Learn How to Pronounce Hoikow | YouPronounce.it
How to Pronounce Hoikow
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Meaning and Context
Haikou, historically referred to by its former transliteration Hoikow, is the coastal capital city of Hainan Province in the People's Republic of China. Situated on the northern coast of Hainan Island, this major port city serves as the primary political, economic, and cultural hub for the province, often acting as the gateway to Hainan Island for travelers. Renowned for its tropical climate, Haikou blends modern urban development with rich historical districts, such as the Old Town (Qilou) area featuring Sino-colonial architecture. As a key free trade port under China's national strategy, the city is a focal point for commerce and tourism, offering access to the island's famed sandy beaches, volcanic geoparks, and luxury resorts, solidifying its status as a premier destination within the South China Sea region.
Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings
The term "Hoikow" represents an older, now largely obsolete romanization of the city's name, based on the Cantonese pronunciation. The standard and official modern spelling is Haikou, following the Hanyu Pinyin system adopted by China. Common misspellings and variants arise from phonetic interpretations or historical texts, including Hoi Kow (with a space), Hoihow, and Hoiko. Typos frequently involve vowel substitutions, such as "Hoikou" or "Haikow." It is important for researchers and writers to use "Haikou" for contemporary contexts to ensure clarity, while recognizing "Hoikow" in historical or archival discussions pertaining to the city's past, particularly during its time as a treaty port in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Example Sentences
Many historical maps from the early 1900s label the capital of Hainan as Hoikow, reflecting its importance as a treaty port.
Travelers often begin their exploration of Hainan Island by flying into Haikou Meilan International Airport.
The archives contained several merchant letters detailing the bustling trade in Hoikow before the mid-20th century.
To experience the city's unique architectural heritage, visitors should wander through the Haikou Old Town streets lined with qilou buildings.
Scholars studying colonial-era commerce in the South China Sea frequently encounter references to the port of Hoikow.
The local government in Haikou has invested heavily in developing the Jiangdong New Area as part of the Hainan Free Trade Port initiative.
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