Haikou Meilan International Airport — Attraction in Haikou City

Had a nearly 5-hour transit at Haikou Meilan International Airport with Hainan Airlines, and it was not a great experience. If your gate is between 44–47 or 239–241, you’re basically stuck in a small separated area with very limited food options. That part was fine, but the biggest issue was no Wi-Fi access unless you have a Chinese mobile number. It’s surprising that in such an advanced country, something as simple as Wi-Fi for international travellers is still so restricted.

Apparently, there’s a kiosk to generate a Wi-Fi password before security, but I didn’t see it and no one could confirm it. Once you pass through security for connecting flights, there’s no help desk that can assist..they just say Wi-Fi is only for Chinese numbers. I had to just wait it out with no internet access.

There’s one lounge, but honestly, Wi-Fi should be free and accessible for everyone. You also can’t access Starbucks or other main restaurants once in this area. There are zero coffee shops past security. Unfortunately, this will be my first and last transit through Haikou...

Haikou Meilan International Airport has high ranging tech to make the experience of arriving into China more easier for foreigners however the process is long and if you don’t use the fingerprint reader it adds time on at immigration. Arrival cards can be completed on arrival at the airport and there is an international visa desk to figure out how to get your visa for what purpose/country. Customs at the airports is fairly simple. Nothing to declare as of Aug 2025 is a simple walk through unless if you have goods to declare. Departures is also another strict system, your bags get checked for security reasons then quarantine reasons before you receive your boarding pass. Then you go through quarantine (for international) and then customs (for international) and security, with normal scanners. Immigration afterwards is normally fast! I came here for transit and it was not a biggie to get through however just prepare yourself before hand to make the the...

Had my best and worst experience in this airport.

1 - for passengers with a layover more than 4 hours they provide free vouchers for a hotel and food. You have to check it and get on the information desk (register via qr). The hotel itself is ok and you’ll have the free shuttle. But be careful, they try to extra charge you 200 yuan, if you’re a single traveller. Or unbelievably ask to share a room with some other stranger. Re meal - you can choose anything you want in dedicated caffes.

2 - for my flight back I stayed at the airport in the area that is made especially for overnight passengers. Dark place with sofas (could be good). But I was confused when they started a construction at 11pm. Come on. Just why? So disrespectful to people who have no other choice but spent their night time in there.

3 - the airport doesn’t have a transition zone, so you have to pick up your luggage and then check in again. Honestly, doesn’t...