Qilou Ancient Street

​​Qilou Ancient Street: A Living Museum of Cultural Fusion​​

​​Historical Significance & Architecture​​
Located in ​​downtown Haikou​​, this ​​AAAAA-rated​​ site spans ​​Zhongshan Road, Boai Road​​, and ​​Xinhua Road​​, showcasing ​​596 buildings​​ recognized as China’s best-preserved arcade complex. Key features:

• ​​Architectural Blend​​: Renaissance, Roman, Baroque, and Southeast Asian styles merge with traditional Chinese designs.
• ​​Sipai Building​​: The oldest structure (600+ years, Southern Song Dynasty) anchors the district.
• ​​Functional Design​​: Ground-floor shops sheltered by overhanging upper residences (2–4 stories) supported by columns.

​​Cultural & Tourist Highlights​​

1. ​​Heritage Sites​​

   • ​​Daya Hotel & Taichanglong​​: 1930s-era luxury venues reflecting Haikou’s commercial peak.
   • ​​Consulates & Banks​​: Former offices of 13 countries, now housing museums and cafes.

2. ​​Experiences​​

   • ​​Qiong Opera & Puppetry​​: Nightly performances of intangible cultural heritage.
   • ​​"Immersive 5D Show"​​: Projections depicting the street’s 19th-century merchant history.
   • ​​Food Street​​: 240-meter lane serving ​​Wenchang chicken​​ and ​​Hainan seafood​​.

3. ​​Art & Festivals​​

   • ​​Annual Events​​: "Jazz Nights," coconut carving exhibitions, and photography contests.
   • ​​Souvenir Shops​​: Local crafts like rosewood carvings and brocade weavings.

​​Visitor Guide​​

• ​​Transport​​: Buses No. 3/5/6/7/14; free entry.
• ​​Best Time​​: November–April (cooler weather; avoid summer rains).
• ​​Pro Tip​​: Visit at dusk for illuminated facades and fewer crowds.

​​Sustainability & Recognition​​

• ​​2022 National Tourism Block​​: Renovations balance preservation with modern amenities.
• ​​Coral Stone Revival​​: Traditional materials reused in restoration projects.

Qilou Street isn’t just a landmark—it’s ​​Haikou’s heartbeat​​, where every column whispers tales of seafaring merchants and cultural exchange.