan International Airport, Hainan University, and the east coast resorts including the Hilton Haikou Meilan and InterContinental Haikou Seaview. It suits travelers with early flights or families wanting resort pools with a short airport transfer, the kind of trip our Haikou travel tips page covers in detail. Rooms span from about 250 RMB in budget hotels to 900 RMB and up at beachfront properties; the downside is a 30-40 minute trip to the old town.
Haikou Neighborhoods: Qiongshan District (the Old City)
Qiongshan, in the south, is Haikou’s historical predecessor city and the location of the Five Officials Temple and several older temples and lanes. It is the most atmospheric district for history, with cheaper, more local hotels in the 150-300 RMB range, but fewer modern restaurants and less English signage. It suits budget travelers and repeat visitors who want a slower, more traditional feel.
Haikou Neighborhoods: Haidian Island
Haidian is a residential island north of the center, linked by bridge, home to Hainan University, Baishamen Park, and a relaxed cafe and bar scene. It has budget and mid-range stays from about 200-500 RMB and suits students, digital nomads, and anyone who wants a quieter base with easy beach-park access. For when each area is most pleasant, see our best time to visit Haikou guide, and for a calendar of neighborhood events, our Haikou events and festivals page.
