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Haikou
Haikou (simplified Chinese: 海口; pinyin: Hǎikǒu), situating at the north of Hainan island, is the capital of Hainan Province of the People's Republic of China. The approximate population is 830,192 (2006), therefore by far, it is the largest city on the island.
History 
Haikou originally served as a port for Qiongshan, the ancient administrative capital of Hainan island. In the 13th century Haikou was fortified as a military post governed by the Ming dynasty (1368–1644). The port is located in the west of Nandu river outlet. Qiongshan was opened as a foreign trading city because of the Treaty of Tianjin (1858). In 1926, Haikou overtook Qiongshan in population ,and after the 1930s it was declared a separate administrative county.
Since 1949, Haikou has maintained its position as Hainan's main port, handling more than half of the island's trade. It has replaced Qiongshan as the island's administrative capital. Haikou got the capital of Hainan Province, founded in 1988.
The Old Haikou (the oldest area of Haikou) was mostly built by the rich Chinese from the mainland and some overseas Chinese who returned to their homeland. The buildings’style mixed with Portuguese, French and Southeast Asian style. These streets used to be divided into areas for medicine, silk and clothing, agricultural products, stationery, etc. 
Various projects are take measures to preserve these historical buildings.
Geography
Haikou has an area of 2,304.84 square kilometers.It is situated on the north coast of Hainan Island, facing the Leizhou Peninsula, across the Hainan Strait (15 km wide).The district of Haidian island is separated from the main part of Haikou by the Nandu river. It is the northernmost part of Haikou, and there are three bridges to access Haidian Island , the largest one is Haikou Century Bridge that connects Guomao district with Haidian island.
Climate
The city of Haikou is on the northern edge of the torrid zone, and is part of the monsoon tropical zone. April to October is the active period for tropical storms and typhoons; most occur between August and September.May to October is the rainy season with most rainfall coming in September.
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