Basics

Geography

Hainan Province has Hainan Island and Xisha, Zhongsha and Nansha Islands under its jurisdiction. Its land covers an area of over 35,400 square kilometers with population of 8.67 million people subdividing into the Han, the Li, the Miao, the Hui and other nationalities. Haikou is its provincial capital.

Hainan was administered as part of Guangdong Province until 1988. Since then it has been designated a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) and has become a magnet for investment and has developed a large tourist infrastructure.

Climate

Hainan has a tropical moist monsoonal climate. Its annual temperature change is within a range of less than 15°C (27°F). The coldest months are January and February when the temperatures drop to 16 to 21 °C (61 to 70 °F); the hottest months are July and August, and the temperatures are 25 to 29 °C (77 to 84 °F). Except for the mountainous regions in the central part of the island, the daily average temperature in Hainan is above 10 °C (50 °F), and the integrated temperature during the growing season of the crops reaches eight thousand to nine thousand degree Celsius-days. The summer in the north is hot and, for more than 20 days in a year, the temperature can be higher than 35 °C (95 °F). The average annual precipitation is 1,500 to 2,000 millimetres (59 to 79 in) and can be as high as 2,400 millimetres (94 in) in central and eastern areas, and as low as 900 millimetres (35 in) in the coastal areas of the southwest.

The eastern part of Hainan lies in the path of typhoons, and 70% of the annual precipitation is derived from typhoons and the summer rainy season. Major flooding occurs due to the typhoons and they can cause many problems for the local residents.

Brief History of Hainan

Hainan Island has a long and complex history. The indigenous Li and Miao ethnic peoples each have distinct cultures and customs. Hainan was administered as part of Guangdong Province until 1988. Since then it has been designated a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) and has become a magnet for investment and has developed a large tourist infrastructure.

Hainan Local Products

Being nation's tropical crop base, it abound in rubber, sisal hemp, coffee, coconut, pineapple, tea, cocoa, condiment and perfume. The reserves of titanium, crystal and precious stone run the first place in China. Coconut, tea and pepper are its famous local and special products.

Hainan Places of Interests and Tourist Attractions

Known as “China’s Hawaii,” Hainan attracts visitors from China and beyond, especially to its southern beaches around Sanya. The major scenic spots include Wugong Temple and Hai Rui's Tomb in Haikou; The Remostest Corners of the earth Scenic Spot, Luhuitou Park and Wuzhi Mountain in Sanya.