Haikou is the capital of Hainan Province, also known as the 'Coconut City,' located in the north of Hainan Island. It combines tropical coastal scenery with profound historical culture, especially the Nanyang-style arcade buildings.

Key highlights include: Qilou Old Street, a famous historical and cultural street built from the late 19th to early 20th century blending Chinese and Western architectural styles, now filled with cafes and snack shops; the Leiqiong Haikou Volcanic Cluster Global Geopark, where dormant volcanic craters and geological wonders can be explored, with a summit view over the city and the Qiongzhou Strait; the most authentic Hainanese chicken rice — Haikou is where the dish originated, predating the famous versions in Singapore and Malaysia; and the Five Officials Temple, commemorating five famous officials exiled to Hainan during the Tang and Song dynasties.

Haikou Meilan International Airport is Hainan's main aviation hub, with high-speed rail connecting to Sanya (about 1.5 hours). The pace of life here is noticeably more relaxed than in Sanya.