Historical Attractions
Changhua Ancient Town
Changhua Ancient Town was once the capital of the ancient Changhua County. Located on the western coast of Changjiang County, it was built around 1392 as a defence against enemy attacks. The ancient town walls are two and a half kilometres long, six meters high and five meters thick, not quite as impressive perhaps, as another Chinese icon; Changhua however still represents some of the most authentic pieces of construction left in Hainan.
The town itself is also very scenic, with a lovely stream that runs through the front and a hill at the back for beautiful photo opportunities!
Address: CHanghua, Changjiang, Hainan
Free of charge
Dongpo Academy
Dongpo Academy is located in Danzhou City, it was originally built in 1098 during the Northern Song Dynasty in memorial of Su Dongpo, a well-known writer and philosopher. Dongpo Academy was once regarded as the most prestigious and elite teaching academies in all of China. It is now one of Hainan's most vibrant and popular tourist attractions.
Address: Zhonghe Downtown, Danzhou, Hainan
Tel: 86-898-23571206
Entrance fee: RMB25
Tomb of Hai Rui
Tomb of Hai Rui is situated in the western outskirts of Haikou City, 5 kilometers from the civic center. The tomb is a memorial for Hai Rui, a famously incorruptible official who has become something of a legend in Hainan. It was originally built in 1589 during the Ming Dynasty (1368 -1644), and some of the original gardens still remain intact. With an area of over 4,000 square meters (the layout was designed according to the level of the official titles at that time), this is one of the grandest and most important monuments on the Island, gaining official status with the Chinese Government as one of the most valuable cultural relics in the province, it is certainly not to be missed.
Address: No. 39 Qiuhai Avenue, Haikou, Hainan
Tel: 86-898-68922060
Entrance fee: RMB15
Memorial Park To The Red Women's Army
The Memorial Park to the Red Women's Army was specially built to honour the Women Intelligence Organisation of the China Workers & Peasants Red Army Second Division and the contribution they made during the second civil war of China. This is both a significant and moving memorial that celebrates the legend of Red Women's Army.
Address:The entrance of Qionghai Guantang, east speedway, Hainan
Tel:86-898-62802175
Yazhou 'Ancient City'
Rich in history and ancient culture, Yazhou was first built in the Northern and Southern Dynasties (420 - 589 AD) and later served as the capital of the Yazhou district. Located near Yacheng Town about 40 km west of Sanya City, the original Yazhou City was built of clay bricks and grew to become a major political and trading centre, following the extension of the Yuan, Ming and Qing Dynasties. Visitors to Yazhou can still view the various cultural and historical relics that are scattered throughout this ancient city.
Hainan Ethnic Museum
Built in October 1986, the Ethnic Museum of Hainan remains one of the biggest museums in Hainan covering an area of over 5000 square meters.
Being an ethnic museum, it displays cultural relics, pictures, costumes, folk arts and various aspects of the minorities living in Hainan. It is located beside the beautiful Tongshi River, and hidden in the green mountains. There are more than 1600 cultural relics, ranging from bronze wares, and stoneware's and living utensils to ethnic costumes, pottery and weaving craft works.
There is also a variety of displays of ethnic culture, art, and folk customs to show the history of Hainan. The photos, pictures, records, and relics reveal the political and economical development of Hainan in all periods of time.
Another character of the museum is the reproduced Village of Li Minority. It a reproduction of the village of Li Minority before the 19th century, where you can get to know the Li customs, watch dances, appreciate tropical flowers and plants and taste special Li cuisine.
All in all, the Ethnic Museum of Hainan is like tapestry showing off all the rich and colourful aspects of the different ethnicities within Hainan.
Address:Ganshi Ridge, Wuzhishan, Hainan
Tel: 86-898-86622336 (need to confirm)
Entrance fee: RMB10
Haikou Old Street
Explore the old city streets, markets and shops. Located along Bo2 Ai4 Lu4,. This is the only area in Haikou where the old buildings have been preserved, giving rise to an authentic atmosphere. It has an eclectic range of shops such as pet stores (puppies, chicks, cats, rabbits), household drapes, kitchen tools, hardware and toys.
Address: Deshengsha Road; South Xinhua Road; Zhongshan Road; Bo'ai Road; East Jiefang Road and West Jiefang Road, Haikou, Hainan
Free of charge
Wugong Temples
Wugong Temples, are approximately 5 kilometers from the centre of Haikou City, and were originally constructed during the reign of Emperor Wanli in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). They were subsequently renovated several times during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). These days they are regarded as one of the most significant spiritual areas on the Island, widely known for their calm, beautiful and tranquil setting. With such a famous and interesting history, there is so much to discover about this amazing place at the museum opposite the Temple. With a variety of exhibitions that tell the stories of the various rulers and scholars who have studied here it is a must see for all History buffs.Address: Haifu Road, Haikou. Hainan
Tel:86-898-65353047
Entrance fee: RMB25
Hainan Museum
The minorities of Hainan mainly inhabit the Central and Southern areas of Hainan Island. With a population of over 1.4 million, the Li, Miao and Hui nationalities have been living on Hainan Island for thousands of years. This museum outlines the history of these incredible people, the struggles the hardships as well as their amazing success in developing Hainan and its extraordinary culture.
With a diverse collection, the museum holds over 2 million historical artifacts. Including a variety of pieces from the Li, Miao and Hui people, the museum documents the development of the Island from the beginning of human inhabitation right through to the modern day. One of the largest and most comprehensive museums on the Island, it is an excellent opportunity to see the diverse history and culture of the island.
Address :No 65 Guoxing Ave, Haikou, Hainan
Tel: 86-898-65238880
Free of charge
Qiongtai Academy
The Qiongtai Academy is located in Qiongshan City, was formerly the oldest academy in Hainan and has since become the campus of the Qiongtai School.The Qiongtai Academy was built in 1705 AD under the guidance of Emperor Kangxi in the Ch'ing Dynasty. Named after the famous scholar Mr. Qiu Jun one of the most highly respected scholars of the Ming Dynasty, the academy is dedicated to his memory and his legacy as one of Hainan's most famous scholars. Since Qiongtai Academy was hugely important when it was constructed and was seen throughout China, as one of the most important schools in the country it has been remarkably well maintained to this day and is a must for any historical buffs or anyone looking to get in touch with the history of Hainan.
An antique exhibition is always on hold beside the Kuixing Pavilion for people to get to know the history of the academy.
Address: Wenzhuang Road, Fucheng Town, Qiongshan District, Haikou, Hainan
Tel: 86-898-65872309
Entrance fee: RMB5
Xiuying Fort
In 1890, the government of the Qing Dynasty ordered that all the costal areas in China needed to be strictly defended in order to guard against a possible invasion by French forces. Zhang Zhidong, the governor general of both Guangdong and Guangxi came to inspect Haikou in person and decided where the fortification should be built. Cannons were then brought from Germany and the fort established.The defense's were built on a hill around 200 meters from the coast. The hill was chosen for its excellent vantage point as it overlooks the whole of the Qiongzhou Strait, the primary sea route at the time. There are five cannons all together. Gongbei, Zhengdong, and Dingxi are the three major ones; the Zhengwus are the two smaller ones. These five cannons stand in a line from the east to the west, all pointing to the north, facing the sea.
There was a commanding post to the southeast and a number of training sites and soldiers' camps behind the emplacements. The post covers 30,000 square meters in total and is considered one of the greatest military facilities ever constructed in Hainan and even China.
Address: Paotai Road, Haikou, Hainan
Tel: 86-898-68920988
Haikou Submarine Village
Located under the sea in the Dongzhai Harbour, in the Qiongshan district, is a mysterious relic from over 300 years ago. In around 1605, a strong subterranian earthquake struck the area, condemning 72 villages to a watery tomb. These villages have since become known as the Submarine Villages. Many still remain and are currently about 3 to 4 meters below sea-level. In May or June, when the tides ebb away, visitors can take a boat out to the area and see what remains of these astounding relics.Address: Dongzhai Village, Haikou, Hainan
Free of charge
Xitian Temple
The Xitian Temple is located in Haikou City; it was originally built to honour one of Hainan's most famous intellectuals, Wang Zuo during the Ming Dynasty. The Temple itself is entirely constructed of wood and bricks, while the pillars and beams are decorated with beautiful pictures and carvings.
The temple itself is divided into three parts; all of which are exquisitely decorated with paintings and carvings. While adorning the walls there are paintings, which tell stories of famous moments throughout history.
Address: No. 75 Yixing Street, Xinhua District, Haikou, Hainan
Entrance fee: RMB 16