Hainan-Haikou overview

Haikou is the capital of Hainan Island and one place female travellers should avoid. Renowned across China for its seedy sex industry, Haikou attracts a different kind of domestic tourist who lazes on plastic chairs getting drunk while subservient local ladies pander to their every desire. Once a famed 19th century treaty port, the city still maintains a vital role as transportation and commercial hub for the region. Modernisation has standardised Haikou into another bland, upcoming Chinese city and the best thing to do is leave for neighbouring Sanya soon after arrival. As far south as is possible to go in China, the Haikou locals are not overly friendly, preferring rather to focus on developing the former exile haven city into a Chinese Pattaya. Glimpses of former ethnic artistry can be found if you look hard enough and the beaches are generally deserted, just be wary of the sex tourists.