A rising star in the world of football, China has been falling for the charms of this global sport, particularly in the southern parts of the country.
With pleasant weather conditions and excellent air quality, Hainan island's capital city, Haikou, has transformed itself into a hub for football. It's now a training ground for different kinds of teams, national and international, and a magnet for global fans, both during the Summer or during the Winter seasons. At the same time, Haikou provides excellent opportunities for local teams to get in touch with visiting players, due to a visa-free policy for 59 countries.
As part of this trend, Haikou boasts an international-standard football training base which is worth a look, should you be a sports lover.
The scale of the facility, from developer Haikou Mission Hills, is mesmerising as it includes several standard-sized soccer pitches and supporting infrastructure, including 19 full-size outdoor pitches and one full-size indoor pitch.
Additionally, there are six seven-a-side pitches, two beach soccer facilities and two goalkeeper training areas.
So, if football is your game of choice, then Haikou is a place where you can mix your love of the sport with an unforgettable holiday. Don’t forget to bring you football kit!
Adjacent to the Qiongzhou Strait, with a jaw-dropping scenery, the Century Park is an ideal place for leisure, to play football and do some sports.
Located in the Longhua District of Haikou City, the 8.4 hectare public park is also perfect for a stroll or to enjoy some quality time.
With a vast grassy area, the park’s west side meets Haikou Bay and the north side the Haidian river. The iconic Century Bridge travels over part of the park, with plenty of photo opportunities for you to enjoy while there. Nearby there are plenty of places to eat and refresh yourself with some nice drinks.
As the largest park in Haikou city, the Evergreen Park constantly hosts art exhibitions, concerts and other festive activities, but it is also perfect to play football or to do other open-air activities.
Located right in the centre of Haikou, the park, surrounded by nature’s lavish green, also includes places to eat out, children’s rides and huge grassy fields ideal for kite flying, alongside a pottery centre.
If you’re interested in playing some football outdoors just gather a team and come to enjoy a match in Evergreen Park. You’re guaranteed a great time out with plenty of options to celebrate after the game.
The Mission Hills Football Training Base is a world-class venue, where players come to hone their skills in great surroundings.
Located in Haikou’s Mission Hills Resort, this 1600-acre facility boasts 30 outstanding football pitches, all created for different levels of training.
The venue also includes two beach football pitches, for those who love to play on a sandy surface – a sport which is becoming an increasingly popular in Hainan’s capital city.
Even if you’re not taking to the pitch, the Mission Hills Football Training Base is well worth a visit. It’s open all day, so be sure to drop by to catch a peak of the sporting action.