Qilou Old Street is a short, gentle walk through Haikou’s older streets, and it suits an evening or a slow morning. If you are used to Hainan meaning beaches, this is the place that shows you the island’s older city life.
It is a fair worry that Haikou may be only a stopover. With a little planning, it can be a pleasant part of the trip.
What is Qilou Old Street?
Qilou are arcade-style buildings with a covered walkway at street level and living space above. The style grew from the way people in the hot, rainy south built to stay out of sun and showers, and it gives the old streets a shaded, walkable feel.
You come here to stroll, look at the façades, and eat. It is not a single attraction with a gate, so you can drift in and out as you wish.
Who will enjoy it?
Couples, culture lovers and return visitors usually enjoy it most. If you have been to Sanya before and want a different side of Hainan, this fills the gap. Families with older children can enjoy the food and the lanes, though small children may tire on a hot evening.
How long should you stay?
Plan two to three hours. That is enough for a walk, some photographs and an unhurried meal. Our pace checker helps you see whether an evening in Haikou fits around your flights.
How do you get there?
Haikou has direct air links with Malaysia. 9 Air launched Haikou to Kuching in November 2025 on a twice-weekly basis[1]. Schedules change, so confirm with the airline before you book.
From the airport or the high-speed rail station, a taxi or ride-hailing car takes you to the old streets. Keep your hotel address saved in Chinese so the driver can follow it.
When is the best time?
Go in the evening or on a cooler morning. Hainan is exposed to storms, and China’s main typhoon season runs from July to September[2]. Keep your Haikou time flexible in those months.
What should you check on food and prayer?
Halal meals around the old streets need checking each time. Ask staff directly, look for the 清真 sign, and keep a simple backup such as vegetarian dishes. Our guide for Muslim travellers in South China explains how to ask.
Is it better to skip it?
If your Hainan days are mostly beach, a full day in Haikou may be too much. A short evening visit is enough. Compare the two cities in our Haikou or Sanya guide before you decide where to spend your nights.
How does it fit a route?
Qilou pairs well with the start or end of a Hainan island circuit. Browse the attractions topic page for more coastal ideas, or message us and we will place Haikou around your arrival and departure.