Haikou (海口) is a quirky little city that defies any simple definition.  A boom town that hasn’t quite caught up with itself, one part is hurling toward the future while the other side pedals by in three-wheeled pedi-cabs.  Most visitors to Hainan (海南) see Haikou as a stop-over on their way to the beach resort of Sanya (三亚) at the southern end of the island, but Haikou has much to offer.  It is well worth taking a day or two to explore the city’s winding streets and old colonial downtown section.  Fresh fruit and great seafood restaurants that are more affordable than in Sanya also make Haikou a pleasant stop.