Haikou: The Tropical Chinese Port City That Transformed Into A Model Of Urban Health

Countries & Cities · Published 29 September 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: As the capital of Hainan province, Haikou has evolved from a historic treaty port into a modern, prefecture-level city of over two million people. Beyond its tropical climate and colonial-style architecture, the city is recognized for ambitious environmental and public health initiatives that have significantly increased local life expectancy.

Haikou, whose name translates to 'ocean mouth' or 'seaport,' sits on the northern coast of Hainan Island. Historically, it served as the port for the inland administrative center of Qiongshan. It was not until 1926 that Haikou surpassed Qiongshan in population, eventually becoming the capital of the newly established Hainan Province in 1988. Today, the city covers over 2,300 square kilometres and remains the island's primary trade hub, handling more than half of its total commerce.

The city's urban landscape is a blend of the old and the new. The Qilou Old Street district preserves colonial-era arcaded buildings that reflect the city's history as a treaty port, while newer developments like the Guomao district feature high-rise residential towers. This growth is managed alongside significant ecological efforts. Since 1995, the government has pursued comprehensive improvements, including the creation of 2,000 hectares of green space and the implementation of centralized waste treatment. These efforts have yielded tangible results, such as improving life expectancy to 78.26 years and ensuring that groundwater meets international mineral water standards.

Life in Haikou is shaped by its tropical wet and dry climate, which brings typhoons between August and September. The city has also navigated rapid modernization, including the 2015–2016 'double create' campaign, which sought to improve urban appearance and traffic safety. While the city historically boasted some of China's best air quality, rapid increases in automobile ownership since 2009 have introduced new environmental challenges. Despite this, Haikou continues to balance its role as a major administrative and academic center—home to Hainan University—with a commitment to maintaining its status as a livable, green, and modern tropical metropolis.

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