Arcade Old Street (Qilou Old Street)

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Arcade Old Street (Qilou Old Street) is an open historic district in Longhua District, Haikou, known for rows of two- to four-storey arcade buildings with covered walkways. The street area is free to enter and open around the clock, while some indoor venues and scheduled events have their own arrangements.

What you'll see

The arcade buildings are concentrated around Zhongshan Road, Bo'ai Road, Xinhua Road and Jiefang Road. Most are two- to four-storey connected arcades, with colonnaded pedestrian passages on the ground floor that suit Hainan's rainy, sunny climate.

Look for the white carved window lattices, coloured Nanyang-style glass and restored old shop names above the doorways. These details give the district its distinctive Nanyang character and reward a slow walk.

Getting there

The address is 5-1 Changdi Road, Longhua District, Haikou. Many buses stop at Zhonglou (Bell Tower) station, including routes 3, 5, 6, 14, 15, 17, 18, 20, 23, 25, 26, 30, 37, 38, 39, 43, 61, 87, K4 and Night 3.

From Meilan International Airport, take Airport Bus Line 1 to Shenglinyeju station, transfer to bus G37 or G43 to Shuixiangkou station, then walk about 8 minutes. If arriving by high-speed rail, Haikou East Station is the more convenient choice; note that Haikou has several rail stations, so check the station name when booking.

Drivers will find several car parks nearby: roughly 220 spaces at the first, 167 at the second and 262 at the third, plus a temporary car park of about 100 spaces opposite the Bell Tower on Changdi Road, at the southeast corner of Changdi Road and Xinhua North Road. Parking is charged per entry; check current prices on site.

Timing your visit

The district is an open street area, accessible 24 hours a day with no single closing time. For a relaxed pace, arrive around 4 pm, stroll the Nanyang-style buildings, try local snacks in the area, then continue to the Shuixiangkou night market and the evening lights.

To avoid crowds and catch good light for photos, come before 8 am, when the street is quiet and low sunlight picks out the weathered facades. The evening lighting project is complete, with outline lights tracing parapets and gable walls and projected light on street sculptures.

Scheduled events such as heritage parades, craft markets, costume activities and Hainanese opera, brocade and pottery demonstrations take place at set times. For example, a heritage parade was listed for 30 August, 16:30–18:00, and arcade flash events for 1–6 October, 16:00–18:00 daily. These are event times, not the district's opening hours; check official announcements for current schedules.

Practical notes

Entering the street area is free; some individual venues inside, such as the Qilou Old Street history exhibition hall, may charge separately, and information on this varies. Confirm current arrangements on site or through official channels.

The streets are mostly stone-paved, so prams and luggage trolleys bump along noticeably; a carrier or waist stool is easier with small children. When it is busy, keep bags in front of you, avoid stepping backwards into the road for photos, and watch for quiet, fast electric scooters.

Drone flights require prior application to the relevant authorities and permission before flying; check local rules and complete the paperwork in advance to avoid penalties.

For edible souvenirs such as Wenchang chicken or Dongshan goat, vacuum-packed gift boxes from supermarkets travel better than fresh food.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee for Arcade Old Street?

The open street area is free to walk through. Some individual venues inside may charge separately, and reports differ, so check current details on site or via official channels.

What are the opening hours?

The district is an open street area accessible 24 hours a day. Scheduled events have their own times, so check official announcements.

How do I get there from Meilan Airport?

Take Airport Bus Line 1 to Shenglinyeju station, transfer to bus G37 or G43 to Shuixiangkou station, then walk about 8 minutes.

Can I fly a drone there?

No, not without permission. Drone flights require prior application to the relevant authorities; check local rules and complete the paperwork in advance.

When is the best time to visit?

Around 4 pm for a relaxed walk into the evening, or before 8 am for quiet streets and good photographic light.

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