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Qilou Old Street

Introducing Qilou Old Street
Located in Haikou, Hainan Province, Qilou Old Street is one of the Chinese famous historic streets. The street features a stylish fusion of European and Asian architecture, as well as Indian and Arabic influences, making it the most impressive example of arcade architecture in China.

Qilou Old Street Fast Facts
• Chinese Name: Qilou Laojie 骑楼老街
• Best Time to Visit: All year around
• Recommended Visiting Hours: About 1 to 2 hours
• Things to Do: Photography, Culture, Architecture
• Opening Hours: All day
• Entrance Fee: Free
• Address: Zhongshan Road, Longhua District, Haikou, Hainan Province

What to expect at Qilou Old Street

Qilou, or Chinese arcade houses form the city's most exotic landscapes, and they can principally be found on Bo'ai Street, Zhongshan Street, Xinhua North Street, Deshengsha Street and Jiefang Street.

With its origins dating back around 2,000 years to ancient Greece, arcade architecture was introduced to Haikou by overseas Chinese merchants from 1820-1840. Standing between two and four stories in height, a Qilou has its ground floor set back halfway into the building so that it can be used as a storefront to take shelter from rain and sunlight. The upper floors serve as the living quarters, and extend over the pavement supported by columns. The exquisite carvings and decorations on the handrails, door frames and window frames are in the Baroque style.
In total, there are more than 200 Qilou buildings in the street, including 39 by Zhongshan Street. The oldest building, Sipai Building, dates back some 600 years to the Southern Song Dynasty.

Historically, the street has housed consulates, churches post offices, banks and chambers of commerce belonging to 13 different countries. Today, it remains Haikou's business center whilst also giving visitors a taste of traditional Haikou life.

How to get to Qilou Old Street
• Take bus No. 3, 6, 14, 37, 39 or 43 and get off at Shuixiangkou Station.
• Take bus No. 5, 6, 7, 15, 17, 18, 20, 23, 25, 26, 30, 37, 38, 61, 87, K4 or Tourist Line 1 and get off at Zhonglou Station.

Additional travel advice on Qilou Old Street
• Please take care of your belongings on the street.
• UV is strong in Hainan. Please wear sunscreen, hat and sunglasses to prevent sunburns.

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