Introduction & Highlights
Did you know that a Hainanese lobster can weigh more than 10 kilograms? If you can picture yourself enjoying one on a nice terrace when the sun is setting, then Haikou is certainly the place for you. With its seaside location, the coastal capital is the home of seafood, which can be enjoyed in fantastic surroundings.
The crystal-clear waters that separate tropical Hainan from mainland China are perfect for red sea breams, groupers, prawns, lobsters, sea snakes and sea eels, among other species. With such a rich offer, it's no surprise that Haikou is overflowing with seafood markets, always packed with people looking to buy and enjoy the freshest of seafood.
Healthy and light, with a seductive aroma, Hainan's cuisine is dominated by the fruits of the sea, also thanks to the development of a thriving fishing industry. Combine this with other beautiful, natural produce and you have a recipe for culinary success, which keeps even the most demanding of foodies happy. Hainan, and Haikou, has a gastronomic treat awaiting you.
Where to Experience
1. Raikou Million People Seafood Square（海口丁村火车头万人海鲜市场）1. Haikou Huochetou Million People Seafood Square（海口丁村火车头万人海鲜市场）
Address
West side of Yingbin Avenue, Chengxi Town, Longhua District, Haikou (海口市龙华区城西镇迎宾大道西侧)
Once in Haikou, you won't be short of options to try local seafood. If you're looking for fresh yet traditional Hainanese-style seafood, the Huochetou Million People Seafood Square, located on the west side of Longkun South Road Extension Line, is a perfect option to do just that.
With plenty of space to receive lots of customers, and with a children's playground, in this restaurant you can eat prawns, groupers, crabs and shellfish of all kinds. You're guaranteed to have a good time at a reasonable price, enjoying great quality. This a restaurant that aims to please, with high levels of customer service and attention to detail all part of its DNA.
2. Banqiao Seafood Market（板桥路海鲜广场）
Address
No.8 Banqiao Road, Meilan District, Haikou (海口市美兰区板桥路8号)
If you're heading out for something to eat in a group, then why not try the Banqiao Seafood Market, about three kilometres south of Haikou's city centre. A taxi from downtown costs up to 20RMB and is worth it if you want to have some fun and drinks with your family or friends.
The experience kicks off with you choosing and bartering for your raw ingredients from sellers in the market, whether its local oysters or tiger prawns. Then all you need to do is take your buy to one of the nearby restaurants, for them to cook it up for you into an amazing dish. You will also find some small stalls selling noodles and Wenchang chicken for individual diners.
3. Xinbu Island Seafood World （新埠岛海鲜大世界）
Address
No.8 Xinbu Avenue, Xinbu Island, Meilan District, Haikou (海口市美兰区新埠岛新埠大道8号)
Xinbu Island Seafood World is Hainan's largest wholesale market dedicated to seafood. A perfect place to eat and buy fresh fish. Definitely worth having a look while visiting the island.
The prices are good value, and you have a huge variety on offer to choose from – including some unconventional options which will no doubt catch your eye. The market is so big that it has several interconnected buildings along the way, making it easy for you to lose your way in this world of seafood. Not such a bad thing.
If you are getting to the market by car, there are lots of parking spaces nearby. Meaning you don't have to worry about walking far with all of your fresh goods. Take all the time you need.
4. Jinshuimen Seafood Restaurant （金水门江边海鲜酒楼）
Address
90 meters northwest of Jinshuimen Yinhe Restaurant, Xinbu Avenue, Meilan District, Haikou (海口市美兰区新埠大道金水门银河酒楼西北90米)
Enjoying Haikou's gastronomy doesn't always need you to be on dry land. Why not get closer to the source of its fresh seafood and take to the water?
You will find the Jinshuimen Seafood Restaurant onboard a beautiful boat, offering special experiences while docked and on the move. If you choose to take a dining cruise, you will also be treated to some beautiful changing landscapes. Making memories alongside those being created at the table.
Whatever the occasion, a romantic dinner or a family lunch, this floating restaurant offers something special. Be sure to snap some photos, as this will be a meal out you will want to tell and your relatives and friends about when you get back home.
5. Qukou Authentic Seafood Restaurant （曲口正宗海鲜酒楼）
Address
Qukou Road, Yanfeng Town, Meilan District, Haikou Haikou (海口市美兰区演丰镇曲口路口)
The Qukou Authentic Seafood Restaurant is all about oysters, prawns and blue crabs, among other delicacies. It is located in Qukou, an area adjacent to the Dongzhai Port Mangrove Reserve.
As streams and rivers on land merge into the sea in this part of the island and because the water is rich in organic matter, local seafood is regarded as plumper than those found in other places along the coast of Hainan. These characteristics have come together to create a strong and enviable reputation for Qukou seafood. It’s certainly something you should try during your visit. Why not pour a nice glass of wine to go with it too?