Hainan is the sole tropical island in China, which is world- renowned as "the world's most beautiful island". It has other names,such as Coconut Island, Sunshine Island, Longevity Island and Health Island, etc. It is a rare resort for summer holiday, winter swimming and vacationing as well. Now Hainan is striding FOrward the grand goal of building an international tourist island at majesty paces. As Savignac, former secretary general of world tourism organization once praised: "Hainan is a masterpiece of Creator, a brilliant pearl for all mankind".
Hainan Island lies at the southern tip of China. It is located far from the inland, so it was called "the Edge of the Earth" in ancient times. But in fact, the island has an advantageous geographical location. It is situated right at the center of the Asia-Pacific Economic Ring, connected by the Qingzhou Straits with Guangdong Province in the north and connectes by North Bay with Vietnam in the west. The island is adjacent to HongKong SAR in the aest and Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines in the south, All the above countries and territories are within one to four hours' flght distance from Hainan.
Hainan Island is China's second largest island, covering a land of 35,100 square kilometers and governing an ocean territory of over 2.1 million square kilometers. Under the jurisdiction of Hainan Province are eight cities: Haikou, Sanya, Wenchang, Qionghai, Wanning, Wuzhishan, Danzhou and Dongfang, Four counties: Anding, Tunchang, Chengmai and linggao and six autonomous counties: Lingshui, Qiongzhong, Baoting, Ledong, Baisha and Changjiang along with four county-level representative offices in Xisha Islands, Nansha Islands and Zhongsha Islands. The province has a population of 8.5 million, including 1.3 million people of ethnic minorities, such as Li people, Miao people and Hui Muslims. Haikou is the capital cit of Hainan Province.
The island lies in a region at 18°9'-20°11' northern latitude and 108°36'-111°03' eastern longitude, between the tropical and sub-tropical areas. The island has a pleasant climate, bright sunshine, fresh air, green coconut groves beautiful bays, natural sea-bath sites, fine beaches, soft breeze and tasty seafood. In addition, on the island there are pure and clean hot springs, golf courses opened all year around, varieties of tropical plants and animals, quality fruits in four seasons, delicate local food, special festivals of minority people, bamboo rice, rice liquor and legendary folklores. The whole is land is, so to speak, covered with poems, lyrics and, above all, sceneries.
In 1988, Hainan Province was established as a Special Economic Zone. Especially after policy execution of opening The Third, Forht, Fifth Traffic Right and "Half-way Split Range Right", Hainan has become China's most liberal special earial zone. Under free skies, aviation industry in Hainan has seen an even faster growth-international airlines have developed from 5 to 61 and the number of airline companies has increased from 5 to 38. Driven by aviation industry, the Hainan tourism has experienced development, basic infrastructure and reception facilities have been greatly improved on the island. The whole province houses more than 380 hotels, guest houses and resort villages with more than 30 thousand rooms and 60 thousand beds. Among them are 288 star-rated hotels, including 20 five-star hotels, 53 four-star hotels and 109 three- star hotels. There are more than 140 travel agencies, including 40 international travel service providers. In total there are 80-plus tourist sites, among which 22 are tated as Excellent Sites of Interest. More tan 60 beaches sites are suitable for vacationing. In addition, scuba diving can be done along the coast. A total of 30 golf courses and clubs have been built. Modern transportation and communication facilities are available, including Haikou Meilan International Airport and Sanya Phoenix International Airport, the Expressway Around the Island and Guangdong-Haikou Railway. First-class facilities of lodging and accommodation, transportation, sightseeing, shopping and entertainment are also available. On December 31,2009, the file "Suggestions concerning the promotion of construction and development of international tourism island, Hainan by State Council" was formally released, symbolizing that the construction of Hainan has rose to national strategies and a second important historical opportunity for development has arrived since the province founding and SEZ establishment in 1988. It will be constructed into an island with graceful ecological environment, unique culture fascination and social civilization harmony, an island which is opening, environmental friendly, civilized and harmonious. At present, the focus of loval tourism is being transferred to a leisurely vacationing tour with the target of building the island into a tropical beach holiday resort in an eco-friendly environment and ensely planted with coconut trees and fresh flowers. This target will soon be realized, thus bringing a new, healthier look to the island.
Hainan Island is the right place for realizing the dream of "returning to nature". In recent years, the island has provided varieties of tourist products, all of which aim to offer people an opportunity of "returning to nature". Through an integration of tourist resources across the province, the following eight major tourist products have been provided: Tropical Beach Vacationing, Folk Customs of Li and Miao People, Hot Spring and Health Tour, Tropical Plants and Animails Observation Tour, Scuba Diving& Sightseeing Tour, Geological Tour, Sport and Fitness Tour and Tropical River Drifting Tour, all of which will take tourists back into the Nature. The Ecological Country Tour has become an important tourist product thanks to its unique charm.