Coconut palm is the symbol of Hainan and it has typical characteristics of the south. Coconut palms can be found everywhere in Haikou. Standing straight and exuberant all year round, coconut palm represents the straightforwardness, union and hardworking of Haikou people. With sea on 3 sides, Haikou is no doubt a pleasant land with bright sunshine, blue seawater, nice beach land, fresh air and green coconut palms.
Coconut palm is approved to be the city tree of Haikou on the First Session of the Ninth Haikou People's Congress on July 31, 1987.