Yan Zhou
Quick Jump
I’ve been taking tourists to Holiday Beach since 2018. The first time I went, I expected postcard-perfect white sand and crystal water. What I found was… well, let me be straight with you: Holiday Beach is not a tropical paradise. But that doesn’t mean it’s a waste of time. If you’re in Haikou and wondering whether to squeeze this beach into your itinerary, here’s everything I’ve learned – the good, the bad, and the practical.
What to Expect at Holiday Beach
Holiday Beach is a long, sandy public beach on the west coast of Haikou, facing the Qiongzhou Strait. It’s free to enter – no ticket booth, no turnstiles. The sand is a light brownish-yellow, a bit coarse but fine enough to walk barefoot. The water? murky on most days, thanks to sediment from the nearby Nandu River. Don’t expect the turquoise clarity of Sanya. On a clear day, though, you can see the outline of buildings across the strait in mainland China.
The beach stretches for several kilometers. Near the main entrance there’s a paved promenade lined with palm trees, a few food stalls, and some basic playground equipment for kids. You’ll also find public restrooms (free, but bring your own toilet paper – a common trick I tell everyone) and outdoor showers to rinse off sand.
Water Quality and Swimming
The water is swimmable, but I wouldn’t recommend it after heavy rain – then it turns brown. Lifeguards are on duty during summer months (May-October), but they’re not super vigilant. I always tell families to keep an eye on kids. There are no big waves, so it’s safe for wading. One thing locals do: they come early morning (around 7am) to swim before the crowds.
How to Get There
| Method | Details | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Taxi / Didi | From city center (Guoxing Avenue) about 25-35 minutes. Show driver: 假日海滩 | ~30-50 RMB |
| Bus | Take bus 28, 35, 37, 40, or 57 to “Holiday Beach” stop. The stop is right across the road. | 2 RMB (cash or Alipay) |
| Bicycle | There’s a dedicated bike lane along Binhai Avenue. Ride from center takes about 50 mins. | Free (if you have a rental) |
| Walking from nearby hotels | If staying at Marriott or Sheraton on west coast, it’s a 15-min walk. | Free |
Pro tip: If you take Didi, the drop-off point is at the main gate. Walk straight through the small plaza and you’ll hit the beach. There’s a large parking lot if you rent a car.
Best Time to Visit
I’ve been here in every season. Here’s the real deal:
- November to March – Cooler weather (20-25°C), less humidity. Great for walks, but may be too chilly for swimming. Sunsets are gorgeous around 5:30pm.
- April to June – Hot and getting humid. Beach is busier on weekends. Water is warm. Avoid midday (12-3pm) if you’re sun-sensitive.
- July to October – Peak summer, but also typhoon season. Many cloudy or rainy days. If a typhoon is coming, the beach closes (red flags). Even on clear days, the water can be rough.
What to Do Nearby
Holiday Beach itself is pretty relaxed. But the area has a few things worth combining:
1. Hot Springs and Spa
Adjacent to the beach is a hot spring resort (Xizhen Hot Spring). It charges around 198 RMB for entry. You get access to multiple pools, some with sea views. I only recommend this if you have extra time and want to soak. Not a must-do.
2. Seafood Street (Haikou Seafood Market)
About 10 minutes’ drive south is the “Donghai Seafood Market” (local name). You pick fresh seafood from tanks, and restaurants upstairs cook it for you (cooking fee ~15 RMB per dish). I bring tourists here for dinner after the beach. It’s affordable – a full meal with lobster, prawns, and beer costs around 150-200 RMB per person.
3. Evergreen Park (Wanlv Park)
A 15-minute taxi east brings you to Haikou’s largest city park. It’s great for a stroll, with a lake, lawns, and a view of the Qiongzhou Strait. Entrance is free.
4. Hainan Museum
If the weather turns bad or you need indoor backup, the Hainan Provincial Museum is about 20 minutes away by taxi. It’s free (bring passport for ticket). Exhibits cover Hainan’s history and ethnic cultures. I send many tourists there on rainy afternoons.
Pros and Cons: Should You Go?
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Free entry – no cost to enjoy the beach | Water is not clear; often murky |
| Great sunset viewpoint | Limited facilities (few restaurants, shops) |
| Relaxed, local atmosphere (not touristy) | No dramatic scenery; rather flat coastline |
| Easy to reach by public transport | Sand can be coarse; bring beach shoes |
| Good for a couple of hours, not a full day | Lack of shade; bring an umbrella |
Verdict: If you have a tight itinerary, skip Holiday Beach. But if you want a low-key afternoon away from the city, or you just need to see the ocean, it’s worth a stop. Combine it with the seafood market and you’ve got a pleasant half-day.
Frequently Asked Questions
This content has been fact-checked to ensure informational precision.
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