Haikou can be explored through a range of interests: its location on the Tanglang River and Dianchi Lake provides a sense of the landscape, while the Shilongba Hydropower Station brings together technological history and cultural significance. Cherry orchards in Zhongbao Community and the market on Zhongtan Street add agriculture and local specialties to these perspectives. Each of these themes offers a different focus.

Getting your bearings in Haikou on the Tanglang River

Haikou lies on the Tanglang River, at the southwestern outlet of Dianchi Lake. The lake borders the town to the east, and the Xishan Longmen scenic area lies to the north. To get your bearings, it is helpful to distinguish these relationships: the river marks Haikou’s location at the outlet, while Dianchi Lake and Xishan Longmen indicate two different directions. This makes it possible to distinguish the town’s riverside setting from its northern landscape, rather than treating all of its natural features as a single place.

The Shilongba Hydropower Station is located on the upper reaches of the same Tanglang River. The landscape features and the station thus offer different points of reference for Haikou: on the one hand, its position relative to Dianchi Lake and Xishan Longmen; on the other, a specific site of technological history. If you are considering Haikou as a travel destination, you can decide how much importance to give these aspects based on which ones interest you most during your stay.

Technological history at the Shilongba Hydropower Station

The Shilongba Hydropower Station was China’s first hydropower station. Its significance is also reflected in two recognitions awarded at different times: in 1997, it was recognized as a patriotic education site in Yunnan Province; in 2006, it was included in China’s sixth group of nationally protected major cultural heritage sites. These dates mark different aspects of its recognition and connect technological history with education and cultural heritage. For travelers interested in industrial and technological history, it is a clearly defined point of interest in Haikou.

In 2022, the site comprised four workshops and eight covered exhibition halls, with an exhibition area of more than 2,100 square meters. Educational programs on patriotism, red culture, Party education, and integrity were held there. These details add an educational dimension to the station’s history: the offerings described included both multiple exhibition halls and workshops, as well as topics in political education and values education. Together, technological pioneering, cultural heritage, and educational activities shape the profile of the Shilongba Hydropower Station.

Cherry orchards and local specialties

Another point of interest is Shima Shao in Zhongbao Community. There are more than 600 mu of cherry orchards there; this area was reported in April 2026. The specific location in Shima Shao and Zhongbao situates cherry growing as a distinctive part of Haikou. For travel planning, it offers a different focus from the history of the hydropower station: here, the emphasis is on the town’s agricultural side.

Visitors can browse a market and try local specialties on Zhongtan Street. This complements the orchards with a different perspective: the market represents local cuisine and market visits, while Shima Shao is associated with the reported area of cherry orchards. If you enjoy including regional products and food in your trip, the market offers a distinct point of interest alongside Haikou’s technological heritage and landscape. You can weigh the different themes according to your interests.

Qingyuwan Water Park

Qingyuwan Water Park is located in Xiaohai Kou, in Qingyu Community. It was completed in 2016 and began operating that year. This date gives the water park a historical context; if you are planning a visit, check its current opening status beforehand. In contrast to the Shilongba Hydropower Station, the focus here is a water park: the two sites offer different options for deciding what to explore in Haikou.

Explore more destinations: Zhaotong, Pu'er, Lincang, Kunming, Honghe, Dêqên, Dehong, Dali

For the broader travel overview: Yunnan.