Hainan has been a province in the southern People's Republic of China since 1988, consisting of various islands. Previously, the now southernmost province of the People's Republic was an administrative part of Guangdong Province (Canton). The largest of the islands is also called Hainan.
Since Hainan was designated as an economic special zone in 1988, it has experienced continuous growth. Today, it is one of China's most popular tourist destinations. After tourism, domestic agriculture is the second largest economic factor.
While the island used to be an exile for disgraced Chinese officials and later mainly attracted backpackers, Hainan has gained increasing renown in recent years and is now perhaps the most famous tourist paradise in the People's Republic. Particularly Sanya in the south of the island is becoming increasingly popular as a vacation destination. The Sanya region entices with its finest sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. In recent years, significant investments have been made in tourism infrastructure, resulting in many new hotels across all star categories. Additionally, several golf courses have been developed in recent years.
Due to a special decree by the Chinese central government, tourists from Germany and another 20 countries and regions can now enter Hainan without a visa.
Like many other provinces in China, Hainan is home to several ethnicities. The Han ethnic group comprises the largest segment, accounting for around 83% of the total population. The Li people constitute about 16% of Hainan's residents, making them the largest indigenous group on the island. Additionally, there are Miao and Zhuang minorities, each representing slightly less than 1% of the population.
Haikou is the capital of Hainan Province and is located in the north of the island. In recent years, Haikou has developed into a modern industrial city that attracts many people from other Chinese provinces. However, traces of old China can still be seen in the old town.
The city's history dates back more than 2000 years to the Han Dynasty. During the Tang Dynasty and the Song Dynasty, Haikou was the most important connection between Hainan and the mainland. In 1988, the city was declared the capital of Hainan Province. This transformation elevated Haikou from a small border town to a modern city. Haikou is located in the tropical zone.
The southernmost commercial airport connects to all major Chinese metropolises and is located just around 15 kilometers from the city center. The railway network has been continuously expanded, connecting the airport to the high-speed rail network, making it very convenient to reach other parts of the island.
Located approximately 25 kilometers from the island's capital, it is the largest airport in Hainan with over 17 million passengers annually. The airport is constantly being improved and expanded to provide passengers with an even more comfortable experience. Despite already being recognized multiple times as the cleanest and most customer-friendly airport in China, ongoing enhancements aim to maintain its high standards. The airport also boasts excellent connectivity to the high-speed rail network, local bus routes, and taxis available for just 60 yuan.
