Planning Your Trip

Off the southern coast of China lies the province of Hainan, a tropical island known for its beaches, palm trees and warm climate. Haikou, its capital, is home to all of the above, plus world-class golf, volcanic landscapes and ancient history. Here’s a packing guide for your trip.

Golf Getaway

When the north of China is covered in snow, Haikou, with its temperate climate, is the perfect place for golf any time of year.

Shirts with a registered golf collar are the standard for every golfer.

Shorts or trousers with a belt are required for men.

Women should wear smart shorts, skirts, dresses or slacks (make sure they are of appropriate length, no more than two inches above the knee).

Golf shoes need to be worn on the course at all times. You’ll want to bring your own pair of gloves, too.

Exploring the City

From shopping in Haikou’s old town, with well-preserved architecture from the city’s French colonial past, to surveying volcanoes, be prepared for all the city has to offer by packing easy, versatile basics.

Cotton T-shirts, loose linen shirts and plenty of shorts will be perfect attire for Haikou’s mild climate. Temperatures may reach the 100s Fahrenheit in summer and hover around 60 in the winter.

The sun is harsh during the day. Be sure to bring plenty of sunscreen along with sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat.

Haikou is a great place to explore and see on foot. Choose comfort over style in your footwear and opt for sneakers or flat sandals.

Day Trips

Whether you spend a day soaking in the sun and swimming in the crystal waters of Holiday Beach or visit a plantation to see why they call Haikou the Coconut City, bring these essentials:

For long days exploring volcanic craters and plantations, pack a few sporty outfits and sneakers.

Don’t forget your swimsuit and a few cover-ups for the beach. Throw in a good book or two.

Bring ample mosquito repellent for activities with a nature focus.

Don't Forget:

April to October is an active rainy season, when Haikou is prone to tropical storms and typhoons. Prepare for showers by packing a compact umbrella and a light waterproof jacket.

Haikou, in the South China Sea, is a perfect winter getaway, with its mild temperatures, beachy vibe and pretty scenery. Here’s what to book ahead of time to make the most of your trip.

Dining Reservations

The melting-pot population of Haikou makes for an eclectic dining scene, enhanced by its seaside location, which brings quality seafood to the table. The Ritz-Carlton, Haikou’s culinary repertoire draws inspiration from this variety to create fresh takes on fine dining. At the elegant Tin Lung Heen, enjoy the best of Cantonese cuisine while listening to a master recite classic Tang Dynasty poetry. And get unparalleled views of the dramatic sunset from the hotel’s rooftop bar, Flair. For something more casual, visit one of the night markets in town, where vendors sell street food like BBQ, chao bing (a sorbet-like dessert) and qingbuliang (a refreshing sweet drink).

Spa Appointments

After a day on the fairways or exploring the city, recover at The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Haikou. Golfers can repair aching muscles with the Golfer’s Recovery, which includes a foot soak, scrub and powerful hot stone massage. Then prepare for your next round with yoga on the lawn. Local ingredients are incorporated in the Agar Wood & Coconut Oil Ritual to balance and restore the body and mind. For those who spent too much time in the sun, atone with the Aloe Vera Sun Soother Body Wrap, then take a relaxing dip in the indoor vitality pool.

Tee Times

The Ritz-Carlton, Haikou sits on the world-class golf resort of Mission Hills, which boasts 10 18-hole championship courses designed by the sport’s greatest architects. To tee off on a sprawling lava rock-strewn landscape dotted with ancient trees and sweeping wetlands is truly a one-of-a-kind experience, and with this much variety, you can’t possibly get bored. Options include the 350-acre Blackstone, which weaves through lakes and village ruins; Sandbelt Trails, dotted with its fragrant eucalyptus trees; Meadow Links, which is based on U.S. Open courses in the states; and the palm tree-shaded Preserve.

Children’s Activities

Just a few miles outside the city is the picturesque Haikou Volcanic Cluster Geopark, which is home to dozens of dormant volcanic craters left over from the Holocene period (about 10,000 years ago). At Dongjiao Coconut Plantation, walk among 500,000 kinds of coconut trees before heading to the beach, where you can participate in a variety of watersports. For a lesson in conservation, volunteer with Sea Turtles 911, the only nonprofit promoting sea turtle conservation in China, and learn about the creatures, which have been in existence for 150 million years.

Situated 50 miles off the mainland, Haikou is the capital city of the island of Hainan, China’s southernmost province and its only tropical region. It’s a rare destination where skyscrapers and palm trees coexist — the island’s economic, political, technological and cultural hub. Just beyond the city center, Haikou is a tropical paradise of white-sand beaches, nature preserves and balmy tropical air. Experience the best of everything Haikou has to offer with these itineraries.

Family Vacation Fun

The bustling metropolis of Haikou, on the beautiful island of Hainan just off the coast of mainland China, makes for an ideal family vacation for kids of all ages — especially from the base camp of The Ritz-Carlton, Haikou, your tropical paradise at Mission Hills.

Discover More

Island Adventures

Dubbed China’s Hawaii, the island of Hainan is a tourist’s dream, a place of beautiful beaches, tropical nature preserves, exceptional seafood, hot springs, championship golf courses and high-end shopping. Its capital, Haikou, is a thriving metropolis, with all the history and culture that comes along with big-city life. Here’s how to get the best of both worlds.