Architectural wonders: a three-dimensional history book of the collision of Eastern and Western civilizations
The Qilou Old Street is distributed in 12 streets including Zhongshan Road and Boai North Road. There are nearly 600 existing Qilou buildings with a total length of 4.4 kilometers. They were formed during the construction boom of overseas Chinese returning to their hometowns from 1840 to 1930. Its architectural features integrate:
Nanyang style: continuous arcade structure, with the second floor cantilevered to form a pedestrian shade corridor
Baroque elements: the dome shape on the top of the Haikou Bell Tower, the Ionic columns at the intersection of Shenglisha Road
Local innovation: the gray sculpture of Qiong Opera masks on the parapet, the coconut shell pattern relief on the window lintel
Key protected buildings include:
Qiu's Old House: "Hainan's No. 1 Qilou" built in 1927, with a rare five-story tower
Nanyang Building: Art Deco-style building, now a Qiaopi Culture Exhibition Hall
Tianhou Temple: A temple in the Minnan style of the Qing Dynasty, with a statue of the god of navigation protection during the Guangxu period
2.Cultural Code: Living Memory of the Maritime Silk Road
As one of the first historical and cultural blocks in China, it preserves the unique cultural genes of the hometown of overseas Chinese:
Qiaopi Archives: Overseas Chinese family letters selected into the World Memory Heritage in 2013, recording the struggle history of 300,000 overseas Chinese from Qiong
Dad Tea Culture: Originated from the custom of workers drinking tea during breaks, there are 26 traditional tea shops
Qiong Opera Heritage: Daya Hotel's Qiong Opera excerpts are performed every night, using dialects to sing legendary stories from the Tang and Song Dynasties
The "Time Capsule Museum" newly opened in 2025 reproduces the dock trade scene of the 1920s through holographic projection, and visitors can experience interactive projects such as virtual customs declaration and rubber trading.
3. In-depth experience guide
Cultural exploration route
Morning: Start from Shuixiangkou, visit the Qiaopi Museum → Tianhou Temple → Nanyang Coffee House (taste Xinglong Coffee)
Afternoon: Zhongshan Road arcade light and shadow exhibition → Qiong Opera mask DIY workshop → Qiu's rooftop garden afternoon tea
Night: Bell Tower light show → Boai Road Night Market (recommended chicken shit vine sugar water, coconut shredded cake)
Special business formats
Intangible cultural heritage experience: Hainan coconut carving, Li brocade weaving and other 7 intangible cultural heritage studios
Cultural and creative space: 32 artist studios have settled in, and the limited postcards of "Qilou Post Office" are recommended
Themed B&B: "Huanke 1921" boutique hotel, which renovated the old house, retains the original building tile floor
Festival activities
Mazu parade held on the 23rd day of the third lunar month
Nanyang Cultural Festival held in November every year
The Qilou Temple Fair during the Spring Festival has the strongest New Year atmosphere
4. Protection and rebirth
The "repair the old as it is" project implemented by the Haikou Municipal Government uses traditional shell lime mortar technology to repair the facade. The "Qilou Digital Twin System" launched in 2025 can monitor the safety of building structures in real time. The implementation of the "Merchant Convention System" requires that new formats must conform to cultural positioning. At present, the retention rate of traditional formats has reached 63%.
5.Practical Information
Transportation: Bus No. 3/5/14 goes directly to the destination. It is recommended to rent a shared electric car to travel through the streets and alleys
Tickets: The block is open for free, and the combined ticket is 80 yuan, including 5 exhibition halls
Best time: 7:00-9:00 to take pictures of the arcade in the morning light, and enjoy the night view after 19:30
Nearby linkage: You can plan a one-day tour in conjunction with the Hainan Provincial Museum and Baishamen Park