user review upload
1 / 10

Qilou Old Street Exhibition Hall

4.3
·663 reviews·Haikou, China

Explore Haikou's historic Qilou Old Street, a captivating fusion of Asian & European architecture, local flavors, and vibrant street life.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Evenings

Street lights up, vibrant atmosphere

CrowdHigh
Loading map...
user review upload

Qilou Old Street Exhibition Hall

Best Time

Evenings

Street lights up, vibrant atmosphere

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore Haikou's historic Qilou Old Street, a captivating fusion of Asian & European architecture, local flavors, and vibrant street life.

4.3
(663 reviews)

"A charming street lined with shops perfect for tourists to explore and pick up local goods and souvenirs."

Vertical photo
TIP

🗣️ Language Barrier Tip

Keep Google Translate ready! Many vendors don't speak English, but a smile and translation app go a long way. :iphone:

📸 Photo Opportunities Galore

This historic street is a photographer's dream. Capture the unique architecture and lively street scenes. :camerawithflash:

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Qilou Architecture

Qilou Architecture

Marvel at the unique blend of Asian and European influences in these historic, arcaded buildings. A visual feast!

Local Hainan Cuisine

Local Hainan Cuisine

Savor authentic Hainan chicken rice, Wenchang chicken, and the refreshing Qingbuliang dessert. A culinary adventure awaits!

Shopping for Souvenirs

Shopping for Souvenirs

Discover local products and unique souvenirs, from coconut-based treats to handcrafted items. Perfect for taking a piece of Haikou home.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Architecture

Qilou Old Street is famed for its unique Qilou architecture, a stunning fusion of Asian, European, Indian, and Arabic styles. Prepare to be captivated by the century-old arcaded buildings that tell tales of Haikou's rich history.

Navigating with Ease

While exploring, you might find that English isn't widely spoken by vendors. Keep Google Translate handy or be ready for some fun charades to communicate and enjoy local shopping and dining experiences.

Best Times

When
Evenings
Why
Street lights up, vibrant atmosphere
Crowd
High
When
Afternoons
Why
Relaxing stroll, enjoy coffee
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

7 hour layover at Haikou int airport?

I usually transit theough kunming since it has a pretty convenient transit lounge for anyone but I accidentally bought for Haikou this time and don't really want to refund due to the fees. Is there anything I can do or visit during the 7-hour layover? Does Haikou airport also…

🗣️ Language Barrier Tip

Keep Google Translate ready! Many vendors don't speak English, but a smile and translation app go a long way. :iphone:

📸 Photo Opportunities Galore

This historic street is a photographer's dream. Capture the unique architecture and lively street scenes. :camerawithflash:

🥥 Refresh with Coconut Water

Beat the heat with a refreshing coconut water drink. It's a local favorite and widely available. 🍹

🚶‍♀️ Get Lost (a little!)

Don't be afraid to wander down the alleys; you might discover hidden gems. Just keep track of your way out! :world_map:

Tips

from all over the internet

🗣️ Language Barrier Tip

Keep Google Translate ready! Many vendors don't speak English, but a smile and translation app go a long way. :iphone:

📸 Photo Opportunities Galore

This historic street is a photographer's dream. Capture the unique architecture and lively street scenes. :camerawithflash:

🥥 Refresh with Coconut Water

Beat the heat with a refreshing coconut water drink. It's a local favorite and widely available. 🍹

🚶‍♀️ Get Lost (a little!)

Don't be afraid to wander down the alleys; you might discover hidden gems. Just keep track of your way out! :world_map:

What Travellers Say

4.3
(663 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the unique Qilou architecture, a captivating blend of Asian and European styles, and the opportunity to savor authentic Hainan cuisine. The street is a vibrant hub for shopping and soaking in the local atmosphere, especially in the evenings. However, some find the language barrier with vendors challenging.

"It is most famous for its distinctive Qilou architecture, which features a stylish blend of European, Asian, Indian, and Arabic influences.
Can taste local Hainan cuisine and snacks, such as Hainan chicken rice, Wenchang chicken, Hainan noodles, and the local dessert Qingbuliang."

B Y Cheok

"A good place for walking and enjoying the coconut water drink. Product of coconut and souvenir are available. It is also good place taking photoes or only to explore the area. The problem is almost all the sellers can not speak English. So either speak in chinese, using google translate, or using survival sign language."

Sumarni Su

"Meet the local, test the local cuisines, enjoy shopping with local products to complete Haikou trip"

samara mata

What People Like

Unique Qilou architecture
Delicious local food
Vibrant evening atmosphere

What People Dislike

Language barrier with vendors

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

While the airport offers transit lounges, Qilou Old Street is a significant attraction in Haikou. From Haikou Meilan International Airport (HAK), you can take a taxi or ride-sharing service directly to Qilou Old Street. The journey typically takes around 30-40 minutes, depending on traffic. Public bus options are also available, though they may involve transfers and take longer. Reddit

Yes, Qilou Old Street is well-connected by Haikou's public bus network. Several bus routes stop near the street, making it a convenient and affordable option for getting around the city. Check local bus maps or use a navigation app for the most up-to-date route information.

Depending on your starting point in Haikou, walking might be an option, especially if you are staying in the city center. However, Haikou can be quite spread out, so for most visitors, public transport or a taxi is more practical for reaching Qilou Old Street.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Qilou Old Street is a public area and does not require an entrance ticket. You are free to wander and explore the streets and admire the architecture at your own pace. Reddit

Qilou Old Street is generally open 24 hours a day, as it's a living street with shops and restaurants. However, individual shops and restaurants will have their own operating hours, typically from morning until late evening.

The term 'Exhibition Hall' might refer to the general historic area rather than a specific ticketed venue. The main attraction is the street itself and its architecture, which is free to access. If there are specific small museums or galleries within the street, they might have separate fees.

📸 📸 Photography

For photography, consider visiting during the golden hours – early morning or late afternoon – for soft, beautiful light. Evenings are also popular as the street lights up, creating a vibrant, atmospheric scene, though it will be more crowded. Reddit

Generally, there are no strict restrictions on photography for personal use in the public areas of Qilou Old Street. However, always be respectful of private businesses and individuals when taking photos.

A versatile lens, such as a 24-70mm equivalent, is great for capturing both the grand architecture and street scenes. A wide-angle lens can be useful for emphasizing the scale of the buildings. Don't forget a portable charger for your phone if you're relying on it for photos. :iphone:

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

You absolutely must try Hainan chicken rice, Wenchang chicken, and Hainan noodles. For dessert, the local specialty Qingbuliang is a refreshing choice. Many restaurants along the street offer these authentic dishes. Reddit

While traditional Hainan cuisine is often meat-centric, you can often find vegetable stir-fries and rice dishes. It's advisable to ask about ingredients or use a translation app to communicate your dietary needs to the restaurant staff.

You can find a range of dining options, from casual snack stalls to more formal restaurants. Expect to pay reasonable prices for local food, with main dishes typically ranging from 30-80 RMB. Street snacks are even more affordable.

You may also like

1 of 2
Qilou Old Street Exhibition Hall (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Travel Guide