Haikou, China

Old Town of Haikou

Temple of the Queen of Heaven in Old Town Haikou

Bronze statues in Old Town

Dragon dancers outside the ship as we docked

Dance group outside the ship

Haikou is located on the northern coast of the island of Hainan, the southernmost part of China.  It is not a popular cruise destination, so the locals gave us the "red carpet" treatment upon docking. We were entertained by 2 dance groups and drummers, and were given beautiful wooden necklaces upon disembarking the ship.  Our tour took us to the Baishamen Park, which has an artificial lake and amusement park.  We were treated to musicial entertainment by a symphony group and strolled near a beach.  Unfortunately, it was a cloudy and misty day, so no one was getting into the water.

Next we went to the Old Town, which has a unique blend of European and Asian architecture. Toured the Temple of the Queen of Heaven, built over 700 years ago during the Yuan dynasty. Beautiful statues and altars with incense.  Shop keepers spoke very little English, but we still managed to find some nice Chinese clothing.

Girls handing out wooden necklaces as we embarked the ship

Dragon dancers

Statue at Baishamen Park

Posing with Chinese media at the park (it was raining)

Lush vegetation at Baishamen park

Musical entertainment at the park (in the rain)

American beer for sale-- couldn't they
 have chosen something better?

On the Haikou beach