China’s Tropical Paradise and Free Trade Pioneer
Hainan Province (海南省) is the southernmost province of China, consisting primarily of Hainan Island and surrounding islets in the South China Sea. Known as China’s Hawaii, Hainan boasts tropical beaches, lush forests, volcanic landscapes, and a rapidly developing Free Trade Port (FTP). The province is a major tourist destination and is strategically important for maritime trade and international investment.
Formation and Historical Background
- “Hainan” literally means “south of the sea”, reflecting its location below the Qiongzhou Strait.
- Historically part of Guangdong, Hainan became a separate province in 1988—the youngest provincial-level administrative division in China.
- Originally inhabited by Li and Miao ethnic minorities, the island served as an exile destination during imperial times.
- Designated a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in 1988, now transitioning into a Free Trade Port under national strategy.
Administrative Information
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Province Name | Hainan Province (海南省) |
| Provincial Capital | Haikou (海口市) |
| Location | Southernmost China, South China Sea |
| Total Area | Approx. 33,900 sq. km |
| Population | Approx. 10.1 million (2024 est.) |
| Time Zone | China Standard Time (UTC+8) |
| Abbreviation | 琼 (Qióng) |
| ISO Code | CN-HI |
Government and Leadership
| Position | Current Officeholder (as of 2024) |
|---|---|
| Party Secretary | Feng Fei (冯飞) |
| Governor | Liu Xiaoming (刘小明) |
| Provincial Legislature | Hainan Provincial People’s Congress |
| Administrative Body | Hainan Provincial People’s Government |
Administrative Divisions of Hainan Province
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 |
Local Government Structure
- Hainan’s cities and counties report directly to the provincial government.
- Many urban areas (e.g., Haikou and Sanya) have full municipal-level governance structures.
- Autonomous counties manage affairs specific to Li and Miao ethnic communities.
Leadership & Governance
- The Governor and Party Secretary oversee the development of the Free Trade Port.
- Key administrative goals include:
- Foreign investment attraction
- Environmental protection
- Ethnic minority support
- Village committees are vital in rural zones, especially in ethnic and agricultural areas.
Law Enforcement & Safety
- Law enforcement managed by the Hainan Provincial Public Security Department.
- Maritime safety and border control are significant due to island geography.
- Emergency Services:
- 110 – Police
- 119 – Fire
- 120 – Ambulance
Economy & Industry
- Key Economic Pillars:
- Tourism: Beaches, resorts, hot springs
- Agriculture: Rubber, coconut, tropical fruits
- Marine Economy: Fisheries, shipping
- Free Trade Port (FTP): Duty-free retail, logistics, finance
- GDP Growth (2023): Approx. 7.1%, among the highest in China
- Hosting international forums such as the Boao Forum for Asia
Education & Institutions
- Major Institutions:
- Hainan University (海大)
- Hainan Normal University
- Sanya University
- Specialized research in marine sciences, tropical agriculture, tourism, and international trade
Healthcare
- Top Hospitals:
- Hainan Provincial People’s Hospital
- Haikou People’s Hospital
- Sanya Central Hospital
- Focus on:
- International medical tourism
- Elderly care
- Rural outreach and ethnic minority services
Transport & Connectivity
- Airports:
- Haikou Meilan International Airport
- Sanya Phoenix International Airport
- High-speed rail encircles the island (Eastern & Western Ring)
- Modern expressways connect all major cities and counties
- Major ports: Haikou Port, Yangpu Port, Sanya Port
Tourism & Attractions
- Yalong Bay, Tianya Haijiao, and Wuzhizhou Island in Sanya
- Wuzhi Mountain, Yanoda Rainforest Park
- Bo’ao Town – site of international forums
- Volcano Crater Park near Haikou
- Ethnic villages and cultural eco-tours
Culture & Lifestyle
- Rich traditions of Li and Miao ethnic minorities
- Celebrations: Li New Year, March 3rd Festival
- Local crafts: Brocade weaving, wood carving, silver ornaments
- Cuisine: Hainanese chicken rice, coconut milk dishes, fresh seafood
- Relaxed island lifestyle, strong tourism influence
Summary
Hainan Province is China’s tropical frontier — a unique blend of island beauty, ethnic heritage, and forward-looking economic reform. As it transforms into a global Free Trade Port, Hainan offers both international opportunity and natural serenity, standing as a model for sustainable development with Chinese characteristics.