Private tour

Haikou Cultural Day Tour: History, Heritage & Hands-on Craft

Discover Haikou’s rich culture in one day - from ancient temples and Confucian academies to modern museums, old streets, and seaside libraries - ending with tasty local street food at a night market.

Select participants and date

Highlights

Explore Bigan Mazu Park, a unique blend of Taoist and sea culture
Visit Qiongtai Academy, a cradle of Confucian learning in Hainan
Dive into Hainan’s past at the Hainan Provincial Museum
Walk through Qilou Old Street and try cloisonné bookmark crafting
End your day at a bustling night market near Hainan University

Full Description

Bigan Mazu Cultural Park: Begin your day at this unique temple complex dedicated to Bigan, a loyal court official from ancient China, and Mazu, the goddess of the sea. The site beautifully blends Confucian loyalty and Taoist maritime worship, reflecting Hainan's seafaring traditions. Stroll past traditional archways, prayer halls, and intricate carvings while learning about folk beliefs that shaped local identity.

Qiongtai Academy: Explore one of Hainan’s oldest academic institutions, dating back to the Song Dynasty. Once the island’s top center for Confucian learning, Qiongtai Academy showcases classic architecture, tranquil courtyards, and memorials to ancient scholars. It’s a serene stop that reveals the island’s educational legacy and reverence for learning.

Hainan Museum: This modern, well-curated museum offers deep insights into the island’s ethnic groups, ecology, and transformation through history. Exhibits include Li and Miao minority traditions, ancient fishing tools, prehistoric fossils, and archaeological finds. Interactive displays and bilingual labels make this an engaging and informative stop.

Qilou Old Street & Cloisonné Bookmark Workshop: Wander through Haikou’s historic Qilou district—lined with century-old arcaded buildings influenced by Chinese and Southeast Asian styles. Soak up the charming street scenes of cafés, street snacks, and everyday life. Then, join a cloisonné enamel workshop to handcraft your own bookmark using the traditional Chinese technique of wire and enamel inlay—an elegant keepsake of your cultural journey.

Cloud Cave Library: Visit this futuristic public library located by the sea. With its cave-like architecture, fluid lines, and panoramic ocean views, it’s a popular spot for locals to read, relax, and enjoy art. Snap some photos and soak in the meditative coastal atmosphere.

Hainan University South Gate Night Market: Wrap up your day at one of Haikou’s liveliest night markets. Dive into local snacks like coconut milk desserts, grilled squid, fried spring rolls, and tropical fruit smoothies. The market captures the city’s youthful energy and laid-back island vibe.

Includes

Convenient Pickup: Pickup and drop-off from anywhere in Haikou city. Your dedicated staff will confirm pickup details the evening before.
Group Size: 1-6 people (larger groups may inquire about custom options).
Language: Guided in your selected language for a smooth experience.
Tour Duration: Approximately 10 hours.
Tickets: Bigan Mazu Cultural Park, Qiongtai Academy, Hainan Museum, Cloisonné Bookmark Workshop
Two local snacks & drinks will be provided during the day.

Not Included

Lunch: not included. Guests will be recommended some lunch options by the guide.
Other personal expenses
Tips: Not included, but our guests can decide at their discretionary.

Not Suitable For

Wheelchair users
People with mobility impairments

Important Information

Wear comfortable walking shoes
Bring sun protection and rain gear as needed
Tour operates rain or shine

Guest Reviews

Thomas - USA

"I loved how this tour balanced temples, old academies, and modern spaces. The Bigan Mazu Cultural Park was unlike anything I’d seen—blending oceanic folklore with Confucian values. The cloisonné bookmark workshop was such a unique hands-on moment, and the night market? Absolutely delicious!"

Ricardo – Mexico

"This was the perfect one-day cultural tour in Haikou! The Hainan Museum was really informative—great for both adults and kids. My favorite was Qiongtai Academy, where you really feel the scholarly atmosphere. The handmade bookmark is a beautiful souvenir!"

Marco - France

"What a beautiful journey through Hainan’s history and daily life. Qilou Old Street was charming with its colonial architecture, and the Cloud Cave Library by the sea was so peaceful and photogenic. Loved the mix of tradition and modern design."