Holiday Beach Tourist Area
Haikou’s coastal playground, Holiday Beach stretches 6 km along the Gulf of Tonkin, blending golden sands, tropical gardens, and lively water sports. Dubbed “Hainan’s Backyard,” it’s a year-round hub for sunbathing, kite-flying, and sunset strolls, with a 1990s retro vibe enhanced by modern cafes and eco-trails.
Historical Overview
Developed in 1995 as Hainan’s first public beach park, Holiday Beach became a symbol of the island’s tourism boom. It hosted the 1996 Asia-Pacific Kite Festival and 2010 National Sand Sculpture Competition, earning fame as China’s “kite capital.” Today, its palm-lined promenades and retro-style pavilions reflect Haikou’s evolution from a sleepy port to a tropical hub.
Structural Layout
The beach is divided into three zones:
Leisure Zone: Beach volleyball courts, thatched-roof pavilions, and a 1.2-km “Kite Sky” corridor.
Eco-Park: A mangrove boardwalk, butterfly garden, and turtle-shaped children’s playground.
Cultural Square: A 10,000-㎡ open-air stage for concerts and Tai Chi performances.
Key landmarks include the West Coast Observatory and Tropical Orchid Garden.
Major Attractions
Kite Museum: A pavilion displaying giant octopus kites and DIY workshops.
Sunset Deck: A pier with Adirondack chairs and live buskers at dusk.
Volleyball Courts: Host to annual provincial beach sports tournaments.
Mangrove Trail: A 400-meter boardwalk through red trees and crab habitats.
Retro Arcade: 1980s-style games like hoop shooting and air hockey.
Suggested Itineraries
Beach Day (3 hours):
Leisure Zone → Kite Museum → Sunset Deck → Retro Arcade.
Highlights: Kite-flying, sunset views, and nostalgic games.
Eco-Adventure (4 hours):
Mangrove Trail → Butterfly Garden → Cultural Square → Turtle Playground.
Highlights: Nature walks and family-friendly activities.
Full-Day Escape:
Combine both routes with a seafood lunch at Xixiu Beach Restaurant and a sunset cruise from the marina.
Highlights: Local cuisine and boat tours (¥80/person).
Ticket Purchase
Online: Free entry; book activity tickets (kite workshops, boat tours) via Meituan or Ctrip.
On-Site: Free access; pay ¥20–50 for parking or ¥10 for arcade tokens.
Prices: Kite Museum ¥30 (adults), ¥15 (children). Free: Seniors over 70.
Transportation
Bus: Routes 28/35/37 from downtown Haikou to “Jieri Beach” Stop (30 mins).
Taxi: ¥25–30 from Haikou East Railway Station; negotiate return fare.
Bike Rental: ¥10/hour at the east entrance (electric bikes available).
Best Time & Tips
Quiet Hours: Visit weekdays or before 10 AM (crowds peak 2–5 PM).
Seasonal Highlights: December–March (dry season); avoid June–August (rainy season).
Essentials: Sunscreen, reusable water bottle, and swim shoes (pebble beach).
Pro Tip: Rent a beach tent (¥50/day) for shade; try coconut ice cream from street vendors!
