The Tropical Island of China
Hainan, the southernmost province of China, is a tropical island paradise known for its beaches, rainforests, and free-trade development zone. Often called the “Hawaii of China,” Hainan stands as a model of eco-tourism, modern infrastructure, and sustainable economic reform in the 21st century.
🏛️ Formation & Historical Background
Hainan, once part of Guangdong Province, became China’s youngest province in 1988. Its transformation from a rural island to a global tourism and free-trade hub reflects China’s ambition for green growth and international openness.
Key Historical Timeline:
| Period | Major Event |
|---|---|
| Pre-Qin Era | Indigenous Li and Miao peoples inhabit the island |
| Han Dynasty (110 BCE) | Hainan incorporated into Chinese territory |
| Tang–Song Periods | Development of ports and agriculture |
| Ming–Qing Dynasties | Growth of maritime trade and defense bases |
| 1950 | Liberation of Hainan by the People’s Liberation Army |
| 1988 | Hainan separated from Guangdong; established as a province and Special Economic Zone (SEZ) |
| 2020 | Official launch of Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP) – China’s largest free-trade pilot area |
Hainan’s history is a story of transformation — from an isolated island to an international economic and tourism center.
🧭 Basic Provincial Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Hainan Province (海南省) |
| Provincial Capital | Haikou |
| Largest Cities | Haikou, Sanya, Danzhou, Qionghai |
| Governor (2025) | Liu Xiaoming |
| Area | ~33,900 sq km |
| Population (2025 est.) | ~10.5 million |
| Major Rivers | Nandu River, Wanquan River |
| Climate | Tropical monsoon; warm year-round |
| Time Zone | China Standard Time (UTC +8) |
| Dial Code | +86 (0898) |
| Top-Level Domain | .cn |
| Provincial Motto | “Green, Open, Innovative, Beautiful Hainan” |
⚖️ Government and Administration
| Position | Current Officeholder (as of 2025) |
|---|---|
| Party Secretary | Feng Fei |
| Governor | Liu Xiaoming |
| Legislature | Hainan Provincial People’s Congress |
| Judiciary | Hainan High People’s Court |
| Administrative Divisions | 2 Prefecture-level cities, 16 counties & county-level cities |
Hainan’s government leads development of the Free Trade Port, focusing on financial reform, green industry, and international cooperation.
🗺️ Administrative Structure
| Level | Name | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Provincial Capital | Haikou | Political and administrative center |
| Major Cities | Sanya, Danzhou, Qionghai | Tourism, agriculture, and technology hubs |
| Counties & Islands | Wanning, Wenchang, Lingshui, Ledong, Lingao, and Sansha (South China Sea Islands) | Includes China’s southernmost city Sansha, overseeing the Paracel and Spratly Islands |
Unlike most Chinese provinces, Hainan administers directly at the prefecture and county levels, with no intermediate “prefecture-level” structure in most areas. It consists of 4 prefecture-level cities, 5 county-level cities, 4 counties, and 6 autonomous counties.
Prefecture-level Cities:
- Haikou (海口市) – Provincial Capital
- Districts: Meilan (美兰区), Longhua (龙华区), Qiongshan (琼山区), Xiuying (秀英区)
- Sanya (三亚市) – Major Tourist Hub
- Districts: Jiyang (吉阳区), Tianya (天涯区), Haitang (海棠区), Yazhou (崖州区)
- Sansha (三沙市) – Strategic city governing China’s South China Sea islands
- Administers: Xisha (Paracel Islands), Zhongsha, and Nansha Islands
- Danzhou (儋州市) – Upgraded from county-level to prefecture-level status
- Administers towns and subdistricts directly
County-level Cities:
- Wuzhishan (五指山市)
- Qionghai (琼海市)
- Wenchang (文昌市)
- Wanning (万宁市)
- Dongfang (东方市)
Counties:
- Chengmai County (澄迈县)
- Ding’an County (定安县)
- Tunchang County (屯昌县)
- Changjiang Li Autonomous County (昌江黎族自治县)
Autonomous Counties:
- Baisha Li Autonomous County (白沙黎族自治县)
- Qiongzhong Li and Miao Autonomous County (琼中黎族苗族自治县)
- Ledong Li Autonomous County (乐东黎族自治县)
- Lingshui Li Autonomous County (陵水黎族自治县)
- Baoting Li and Miao Autonomous County (保亭黎族苗族自治县)
- Lingao County (临高县)
Summary:
| Level | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Prefecture-level Cities | 4 |
| County-level Cities | 5 |
| Counties & Autonomous Counties | 10 |
| Total Administrative Units | 19 |
🌐 Geography & Environment
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Location: Southernmost province of China, in the South China Sea
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Main Island: Hainan Island (~97% of province area)
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Other Territories: Xisha (Paracel), Zhongsha, and Nansha (Spratly) Islands
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Topography: Central mountains surrounded by low coastal plains
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Highest Peak: Wuzhi Mountain (1,867 m)
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Climate: Tropical monsoon, average annual temperature ~25°C
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Natural Resources: Forests, tropical fruits, oil, natural gas, marine resources
Hainan is renowned for its biodiversity — from coral reefs and mangroves to tropical rainforests.
🏘️ Local Government Structure
Local governments manage tourism zones, eco-resorts, and free-trade port subregions, emphasizing:
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Environmental protection
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Smart city planning
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Coastal and marine resource management
🧩 Leadership & Development Focus
Hainan is China’s largest Free Trade Port (FTP) and a key pilot region for:
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Duty-free retail and financial liberalization
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Clean energy development (solar, wind, LNG)
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Tropical agriculture and healthcare innovation
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International tourism and cultural exchange
The province aims to become a globally influential eco-island by 2035.
🛡️ Law Enforcement & Safety
| Department | Function |
|---|---|
| Hainan Public Security Bureau | Provincial policing and traffic management |
| Coast Guard Command | Maritime safety and anti-smuggling |
| Free Trade Zone Customs Authority | Trade regulation and port security |
Hainan maintains one of China’s safest and most tourism-friendly environments.
🕊️ Religion, Language & Culture
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Major Religions | Buddhism, Taoism, Christianity, and Folk Beliefs |
| Official Language | Mandarin |
| Local Dialects | Hainanese (Min Nan), Li language |
| Ethnic Composition | Han majority with Li and Miao minorities |
| Cultural Identity | Blend of tropical lifestyle, fishing culture, and southern Chinese heritage |
Hainan’s traditional festivals include the Li and Miao New Year, and the Sanya International Music Festival.
📈 Economy & Key Sectors
| Sector | Description |
|---|---|
| GDP (2025 est.) | ~ $160 billion USD |
| Main Industries | Tourism, agriculture, oil & gas, finance, real estate |
| Top Exports | Seafood, tropical fruits, petrochemicals |
| Key Economic Zone | Hainan Free Trade Port (Haikou, Sanya, Yangpu) |
| Major Partners | ASEAN, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea |
Hainan’s Free Trade Port (FTP) policy allows zero tariffs, free investment, and visa-free travel for 59 countries.
🎓 Education & Healthcare
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Literacy Rate | ~99% |
| Top Universities | Hainan University, Hainan Medical University |
| Education System | Modernized with strong focus on marine science and tourism management |
| Healthcare | Hainan Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Zone – China’s only medical pilot zone |
| Life Expectancy | ~79 years |
Hainan is emerging as a medical and educational hub for Southeast Asia.
✈️ Transport & Infrastructure
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Major Airports | Haikou Meilan International, Sanya Phoenix International, Qionghai Bo’ao Airport |
| Ports | Haikou, Yangpu, Sanya, Basuo |
| Highways | Hainan Ring Expressway (G98) encircling the island |
| Railway | High-speed loop line connecting all coastal cities |
| Energy Projects | LNG terminals, solar and offshore wind farms |
Hainan’s circular high-speed rail network is the first of its kind in the world.
🏞️ Tourism & Attractions
Top Destinations:
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Sanya: Beaches, resorts, and luxury tourism hub
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Wuzhizhou Island: Water sports and coral reefs
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Haikou: Cultural center and historic arcade streets
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Yanoda Rainforest Park: Tropical nature experience
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Nanshan Temple: Famous Buddhist landmark near Sanya
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Wuzhi Mountain: Hiking and eco-tourism site
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Bo’ao: Venue for the Bo’ao Forum for Asia (Asia’s Davos)
Hainan attracts over 80 million visitors annually, both domestic and international.
🌍 Global Role & Relations
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Strategic Role | China’s maritime gateway to ASEAN and the Indian Ocean |
| Global Cooperation | Bo’ao Forum for Asia headquartered in Hainan |
| Tourism Campaign | “Hainan – All the Sun, All the Fun” |
| BRI Role | Maritime hub connecting Southeast Asia and Pacific routes |
Hainan symbolizes China’s openness and innovation in the 21st century.
📝 Summary
Hainan Province represents China’s future of sustainable growth and global engagement. With pristine beaches, tropical biodiversity, and a booming free-trade economy, Hainan blends nature, culture, and progress — a tropical island redefining modern China.
📢 News & Articles
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“Hainan Free Trade Port: The Future of Global Commerce”
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“Sanya’s Rise as a World-Class Tourism Destination”
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“Bo’ao Forum: Dialogue Between Asia and the World”
🎯 Our Mission
This profile is part of the AFP Global Knowledge Hub, providing verified educational insights on every province and region — promoting global learning, sustainability, and cultural appreciation.
📬 Contact Us
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