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For many centuries, Hainan was considered the end of  the world, and  persons who fell into disfavor with the rulers of  China were exiled to Hainan. However, today, Hainan has become a major tourist destination with millions of  Chinese from mainland China and HongKong visiting it every year. The number of  foreign tourists is also increasing.  The peak tourism season is during winter, when temperatures in mainland China are low.

Since Hainan island does not have many industries, there is little pollution and tourists flock to the beaches there.

Some of the historical monuments at Haikou are:

1. The Five Official's Temple - built in honor of the five officials banished to Hainan for speaking out more than a thousand years ago

2. Hairui Tomb - built about five centuries ago in the memory of  another official of  the Ming Dynasty banished to Hainan

3. Xiuying Fort Barbette - built to defend the Southern part of  China in the Sino French wars a century ago. The fort is still intact.