Hainan has numerous specialties to offer tourists and Haikou, the provincial capital and commercial center of Hainan Island, is one of the best places to pick up some souvenirs.
As the only island province in China, many of the goods available here are products of the South China Sea. Natural beauty and artistic creativity are combined here to produce some spectacular shell products and coral bonzai. Rare sea-water pearls are popular and a good buy, and the coral products here are among the best in Hainan. Hainan's natural crystal has become famous as the material used in the making of Chairman Mao's crystal coffin.
Like many other provincial capitals, Haikou also has some good department stores, including the Baozhuzhai Antique Store, Guobin Shopping Center, Hainan Tax Free Shop and Hainan Tourism Department Store. Most of the tourist shops are clustered around Haixiu Dadao Lu where you can find many local specialties. Bainanlong Fruits Wholesale Market is a good place to find some exotic tropical fruit.
