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Getting Around Haikou

Getting Around Haikou

Haikou Hainan, China Travel Guide

Public Transportation

Haikou boasts an extensive public bus system covering the entire city and surrounding areas. This forms the backbone of public transportation. Buses are frequent on major routes and reach most attractions. Haikou currently does not have a dedicated urban metro or tram system. The Hainan Eastern Ring High-Speed Railway serves as a regional commuter line.

Bus routes are numerous; digital mapping applications are essential for navigation. Baidu Maps navigation (百度地图) is the most accurate local app for real-time bus information and route planning.

Ticketing & Accessibility

  • Fares: Most bus fares range from ¥1-¥5 per ride.
  • Payment: Cash (exact change), Haikou Public Transportation Card, WeChat Pay/Alipay.
  • Hours: Generally 6:THE HOURS of 12 am to 10:00 PM - 11:00 PM.
  • Accessibility: Limited infrastructure for mobility needs on public buses.

Baidu Maps

Most accurate for real-time bus info and route planning in Chinese.

Basic Phrases

Knowing a few Chinese phrases assists with directions or destination confirmation.

Avoid Peak Hours

Buses become crowded during morning and evening commute times.

Public Transport Efficiency

Bus Travel Advantages
  • Cost-effective for covering long distances within the city.
  • Extensive network reaches almost all parts of Haikou.
  • Authentic local experience, popular with residents.
Navigational Assistance
  • Download Baidu Maps for real-time updates and route optimization.
  • Utilize mobile payment (WeChat Pay/Alipay) for easy cashless transactions.
  • Visual cues on bus routes (e.g., landmarks) complement map usage.

High-Speed Rail in Haikou

Meilan Airport

Direct connection to airport.

Haikou East

City center station.

Haikou Station

Connects to mainland trains.

Regional Link

Connects to Sanya and other cities.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Taxis and ride-sharing services offer convenient and flexible transportation, especially when public buses are not ideal. Licensed taxis in Haikou are typically blue or green, displaying a meter and a taxi sign on the roof.

Licensed Taxi Information

  • Hailing: On the street, at designated stands, or via apps.
  • Fares: Starting around ¥10-¥12, then ¥2-¥3 per kilometer.
  • Payment: Cash or mobile payment (WeChat Pay, Alipay).
  • Always ensure the driver uses the meter.

Ride-Sharing DiDi Chuxing

  • DiDi Chuxing is China's dominant ride-sharing platform.
  • The app offers an English interface, very user-friendly for foreign travelers.
  • Provides a layer of safety, tracking your journey and driver info.
  • Share your trip details with a trusted contact.

Taxi/DiDi Safety Practices

  • Have your destination written in Chinese characters.
  • Confirm license plate and vehicle model match app info for DiDi.
  • Avoid peak hours if you prefer less traffic and lower surge pricing.
  • Ensure your phone is charged for ride-sharing apps.
  • DiDi allows you to set up payment with international credit cards.
  • Rate the person driving following the trip to contribute to service quality.

Fare Structure Overview

Taxi Start Fare

Around ¥10-¥12 for the first 2-3 kilometers.

Per Kilometer Rate

Approximately ¥2-¥3 per additional kilometer.

Airport to City Center

Roughly ¥60-¥100 for a taxi ride.

Rental Options

For those seeking more independence, various rental options are available, though some come with specific requirements.

Car Rental Requirements

  • Foreigners cannot rent cars without a temporary Chinese driving license.
  • International Driving Permits (IDPs) are not sufficient.
  • Obtaining a temporary license is a multi-step process for most visitors.
  • Hiring a car with a local driver (chauffeur service) is often a more practical solution.

Motorcycle & Scooter Rentals

  • Can be found in some tourist areas.
  • Not recommended for foreigners without extensive experience riding in China's traffic.
  • Requires a valid local license or permit.
  • Traffic can be chaotic and dangerous for inexperienced riders.

Bicycle Rentals & Safety

Bike Sharing

Dockless bike-sharing companies (e.g., Meituan Bike, Hello Bike) operate in Haikou.

Easy app-based access.

Traditional Rentals

Some hotels, guesthouses, and dedicated shops offer bicycle rentals, especially near Haikou Bay.

Suitable for longer use.

Cycling Infrastructure

Dedicated bike lanes are present on some major roads and along Haikou Bay promenade.

Exercise caution on shared roads.

Driving Laws & Road Conditions

Local Driving Laws
  • Drive on the correct lane for traffic.
  • Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants.
  • Strict drunk driving laws are enforced.
Road Conditions & Parking
  • Roads on major routes are generally good.
  • Paid parking is available at shopping centers and major attractions.
  • Street parking can be challenging to find, especially in busy areas.

Driving & Riding Risks

  • Foreign driver's license not directly accepted.
  • Chaotic the state of the traffic for inexperienced drivers/riders.
  • High vigilance against pedestrians, cyclists, and scooters.
  • Chauffeur services highly recommended for most foreign visitors.
  • Motorcycle/scooter rentals carry significant risk without local experience.
  • Pedestrians often jaywalk, requiring constant attention from drivers.
  • Traffic rules may be interpreted differently by local drivers.
  • Ensure rental vehicle insurance coverage is comprehensive.

Walking & Cycling

Haikou offers pedestrian-friendly areas and a developing cycling infrastructure. Enjoy scenic walks and bike rides along the coast and in parks.

Pedestrian-Friendly Areas

  • Evergreen Park: Spacious green area for a stroll.
  • Haikou Bay: Long promenade ideal for walking and sea breezes.
  • Volcanic Cluster Global Geopark: Dedicated walking paths through geological formations.
  • Qilou Old Street: Explorable on foot for cultural immersion.

Walking Tour Options

  • Self-guided walks are rewarding in areas like Qilou Old Street.
  • Local tour agencies offer guided tours focused on history, architecture, or cuisine.
  • Maps (digital or physical) enhance self-guided exploration.
  • Audio guides (if available) can enrich your walking experience.

Cycling Infrastructure

Dedicated bike lanes exist on some main roads and comprehensively along Haikou Bay.

Cycling Safety

In other areas, cyclists share roads with vehicles, calling for caution.

No-Go Areas

No specific "no-go" areas for pedestrians or cyclists, but exercise caution on busy roads.

Specialized Transportation

Tour & Water Transport
  • Some local tour companies offer city sightseeing buses or organized tours.
  • Boat taxis and water transportation are limited to recreational activities on Haikou Bay.
  • Scenic cruises offer unique views of the city from the water.
Accessibility Services
  • Accessibility services are generally limited in Haikou.
  • Public transportation and many older attractions could present difficulties.
  • Pre-arrange accessible private transport or specialized tours for specific mobility requirements.

Navigation Wisdom

When using Didi (ride-sharing), always confirm the license plate and vehicle model match the information in the app before getting into the car.

For walking, utilize pedestrian crossings and pay close attention to traffic in the town, which may not always strictly adhere to rules.