Overview
Haikou, the easy-going capital of Hainan, sits on the tropical island's northern coast and makes a relaxed gateway to "China's Hawaii". Palm-lined boulevards, a handsome arcade old town and warm seas year-round appeal to UK travellers after winter sun with a distinctly Chinese character. There are no direct flights to Haikou from the UK, but there are plenty of well-connected one-stop routes, and starting your search for cheap flights to Haikou early usually pays off.
Best time to fly to Haikou
Haikou has a tropical climate. The most comfortable window runs from October to April, when days are warm and drier, humidity eases and the beaches are at their best; this overlaps with UK half-terms and Christmas, so book ahead. May to September is hot, humid and within the typhoon season, though fares can be lower. See the When to book chart above for how prices move through the year.
Airlines and routes
Flights from the UK to Haikou connect through one hub. Hainan Airlines, which is based in Haikou, flies from London via mainland China; China Southern routes through Guangzhou, China Eastern through Shanghai and Air China through Beijing. Cathay Pacific offers a smooth connection via Hong Kong, while Qatar Airways and Emirates link London with Haikou through Doha and Dubai. Expect a total journey of roughly 15 to 19 hours depending on the layover, with flying time alone around 13 to 15 hours.
Things to do in Haikou
Haikou rewards slow wandering, with volcanic countryside on its doorstep.
- Qilou Old Street: restored early-1900s arcade shophouses now full of cafes and small shops.
- Hainan Provincial Museum: a well-presented introduction to the island's history and Li and Miao cultures.
- Leiqiong Volcanic Cluster Geopark: walk into a dormant crater among lava fields just south of the city.
- Temple of Five Officials: a peaceful 19th-century complex honouring exiled scholars.
- Holiday Beach: the city's long swimming and sunset strip, popular for watersports.
At Haikou Meilan International Airport (HAK)
Meilan Airport lies about 25 km south-east of central Haikou, usually 25 to 35 minutes by road. Metered taxis and ride-hailing wait outside the terminal, and airport shuttle buses run into the city and to Hainan's east-coast resorts. The airport also has its own station on Hainan's high-speed rail ring, a quick and inexpensive way to reach Haikou East station and, further on, Sanya.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Haikou
- Book roughly two to five months ahead for the best long-haul fares; last-minute prices to China are rarely kind.
- Fly midweek and avoid Chinese New Year, the early-October Golden Week and UK school holidays.
- Keep your dates flexible and use the price charts on this page to spot the cheapest departures.
- Compare hub airlines, as a connection through the Gulf, Hong Kong or mainland China can differ noticeably in price for the same trip.
Travel essentials
Many UK travellers can currently enter mainland China, including Hainan, without a visa for short tourist stays under China's visa-free arrangements, but always confirm the latest rules on GOV.UK before booking, as conditions and permitted length of stay can change. The currency is the Chinese yuan (RMB); mobile payment apps dominate, so it is worth setting up Alipay or WeChat Pay with a UK card and carrying some cash as backup. No vaccinations are required for entry, but check NHS Fit for Travel for current advice, and note that many Western apps and websites need a VPN in China.
