Tourism Resources
3 min readThe history of Haikou originated from the Han Dynasty.ln 110 B.C.Fubo General Lu Bode conquered Baiyue，and set 2 prefectures-Zhuya and Dan er-and 16 counties in Hainan.Haikou was under Zhuya prefecture.In the Tang Dynasty，Haikou became a port of Qiongzhou，and it was the transportation hub to the mainland.In the Song Dynasty，in order to consolidate the frontier，Haikoupu was established，hence the name.In 1858，Haikou was opened up to be a trading port，and the name was changed into Qiongzhou Kou.After the People’s Republic of China was founded，Haikou was a city under the jurisdiction of the provincial government of Guangdong.In 1988，it became the capital city of Hainan Province.
Haikou Legend has it that，in the immemorial time，the east and west lakes of Haikou were a mysterious deep pond covered in mist where five young dragons were growing.One thousand years later，the five dragons became immortals，yet were seriously constrained by the pond.One day，the water surged up and the five huge dragons rose into the sky by riding on the clouds.They looked down to search for a better place and found the four vast seas in the east，west，south and north as well as rolling waves in the Yangtze River and Yellow River.So the five dragons parted，with four of them going to the four seas and the last one going into the Yangtze and Yellow Rivers.The deep pond was then called Haikou，literally meaning”sea mouth”.Today，the sand and soil carried by Nandu River flowing down from the Wuzhishan Mountain and other rivers and streams have already filled up the deep pond，leaving behind only the east and west lakes near the old town.As the place where rivers and streams met before they joined the sea，Haikou was regarded by ancient people as being blessed by Heaven.
There is no transition from winter to spring and its continuous drizzle, no autumn breeze to make dry dead leaves fall from the trees, no brilliant white snows, no bone-chilling wind or spring chill; instead Haikou has jade seas, blue skies, sunshine, sandy beaches and swaying coconut palms as its constant themes.A precious pearl set atop the crown of a treasure island, Haikou is truly the tourist holiday paradise of the South China Sea!
The ecological environment in Haikou is perfect. The air pollution index is superior to the first grade of the country’s standard. It is the No.l of all the large and medium sized cities in the country in terms of air quality. The quality of the groundwater in Haikou is fine, and it is basically mineral water. It is of the first class in the world, and the drinking water in the city is up to the standard. Nowadays,36.7% of the city area is covered with green. The forestation rate is 40%, and the average public green belt is 8.5 sq km. When you are walking in Haikou, you will find lines of green trees and beautiful flowers, and feel that there is life everywhere.
Charming tropical beaches create a habitat in paradise.A seaside city is a lucky city indeed and Haikou’s urban development follows the sea as it meanders unbroken along a charming and world-famous coastline for131 kilometers. This fascinating city features the most beautiful scenic promenades, blue skies, jade seas, sunshine, sandy beaches and coconut palms;a picturesque location of intoxicating beauty rich in ionized clean and fresh air that leads to Hainan’s recognition as an island of health and longevity. With its strong tropical seaside charm and interest, Haikou is fast becoming a livable Chinese residential paradise!
Haikou City is not only the winner of the “China Habitat Environment Award”, but also owns more than ten other titles confirmed by the World Health Organization as China’s only city among world-wide cities tested for their health conditions. The Accolades as follows:
China Outstanding Tourism City; National Environmental Protection Model City; Nationwide City of Health; National Garden City; National Famous Historical and Cultural City; Advanced National Civilized City; National City of Excellence for Comprehensive Urban Environmental Renovation.
