Hainan
Encyclopedia
Hainan is the smallest province of the People's Republic of China (PRC)
. Although the province comprises some two hundred islands scattered among three archipelagos off the southern coast, 32900 square kilometre (97%) of its land mass is Hainan Island (Hainan Dao), from which the province takes its name. The name "Hainan", to the people of China, usually refers to Hainan Island itself; however the PRC government claims territories of the province extend to the southern Spratly Islands
, Paracel Islands
, and other disputed marine territory. Hainan is also the largest Special Economic Zone laid out by Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping
in the late 1980s.
Hainan Island is located in the South China Sea
, separated from Guangdong
's Leizhou Peninsula
to the north by the shallow and narrow Qiongzhou Strait
. It has an area of 33920 square kilometres (13,096.6 sq mi) and is China's southernmost province. For centuries Hainan was part of Guangdong province, but in 1988 this resource-rich tropical island became a separate province.
There are a total of eight major cities and ten counties in Hainan. Haikou
on the northern coast is the capital whilst Sanya
is a well-known tourist destination on the south coast. The Paracel Islands
and Spratly Islands
, south of Sanya, are claimed by the People's Rebublic of China and thus considered to form an administrative district of Hainan by them. Sovereignty of the islands is however disputed. The Paracel Islands
are claimed by Vietnam
, the People's Republic of China and the Republic of China (Taiwan)
whilst the Spratly Islands
are subject to claims by Vietnam, the People's Republic of China, Taiwan, Malaysia, The Philippines, and Brunei
.
The other major cities on the island are Wenchang
, Qionghai
, Wanning
, Wuzhishan
, Dongfang and Danzhou
.
, while Leizhou Peninsula
is also called Haibei (海北) as it is located North of the strait.
Hainan Island was once called the Pearl Cliffs (珠崖 Zhūyá), Fine Jade Cliffs (琼崖/瓊崖 Qióngyá), and the Fine Jade Land (瓊州 Qióngzhōu). The latter two names gave rise to the province's abbreviation
, Qióng (琼/瓊), referring to the pearls that were once abundant on the north coast of the island.
in 110 BC, when the Han Dynasty
established a military garrison
there following the arrival of General Lu Bode
(路博德). In 46 BC the Han court decided that the conquest was too expensive and abandoned the island. Around that time, Han people together with military personnel and officials began to migrate to Hainan Island from mainland China. Among them were the offspring of those who were banished to Hainan for political reasons. Most of them arrived in Hainan Island from the southern provinces of Guangdong
, Fujian
and Guangxi
.
Li people
are the original inhabitants of Hainan. They are believed to be the descendants of the ancient Yue tribes
of China, who settled on the island between 7 and 27 thousand years ago.
The Li people mainly reside in the nine cities and counties in the middle and southern part of Hainan - the cities of Sanya, Wuzhishan
and Dongfang, the Li autonomous counties of Baisha
, Lingshui, Ledong, Changjiang
, and the 'Li and Miao Autonomous Counties of Qiongzhong and Baoting'. Some others live elsewhere on Hainan with other ethnic groups in Danzhou, Wanning, Qionghai, Lingshui and Tunchang.
The area inhabited by the Li ethnic group totals 18700 square kilometres (7,220.1 sq mi), about 55 percent of the province's total.
During the Three Kingdoms Period, Hainan was the Zhuya Commandery (珠崖郡) under the control of Eastern Wu
.
At the time of the Song Dynasty
(980-1279), Hainan became part of Guangxi Province, and for the first time large numbers of Han Chinese
arrived, settling mostly in the north. Under the Yuan Dynasty
(1206–1368) the island became an independent province then in 1370 was placed under the administration of Guangdong Province by the ruling Ming Dynasty
. In the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, large numbers of Han Chinese from Fujian and Guangdong began migrating to Hainan, pushing the Li into the highlands in the southern half of the island. In the eighteenth century, the Li rebelled against the government, which responded by bringing in mercenaries from the Miao people
regions of Guizhou Province. Many of the Miao settled on the island and their descendants live in the western highlands to this day.
In 1906, the Chinese Republican leader Sun Yat-sen
proposed that Hainan should become a separate province although this did not happen until 1988.
Hainan was historically part of Guangdong and Guangxi Provinces and as such was the Ch'iung-yai or Qiongya Circuit (瓊崖道) under the 1912 establishment of the Republic of China
. In 1921, it was planned to become a Special Administrative Region
(瓊崖特別行政區); in 1944, it became Hainan Special Administrative Region with 16 counties containing the South China Sea Islands
.
During the 1920s and 30s, Hainan was a hotbed of Communist
activity, especially after a bloody crackdown in Shanghai
, the Republic of China
in 1927 drove many Communists into hiding. The Communists and the Li natives fought a vigorous guerrilla campaign against the Japanese occupation of Hainan
(1939–45), but in retaliation over one third of the male population were killed by the Japanese. Feng Baiju
led the Hainan Independent Column of fighters throughout the 1930s and 1940s. After the Japanese surrender in 1945 the Nationalist Party (KMT) re-established control. Hainan was one of the last areas of China controlled by the Republic of China. From March to May 1950, the Landing Operation on Hainan Island
captured the island for the Chinese communists
. Feng Baiju
and his column of guerrilla fighters played an essential role in scouting for the landing operation and coordinated their own offensive from their jungle bases on the island. This allowed the Hainan takeover to be successful where the Jinmen
and Dengbu
assaults had failed in the previous fall. The takeover was made possible by the presence of a local guerrilla force that was lacking on Jinmen, Dengbu, and Taiwan
. Hence, while many observers of the Chinese civil war thought that the fall of Hainan to the Communists would be followed shortly by the fall of Taiwan, the lack of any communist guerrilla force on Taiwan and its sheer distance from the mainland made this impossible, as did the arrival of the US 7th fleet
in the Taiwan Strait
after the outbreak of the Korean War
in June.
On 1 May 1950, under the PRC
, the Special Administrative Region became an Administrative Region Office (海南行政区公署), a branch of the Guangdong provincial government. On October 1, 1984, it became the Hainan Administrative Region (海南行政区), with a People's Government, and finally as province separate from Guangdong
four years later.
The Communists resumed development of the island along the lines established by the Japanese, but the results were limited by the island's isolation, its humid and typhoon-prone climate, and its continuing reputation as a place of danger and exile by mainland Chinese. With China's shift in economic policy at the end of the 1970s, Hainan became a focus of attention.
In 1988, when the island was made a separate province, it was designated a Special Economic Zone
in an effort to increase investment.
During the mid-1980s, when Hainan was still part of the Guangdong
Province, a fourteen-month episode of marketing zeal by Hainan Special District Administrator Lei Yu put Hainan's pursuit of provincial status under a cloud. It involved the duty-free imports from Hong Kong
of 90,000 Japanese-made cars and trucks at a cost of C¥ 4.5 billion (US$ 1.5 billion), and exporting them with the help of local naval units to the mainland, making 150% profits. By comparison, only 10,000 vehicles were imported into Hainan since 1950. In addition, it involved further consignments of 2.9 million TV sets, 252,000 videocassette recorders & 122,000 motorcycles. The money was taken from the 1983 central government funds destined for the construction of the island's transportation infrastructure (roads, railways, airports, harbours) over the next ten years.
The central government funds were deemed insufficient by the Hainan authorities for the construction of the island's other infrastructures (water works, power stations, telecommunications, etc.) and had taken a very liberal interpretation of the economic and trade regulations for Hainan and thirteen coastal cities; the regulations did not mention on prohibiting the re-selling of second-hand goods. Some of the proceeds, from unsold units, were later retrieved by the central government to re-finance the special district.
Hainan, separated by the Qiongzhou Strait
(瓊州海峽) from the Leizhou Peninsula
(雷州半島) of Guangdong
, is the largest island administered by the People's Republic of China
. The size of Hainan Island (32900 square kilometre, 97% of the province) is comparable to the size of Belgium
. The PRC, however, regard it as the second largest island, since it considers Taiwan
(35980 km² (13,892 sq mi)) as an integral part of its territory. To the west of Hainan is the Gulf of Tonkin
. Wuzhi Mountain (1,840 m) is the highest mountain on the island.
in the northern part of the island is 314 km (195.1 mi) long, and its tributary
, the Xinwu River, is 109 km (67.7 mi) long, the Changhua River in the west is 230 km (142.9 mi) long, and the Wanquan River
in the east is 162 km (100.7 mi) long. Evaporation during the dry season around the coastal areas greatly reduces the flow of the rivers.
There are very few natural lakes in Hainan. There is a well-known artificial reservoir, the Songtao Reservoir
, in the central-north area.
al climate. Its annual temperature change is less than 15 C-change. The coldest months are January and February when the temperatures drop to 16 to 21 °C (60.8 to 69.8 °F); the hottest months are July and August, and the temperatures are 25 to 29 °C (77 to 84.2 °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 1500 to 2000 mm (59.1 to 78.7 ) and can be as high as 2400 millimetres (94.5 in) in central and eastern areas, and as low as 900 millimetres (35.4 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.
Flora
Fauna
There are numerous protected areas and wildlife preserves on the island.
In 2000, the ethnic groups of Hainan included the Han Chinese
, known as the Hainanese, who are the majority (84% of the population); the Li (Hlai)
(14.7% of the population); the Miao
(0.7%) and the Zhuang (0.6%). The Li are the largest indigenous group on the island in terms of population. Also found on the island are the Utsuls, descendants of Cham refugees, who are classified as Hui
by the Chinese government.
Although they are indigenous to the island and do not speak a Chinese language, the Limgao (Ong-Be) people near the capital (8% of the population) are counted as Han Chinese.
s. Most, if not all, of the Muslims are Utsuls living near Sanya. Because Hainan was a point in the travel route of missionaries, there are many Christian
s: 35,000 Protestants and 4,100 Catholic
s by the biggest estimates. There is less oppression of Christians in Hainan than in other parts of the country.
Nanshan Park is the centre of Buddhism on Hainan Island. Encompassing more than 50 square kilometres of rainforest, the site includes countless grand temples, statues and spiritual gardens the likes of Saviour Garden and Longevity Valley, with intricately trimmed hedges and abundant in Lotus flowers, a venerated symbol in Buddhism meaning virtue or purity.
At the heart of the valley is the grand Nanshan Temple, its gates flanked by stone figures of Buddha in front of the Tang Dynasty-style entrance. The interior displays images of the Four Heavenly Kings amid statues of other deities enshrined in renderings of stone, gold and jade.
Perhaps the most popular site within the Nanshan Buddhist Cultural Zone is the awe-inspiring stone rendering of the bodhisattva Guan Ying, emerging out of the South China Sea to stand at 108 metres, taller than the statue of liberty.
The Nanshan Buddhist Cultural Zone is visited by thousands of tourists and pilgrims each year who come pay homage to the site that plays a significant role in the religion in China and to sample some of the finest Buddhist vegan cuisine on the island.
, Hainan has both fewer mountains and more plains.
Chinese language, known as Hainanese. In addition, the national standard Putonghua is understood and spoken by most people, and Cantonese is understood by many local Hainanese.
The Li
, the Zhuang and the Limgao (Ong-Be) speak Tai–Kadai languages.
The Miao
speak Hmong–Mien languages. These groups would usually speak Putonghua as a second language.
4,500 people in the villages of Yanglan (羊栏) and Huixin (回新), two villages on the outskirts of Sanya, speak the Tsat
language, a member of the Chamic language family
.
Adults who are members of a minority also have quite high literacy skills in Chinese. Most adults speak several Chinese dialects, and some also speak Li. In old Yacheng City and its vicinity as well as for several dozen miles west of Huihui and Huixin, the so-called military speech (the official language of the southwest among the northern Chinese dialects) is spoken. In Yanglan Village to the northeast, two Min dialects, both closely related to Cantonese, are spoken: the Mai dialect and the Danzhou dialect, spoken in Haipo Village in the south, which is the same dialect as the dialect spoken in Danzhou in Dan Country in the northern part of the island. From the east to the west along the seashore, the Hainanese dialect is used. In Sanya City itself one sometimes finds speakers of Mandarin Chinese and Cantonese.
The general public can also use Mandarin Chinese to communicate with mainlanders. When Chams interact with the Hainanese dialect speakers from within Hainan Province, they use the Hainanese dialect, though youngsters generally use Mandarin. Not many can communicate in Li when interacting with the Li, so the Hainanese dialect or Mandarin is often used. In the market place and within the Sanya Municipality, the Cham speakers use Cham among themselves, and when they interact with speakers of other languages, they mostly use the Hainanese dialect. However, in the market places near the government seat of Yanglan Township, the Chams either use the Hainanese dialect or the Mai dialect. Some of the Cham speakers also speak the Danzhou dialect, a Cantonese dialect.
it had a considerable amount of local autonomy; the southern half of the island was an autonomous prefecture. Hainan's elevation to provincial level in 1988 increased its accountability
to the Central People's Government
, but by designating the new province a special economic zone
the central government expressed its intent to allow Hainan maximum flexibility in devising programs to facilitate foreign investment and economic growth
. Administratively, the province has been divided into five economic major districts.
.
The Governor of Hainan is the highest ranking official in the People's Government of Hainan. However, in the province's dual party-government governing system, the Governor has less power than the Hainan Communist Party of China
Provincial Committee Secretary or CPC Party Chief.
territorial claim, Hainan Province includes not just one island, but also some two hundred South China Sea Islands
. Whilst the containment of the South China Sea Islands means that Hainan Province has a very large water body, it has a disproportionally small land area. James Shoal
(曾母暗沙 Zengmu Ansha), which is presently marked by the PRC, signifies the country's southernmost border. But Malaysia also claims that it is on their continental shelf.
-level divisions, each of which is then divided entirely into county-level divisions. County-level divisions generally do not come directly under the province. In Hainan, nearly all county-level divisions (the four districts excepted) come directly under the province. This method of division is due to Hainan's relatively sparse population of around 8 million people.
Hainan Submarine Base
and strategic nuclear submarine
naval harbor 18.221°N 109.686°E. The naval harbor is estimated to be 60 feet (18.3 m) high, built into hillsides around a military base. The caverns are capable of hiding up to 20 nuclear submarines from spy satellites. The harbor houses nuclear ballistic missile submarines and is large enough to accommodate aircraft carriers. The U.S. Department of Defence has estimated that China will have five Type 094 nuclear submarines operational by 2010 with each capable of carrying 12 JL-2 intercontinental ballistic missile
. Two 950 metres (3,116.8 ft) piers and three smaller ones would be enough to accommodate two carrier
strike groups or amphibious assault ship
s.
", the intent being to hasten the development of the island's plentiful resources.
Prior to this, the province had a reputation for being a "Wild West" area, largely untouched by industrialisation
; even today there are relatively few factories in the province. Tourism
plays an important part of Hainan's economy, thanks largely to its tropical beaches and lush forests.
The central government has encouraged foreign investment in Hainan and has allowed the island to rely to a large extent on market forces.
Hainan's industrial development largely has been limited to the processing of its mineral and agricultural products, particularly rubber
and iron ore. Since the 1950s, machinery, farm equipment, and textiles have been manufactured in the Haikou
area for local consumption. A major constraint on industrial expansion has been an inadequate supply of electricity
. Much of the island's generating capacity is hydroelectric, and it is subject to seasonal fluctuations in stream and river flows.
Its nominal GDP for 2009 was 164.7 billion yuan (US$24 billion), making it the 4th smallest in all of the PRC and contributes just 0.5% to the entire country's economy. At that time, its GDP per capita was 19,166 yuan (US$2,805).
By the first quarter of 2010, Hainan had the highest increase in GDP of any province in China, with a year-on-year increase of 25.1%. The GDP of Hainan's Qionghai city grew 58.7%.
In December 2009, the government of China announed that it plans to establish Hainan as an "international tourist destination" by 2020. This announcement contributed to a surge in the province's economy, with a year-on-year increase in investment of 136.9% in the first three months of 2010. Hainan's real estate sector accounted for more than one third of the province's economic growth.
, first mined by the Japanese during their occupation of the island in World War II
, is the most important. Also important are titanium
, manganese
, tungsten
, bauxite
, molybdenum
, cobalt
, copper
, gold
, and silver
. There are large deposits of lignite
and oil shale
on the island, and significant offshore finds of oil
and natural gas
have been discovered. Virgin forests in the interior mountains contain more than 20 commercially valuable species, including teak
and sandalwood
.
, palm oil
, sisal
, tropical fruits (including pineapple
s, of which Hainan is China's leading producer), black pepper
, coffee
, tea
, cashews, and sugarcane
. In the early 20th century Chinese emigrants
returning from then British Malaya
, introduced rubber trees to the island; after 1950, state farms were developed, and Hainan now produces a substantial amount of China's rubber. The hot Hainan Yellow Lantern Chili
, a variety unique to the island, is grown in the southeast and southwest.
Shrimp production is estimated to have been 120000 to 150000 MT (132,277.4 to 165,346.7 ST) in 2007, more than 50% of which was exported. Hainan has over 400 hatcheries
, most being located between Wenchang and Qionghai.
Tilapia production in 2008 was 300000 metric tons (330,693.4 ST). The island has an estimated 100,000 local, commercial fish farming families.
Since March 2010, commercial and residential property values in some parts of Hainan have slowed down since the market peaked in February.
In March, average month-on-month transaction prices dropped 12.82% to 12,280 RMB per square meter, with a reduction in volume to 627000 square metres (6,748,971.8 sq ft), a 19.05% decline.
In April, prices declined 2.84% to 11,932 yuan per square metre, with a 57.59% decline in volume to 567200 square metres (6,105,290 sq ft).
Then in May prices declined a further 29.74% from the previous month to 8,483 yuan per square metre, with a 57.95% decline in volume to 229000 square metres (2,464,935.5 sq ft).
However, property prices in the tourist resort of Sanya remain strong as of January 2011, with prime developments selling at prices of up to 80,000 RMB per square metre.
, which will be one of the largest golf complexes in the world. The golf industry attracts foreign investment, and overseas golfers from such countries as Australia, South Korea, and Japan.
and Sanya Phoenix International Airport
.
allocated 20 million yuan (US$2.4 million) to set up a committee to research and study the possibility of a bridge or tunnel link connecting the island to the mainland.
The Hainan East Ring Intercity Rail
links Haikou
and Sanya
. There are 15 stations in between, either in operation or still under construction. Trains are designed to travel at 250 km/h. Travel time from Haikou to Sanya is approximately 1 hour and 22 minutes.
Another high-speed railway will be built on the west coast of Hainan. The 345 km western ring will link up with the Hainan Eastern Ring Railway.
Hainan received 11,000 tons of products via ports November 2010, up 90.1 percent month-on-month. Between January and November 2010, 102,000 tons of products were exported via Hainan, 34,000 tons of which were exported to the US, and 14,000 tons sent to the EU.
for criminals and disgraced officials. As a frontier region celebrated by such exiled poets as Su Dongpo, Hainan acquired an air of mystery and romance. The influx of large numbers of mainlanders after 1950 - particularly in the 1970s, when young Chinese from southern Guangdong were assigned to state farms to help develop Hainan, and in the 1980s, when thousands more came to take advantage of the economic opportunities offered - has perpetuated the frontier atmosphere on the island.
and Haikou TV
. The Chinese language Nanguo Metropolis Daily
and Hainan Daily
newspapers are published in Haikou.
Wenchang Chicken
is a dish known throughout the province of Hainan. Although there are many varieties of this dish, the name is usually used to define a type of small, free-range chicken from Wenchang
city, located on the east coast of the province. As opposed to battery
chickens, its meat has more texture and is somewhat drier.
Hainan chicken rice
is a famous dish in Southeast Asia bearing the region's name. However, whilst many restaurants use chicken fat to quickly add flavour to the dish, the proper local method is to 'marinate' the rice with chicken soup to add a more full flavour.
Seafood is of course a favorite in Hainan. Many places and a wide range of variety. However in the last year pollution put a toll on the quality. The best seafood can be found north of Sanya, Xiangshui Wan is reputed to provide some of the best.
Hainan Island is often divided into eight regions for tourism purposes: Haikou and area (Haikou, Qiongshan, Ding'an
); the Northeast (Wenchang
); the Central East Coast (Qionghai, Ding'an); the South East Coast; the South (Sanya); the West Coast also called the Chinese Riviera
(Ledong, Dongfang, Xianghsui, Changjiang); the North West (Danzhou
, Lingao, Chengmai); and the Central Highlands (Baisha, Qiongzhong, and Wuzhishan/Tongzha).
during the Southern Song dynasty
.)
Xiuying Fort Barbette was built in 1891 to defend the southeastern corner of China during the Sino-French War
. The Xiuying Fort Barbette covers about a third of an acre. Its five large cannons are still intact and viewable at the site.
The Tomb of Hai Rui is a key national cultural protection site. Hai Rui
was a compassionate and popular official of Hainanese origins who lived during the Ming Dynasty. He was famous for his lifelong honesty and his willingness to speak out on behalf of local people. In later life, Hai Rui was persecuted and fell out of favour with the emperor. His admirers built the Hai Rui Tomb after his death to commemorate his great works. Construction of the tomb began in 1589.
The Yangpu Ancient Salt Field
is a heritage site in Yantian village on Yangpu Peninsula
. The area comprises more than 1,000 stones, cut flat on top, used to dry seawater to produce salt.
, Baishi Ridge Scenic Zone and Baihua Ridge.
Other attractions in Hainan include:
During 2010, the amount of overnight tourists visiting Hainan was 25.87 million, 663,000 of which came from outside China.
China announced in October 2007 that it would build its fourth space launch centre, just a week after it fired off its first lunar orbiter. The new launch centre, to be built on the eastern island province of Hainan, is scheduled to start operating between 2014 and 2015. The location of the launch centre in Hainan, a low-latitude coastal region advantageous for orbital launches, will displace more than 6,000 residents that will be relocated to make way for the space centre, which will occupy 1200 hectares (2,965.3 acre).
The site will be mainly used for launching various kinds of satellites and large space stations. The plan has been approved by the government. A 407 hectares (1,005.7 acre) space themed park will also be constructed near the new launch centre.
(1036–1101) popularized Hainan's isolation and exoticism when he was exiled there under the Song dynasty
. The Dongpo Academy
was built on the site of the residence where he lived in exile.
Hai Rui
(1514–1587) was a famous Chinese official of the Ming dynasty
. His name has come down in history as a model of honesty and integrity in office.
The most well-known native of Hainan is Chinese-American Methodist minister turned businessman, Charlie Soong
, father of the Shanghai
-born Soong sisters
: Soong Ai-ling
, wife of H. H. Kung
(once China's richest man); Soong Ching-ling
, wife of Sun Yat-Sen
; and Soong Mei-ling, wife of former ROC
President Chiang Kai-shek
.
People's Republic of China
China , officially the People's Republic of China , is the most populous country in the world, with over 1.3 billion citizens. Located in East Asia, the country covers approximately 9.6 million square kilometres...
. Although the province comprises some two hundred islands scattered among three archipelagos off the southern coast, 32900 square kilometre (97%) of its land mass is Hainan Island (Hainan Dao), from which the province takes its name. The name "Hainan", to the people of China, usually refers to Hainan Island itself; however the PRC government claims territories of the province extend to the southern Spratly Islands
Spratly Islands
The Spratly Islands are a group of more than 750 reefs, islets, atolls, cays and islands in the South China Sea. The archipelago lies off the coasts of the Philippines and Malaysia , about one third of the way from there to southern Vietnam. They comprise less than four square kilometers of land...
, Paracel Islands
Paracel Islands
The Paracel Islands, also called Xisha Islands in Chinese and Hoàng Sa Islands in Vietnamese, is a group of islands under the administration of Hainan Province, The People's Republic of China. Vietnam and the Republic of China also claim sovereignty of these islands...
, and other disputed marine territory. Hainan is also the largest Special Economic Zone laid out by Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping
Deng Xiaoping
Deng Xiaoping was a Chinese politician, statesman, and diplomat. As leader of the Communist Party of China, Deng was a reformer who led China towards a market economy...
in the late 1980s.
Hainan Island is located in the South China Sea
South China Sea
The South China Sea is a marginal sea that is part of the Pacific Ocean, encompassing an area from the Singapore and Malacca Straits to the Strait of Taiwan of around...
, separated from Guangdong
Guangdong
Guangdong is a province on the South China Sea coast of the People's Republic of China. The province was previously often written with the alternative English name Kwangtung Province...
's Leizhou Peninsula
Leizhou Peninsula
The Leizhou Peninsula or Leizhou Bandao is a peninsula in the southernmost part of Guangdong province in southern China.-Geography:Leizhou Peninsula is the third largest peninsula in China with an area of of circa 8,500 square kilometer located on the southwestern end of Guangdong, with the Gulf...
to the north by the shallow and narrow Qiongzhou Strait
Qiongzhou Strait
The Qiongzhou Strait , also called the Hainan Strait, is a body of water that separates the Leizhou Peninsula in Guangdong, southern China, to the north from Hainan Island to its south...
. It has an area of 33920 square kilometres (13,096.6 sq mi) and is China's southernmost province. For centuries Hainan was part of Guangdong province, but in 1988 this resource-rich tropical island became a separate province.
There are a total of eight major cities and ten counties in Hainan. Haikou
Haikou
Hǎikǒu , is the capital and most populous city of Hainan Province, in the People's Republic of China. It is situated on the northern coast of Hainan, by the mouth of the Nandu River...
on the northern coast is the capital whilst Sanya
Sanya
Sanya is the southernmost city in China and is a part of Hainan Province. In 2006, it had a population of 536,000, making it, after the provincial capital , the second most populous city on the island. The city is renowned for its tropical climate and has emerged as a popular tourist destination,...
is a well-known tourist destination on the south coast. The Paracel Islands
Paracel Islands
The Paracel Islands, also called Xisha Islands in Chinese and Hoàng Sa Islands in Vietnamese, is a group of islands under the administration of Hainan Province, The People's Republic of China. Vietnam and the Republic of China also claim sovereignty of these islands...
and Spratly Islands
Spratly Islands
The Spratly Islands are a group of more than 750 reefs, islets, atolls, cays and islands in the South China Sea. The archipelago lies off the coasts of the Philippines and Malaysia , about one third of the way from there to southern Vietnam. They comprise less than four square kilometers of land...
, south of Sanya, are claimed by the People's Rebublic of China and thus considered to form an administrative district of Hainan by them. Sovereignty of the islands is however disputed. The Paracel Islands
Paracel Islands
The Paracel Islands, also called Xisha Islands in Chinese and Hoàng Sa Islands in Vietnamese, is a group of islands under the administration of Hainan Province, The People's Republic of China. Vietnam and the Republic of China also claim sovereignty of these islands...
are claimed by Vietnam
Vietnam
Vietnam – sometimes spelled Viet Nam , officially the Socialist Republic of Vietnam – is the easternmost country on the Indochina Peninsula in Southeast Asia. It is bordered by China to the north, Laos to the northwest, Cambodia to the southwest, and the South China Sea –...
, the People's Republic of China and the Republic of China (Taiwan)
Republic of China
The Republic of China , commonly known as Taiwan , is a unitary sovereign state located in East Asia. Originally based in mainland China, the Republic of China currently governs the island of Taiwan , which forms over 99% of its current territory, as well as Penghu, Kinmen, Matsu and other minor...
whilst the Spratly Islands
Spratly Islands
The Spratly Islands are a group of more than 750 reefs, islets, atolls, cays and islands in the South China Sea. The archipelago lies off the coasts of the Philippines and Malaysia , about one third of the way from there to southern Vietnam. They comprise less than four square kilometers of land...
are subject to claims by Vietnam, the People's Republic of China, Taiwan, Malaysia, The Philippines, and Brunei
Brunei
Brunei , officially the State of Brunei Darussalam or the Nation of Brunei, the Abode of Peace , is a sovereign state located on the north coast of the island of Borneo, in Southeast Asia...
.
The other major cities on the island are Wenchang
Wenchang
Wenchang is a county-level city located in the north east of Hainan province, China. It was promoted from a county to a city on November 7, 1995, and had a population of 86,551 in 1999...
, Qionghai
Qionghai
-Other:Qionghai is historically associated with the Red Detachment of Women, an all-female company of the Chinese Red Army who survived Nationalist persecution...
, Wanning
Wanning
Wanning is a county-level city in SE Hainan province, China, with an estimated population of 65,871 .-History:Wanning lies on the east of the island and administers many small towns...
, Wuzhishan
Wuzhishan City
Wuzhishan is a county-level city in the south-central part of Hainan, a province of the People's Republic of China. It was originally called Tongshi City and is located beside Wuzhi Shan, the mountain. The city's total area is 1129 square kilometres, and its population is 115,000 people. Its...
, Dongfang and Danzhou
Danzhou
Danzhou is a city in the northwest of the Chinese island province of Hainan. It is a County-level city administered directly by the province.- See also :* Administrative divisions of the People's Republic of China...
.
Etymology
Hainan (海南) describes location as being South of the Qiongzhou StraitQiongzhou Strait
The Qiongzhou Strait , also called the Hainan Strait, is a body of water that separates the Leizhou Peninsula in Guangdong, southern China, to the north from Hainan Island to its south...
, while Leizhou Peninsula
Leizhou Peninsula
The Leizhou Peninsula or Leizhou Bandao is a peninsula in the southernmost part of Guangdong province in southern China.-Geography:Leizhou Peninsula is the third largest peninsula in China with an area of of circa 8,500 square kilometer located on the southwestern end of Guangdong, with the Gulf...
is also called Haibei (海北) as it is located North of the strait.
Hainan Island was once called the Pearl Cliffs (珠崖 Zhūyá), Fine Jade Cliffs (琼崖/瓊崖 Qióngyá), and the Fine Jade Land (瓊州 Qióngzhōu). The latter two names gave rise to the province's abbreviation
Abbreviation
An abbreviation is a shortened form of a word or phrase. Usually, but not always, it consists of a letter or group of letters taken from the word or phrase...
, Qióng (琼/瓊), referring to the pearls that were once abundant on the north coast of the island.
History
Hainan first enters written Chinese historyHistory of China
Chinese civilization originated in various regional centers along both the Yellow River and the Yangtze River valleys in the Neolithic era, but the Yellow River is said to be the Cradle of Chinese Civilization. With thousands of years of continuous history, China is one of the world's oldest...
in 110 BC, when the Han Dynasty
Han Dynasty
The Han Dynasty was the second imperial dynasty of China, preceded by the Qin Dynasty and succeeded by the Three Kingdoms . It was founded by the rebel leader Liu Bang, known posthumously as Emperor Gaozu of Han. It was briefly interrupted by the Xin Dynasty of the former regent Wang Mang...
established a military garrison
Garrison
Garrison is the collective term for a body of troops stationed in a particular location, originally to guard it, but now often simply using it as a home base....
there following the arrival of General Lu Bode
Lu Bode
Lu Bode was a military leader during the Western Han Dynasty period of Chinese history.Originally from Pingzhou in the Xihe region of western China , in 119 BCE Emperor Wu of Han Lu Bode was a military leader during the Western Han Dynasty period of Chinese history.Originally from Pingzhou (平州)...
(路博德). In 46 BC the Han court decided that the conquest was too expensive and abandoned the island. Around that time, Han people together with military personnel and officials began to migrate to Hainan Island from mainland China. Among them were the offspring of those who were banished to Hainan for political reasons. Most of them arrived in Hainan Island from the southern provinces of Guangdong
Guangdong
Guangdong is a province on the South China Sea coast of the People's Republic of China. The province was previously often written with the alternative English name Kwangtung Province...
, Fujian
Fujian
' , formerly romanised as Fukien or Huguing or Foukien, is a province on the southeast coast of mainland China. Fujian is bordered by Zhejiang to the north, Jiangxi to the west, and Guangdong to the south. Taiwan lies to the east, across the Taiwan Strait...
and Guangxi
Guangxi
Guangxi, formerly romanized Kwangsi, is a province of southern China along its border with Vietnam. In 1958, it became the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of the People's Republic of China, a region with special privileges created specifically for the Zhuang people.Guangxi's location, in...
.
Li people
Li people
The Li or Hlai are a minority ethnic group, the vast majority of whom live off the southern coast of mainland China on Hainan Island, where they are the largest minority ethnic group...
are the original inhabitants of Hainan. They are believed to be the descendants of the ancient Yue tribes
Nanyue
Nanyue was an ancient kingdom that consisted of parts of the modern Chinese provinces of Guangdong, Guangxi, and Yunnan and northern Vietnam. Nanyue was established in 204 BC at the final collapse of the Qin Dynasty by Zhao Tuo, who was the military commander of Nanhai Commandery at the time, and...
of China, who settled on the island between 7 and 27 thousand years ago.
The Li people mainly reside in the nine cities and counties in the middle and southern part of Hainan - the cities of Sanya, Wuzhishan
Wuzhishan City
Wuzhishan is a county-level city in the south-central part of Hainan, a province of the People's Republic of China. It was originally called Tongshi City and is located beside Wuzhi Shan, the mountain. The city's total area is 1129 square kilometres, and its population is 115,000 people. Its...
and Dongfang, the Li autonomous counties of Baisha
Baisha Li Autonomous County
Baisha County is an autonomous county in Hainan, the People's Republic of China. It is one of 6 counties of Hainan. Its postal code is 572800, and in 1999 its population was 176,377 people, largely made up of the Li people.-References:...
, Lingshui, Ledong, Changjiang
Changjiang Li Autonomous County
Changjiang Li Autonomous County is an autonomous county in Hainan, the People's Republic of China. It is one of 6 counties of Hainan. Its postal code is 572700, and in 1999 its population was 225,131 people, largely made up of the Li people.-References:...
, and the 'Li and Miao Autonomous Counties of Qiongzhong and Baoting'. Some others live elsewhere on Hainan with other ethnic groups in Danzhou, Wanning, Qionghai, Lingshui and Tunchang.
The area inhabited by the Li ethnic group totals 18700 square kilometres (7,220.1 sq mi), about 55 percent of the province's total.
During the Three Kingdoms Period, Hainan was the Zhuya Commandery (珠崖郡) under the control of Eastern Wu
Eastern Wu
Eastern Wu, also known as Sun Wu, was one the three states competing for control of China during the Three Kingdoms period after the fall of the Han Dynasty. It was based in the Jiangnan region of China...
.
At the time of the Song Dynasty
Song Dynasty
The Song Dynasty was a ruling dynasty in China between 960 and 1279; it succeeded the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period, and was followed by the Yuan Dynasty. It was the first government in world history to issue banknotes or paper money, and the first Chinese government to establish a...
(980-1279), Hainan became part of Guangxi Province, and for the first time large numbers of Han Chinese
Han Chinese
Han Chinese are an ethnic group native to China and are the largest single ethnic group in the world.Han Chinese constitute about 92% of the population of the People's Republic of China , 98% of the population of the Republic of China , 78% of the population of Singapore, and about 20% of the...
arrived, settling mostly in the north. Under the Yuan Dynasty
Yuan Dynasty
The Yuan Dynasty , or Great Yuan Empire was a ruling dynasty founded by the Mongol leader Kublai Khan, who ruled most of present-day China, all of modern Mongolia and its surrounding areas, lasting officially from 1271 to 1368. It is considered both as a division of the Mongol Empire and as an...
(1206–1368) the island became an independent province then in 1370 was placed under the administration of Guangdong Province by the ruling Ming Dynasty
Ming Dynasty
The Ming Dynasty, also Empire of the Great Ming, was the ruling dynasty of China from 1368 to 1644, following the collapse of the Mongol-led Yuan Dynasty. The Ming, "one of the greatest eras of orderly government and social stability in human history", was the last dynasty in China ruled by ethnic...
. In the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, large numbers of Han Chinese from Fujian and Guangdong began migrating to Hainan, pushing the Li into the highlands in the southern half of the island. In the eighteenth century, the Li rebelled against the government, which responded by bringing in mercenaries from the Miao people
Miao people
The Miao or ม้ง ; ) is an ethnic group recognized by the government of the People's Republic of China as one of the 55 official minority groups. Miao is a Chinese term and does not reflect the self-designations of the component nations of people, which include Hmong, Hmu, A Hmao, and Kho Xiong...
regions of Guizhou Province. Many of the Miao settled on the island and their descendants live in the western highlands to this day.
In 1906, the Chinese Republican leader Sun Yat-sen
Sun Yat-sen
Sun Yat-sen was a Chinese doctor, revolutionary and political leader. As the foremost pioneer of Nationalist China, Sun is frequently referred to as the "Father of the Nation" , a view agreed upon by both the People's Republic of China and the Republic of China...
proposed that Hainan should become a separate province although this did not happen until 1988.
Hainan was historically part of Guangdong and Guangxi Provinces and as such was the Ch'iung-yai or Qiongya Circuit (瓊崖道) under the 1912 establishment of the Republic of China
Republic of China
The Republic of China , commonly known as Taiwan , is a unitary sovereign state located in East Asia. Originally based in mainland China, the Republic of China currently governs the island of Taiwan , which forms over 99% of its current territory, as well as Penghu, Kinmen, Matsu and other minor...
. In 1921, it was planned to become a Special Administrative Region
Special administrative region (Republic of China)
In the subdivision of the Republic of China , "special administrative regions" were historically used to designate special areas, most of which were eventually converted into provinces...
(瓊崖特別行政區); in 1944, it became Hainan Special Administrative Region with 16 counties containing the South China Sea Islands
South China Sea Islands
The South China Sea Islands consist of over 250 around 1-km² islands, atolls, cays, shoals, reefs, and sandbars in the South China Sea, most of which have no indigenous people, many of which are naturally under water at high tide, some of which are permanently submerged...
.
During the 1920s and 30s, Hainan was a hotbed of Communist
Communist Party of China
The Communist Party of China , also known as the Chinese Communist Party , is the founding and ruling political party of the People's Republic of China...
activity, especially after a bloody crackdown in Shanghai
Shanghai
Shanghai is the largest city by population in China and the largest city proper in the world. It is one of the four province-level municipalities in the People's Republic of China, with a total population of over 23 million as of 2010...
, the Republic of China
Republic of China
The Republic of China , commonly known as Taiwan , is a unitary sovereign state located in East Asia. Originally based in mainland China, the Republic of China currently governs the island of Taiwan , which forms over 99% of its current territory, as well as Penghu, Kinmen, Matsu and other minor...
in 1927 drove many Communists into hiding. The Communists and the Li natives fought a vigorous guerrilla campaign against the Japanese occupation of Hainan
Hainan Island Operation
The Hainan Island Operation, or in Japanese was part of a campaign by the Empire of Japan during the Second Sino-Japanese War to blockade the Republic of China and prevent it from communicating with the outside world as well as to prevent imports of much-needed arms and materials.Control of Hainan...
(1939–45), but in retaliation over one third of the male population were killed by the Japanese. Feng Baiju
Feng Baiju
Feng Baiju, 冯白驹, was the main leader of the Hainan Independent Column of Chinese Communist fighters on Hainan Island. Feng led the Column in resistance to both the Nationalists and the Japanese. The Japanese occupation of Hainan lasted from 1939 through 1945...
led the Hainan Independent Column of fighters throughout the 1930s and 1940s. After the Japanese surrender in 1945 the Nationalist Party (KMT) re-established control. Hainan was one of the last areas of China controlled by the Republic of China. From March to May 1950, the Landing Operation on Hainan Island
Landing Operation on Hainan Island
Landing Operation on Hainan Island , also known as Hainan Island Campaign or Hainan Campaign for short, was a series of battles fought between the Kuomintang and the Communist Party of China during the Chinese Civil War in the post-World War II period, and resulted in a communist...
captured the island for the Chinese communists
Communist Party of China
The Communist Party of China , also known as the Chinese Communist Party , is the founding and ruling political party of the People's Republic of China...
. Feng Baiju
Feng Baiju
Feng Baiju, 冯白驹, was the main leader of the Hainan Independent Column of Chinese Communist fighters on Hainan Island. Feng led the Column in resistance to both the Nationalists and the Japanese. The Japanese occupation of Hainan lasted from 1939 through 1945...
and his column of guerrilla fighters played an essential role in scouting for the landing operation and coordinated their own offensive from their jungle bases on the island. This allowed the Hainan takeover to be successful where the Jinmen
Battle of Kuningtou
The Battle of Guningtou , also known as the Battle of Jinmen , was a battle fought over Kinmen in the Taiwan Strait during the Chinese Civil War in 1949...
and Dengbu
Battle of Dengbu Island
The Battle of Dengbu Island was a conflict between the Republic of China Army and People's Liberation Army over Dengbu Island near mainland China...
assaults had failed in the previous fall. The takeover was made possible by the presence of a local guerrilla force that was lacking on Jinmen, Dengbu, and Taiwan
Taiwan
Taiwan , also known, especially in the past, as Formosa , is the largest island of the same-named island group of East Asia in the western Pacific Ocean and located off the southeastern coast of mainland China. The island forms over 99% of the current territory of the Republic of China following...
. Hence, while many observers of the Chinese civil war thought that the fall of Hainan to the Communists would be followed shortly by the fall of Taiwan, the lack of any communist guerrilla force on Taiwan and its sheer distance from the mainland made this impossible, as did the arrival of the US 7th fleet
United States Seventh Fleet
The Seventh Fleet is the United States Navy's permanent forward projection force based in Yokosuka, Japan, with units positioned near Japan and South Korea. It is a component fleet force under the United States Pacific Fleet. At present, it is the largest of the forward-deployed U.S. fleets, with...
in the Taiwan Strait
Taiwan Strait
The Taiwan Strait or Formosa Strait, formerly known as the Black Ditch, is a 180-km-wide strait separating Mainland China and Taiwan. The strait is part of the South China Sea and connects to East China Sea to the northeast...
after the outbreak of the Korean War
Korean War
The Korean War was a conventional war between South Korea, supported by the United Nations, and North Korea, supported by the People's Republic of China , with military material aid from the Soviet Union...
in June.
On 1 May 1950, under the PRC
People's Republic of China
China , officially the People's Republic of China , is the most populous country in the world, with over 1.3 billion citizens. Located in East Asia, the country covers approximately 9.6 million square kilometres...
, the Special Administrative Region became an Administrative Region Office (海南行政区公署), a branch of the Guangdong provincial government. On October 1, 1984, it became the Hainan Administrative Region (海南行政区), with a People's Government, and finally as province separate from Guangdong
Guangdong
Guangdong is a province on the South China Sea coast of the People's Republic of China. The province was previously often written with the alternative English name Kwangtung Province...
four years later.
The Communists resumed development of the island along the lines established by the Japanese, but the results were limited by the island's isolation, its humid and typhoon-prone climate, and its continuing reputation as a place of danger and exile by mainland Chinese. With China's shift in economic policy at the end of the 1970s, Hainan became a focus of attention.
In 1988, when the island was made a separate province, it was designated a Special Economic Zone
Special Economic Zone
A Special Economic Zone is a geographical region that has economic and other laws that are more free-market-oriented than a country's typical or national laws...
in an effort to increase investment.
During the mid-1980s, when Hainan was still part of the Guangdong
Guangdong
Guangdong is a province on the South China Sea coast of the People's Republic of China. The province was previously often written with the alternative English name Kwangtung Province...
Province, a fourteen-month episode of marketing zeal by Hainan Special District Administrator Lei Yu put Hainan's pursuit of provincial status under a cloud. It involved the duty-free imports from Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is one of two Special Administrative Regions of the People's Republic of China , the other being Macau. A city-state situated on China's south coast and enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea, it is renowned for its expansive skyline and deep natural harbour...
of 90,000 Japanese-made cars and trucks at a cost of C¥ 4.5 billion (US$ 1.5 billion), and exporting them with the help of local naval units to the mainland, making 150% profits. By comparison, only 10,000 vehicles were imported into Hainan since 1950. In addition, it involved further consignments of 2.9 million TV sets, 252,000 videocassette recorders & 122,000 motorcycles. The money was taken from the 1983 central government funds destined for the construction of the island's transportation infrastructure (roads, railways, airports, harbours) over the next ten years.
The central government funds were deemed insufficient by the Hainan authorities for the construction of the island's other infrastructures (water works, power stations, telecommunications, etc.) and had taken a very liberal interpretation of the economic and trade regulations for Hainan and thirteen coastal cities; the regulations did not mention on prohibiting the re-selling of second-hand goods. Some of the proceeds, from unsold units, were later retrieved by the central government to re-finance the special district.
Geography
Qiongzhou Strait
The Qiongzhou Strait , also called the Hainan Strait, is a body of water that separates the Leizhou Peninsula in Guangdong, southern China, to the north from Hainan Island to its south...
(瓊州海峽) from the Leizhou Peninsula
Leizhou Peninsula
The Leizhou Peninsula or Leizhou Bandao is a peninsula in the southernmost part of Guangdong province in southern China.-Geography:Leizhou Peninsula is the third largest peninsula in China with an area of of circa 8,500 square kilometer located on the southwestern end of Guangdong, with the Gulf...
(雷州半島) of Guangdong
Guangdong
Guangdong is a province on the South China Sea coast of the People's Republic of China. The province was previously often written with the alternative English name Kwangtung Province...
, is the largest island administered by the People's Republic of China
People's Republic of China
China , officially the People's Republic of China , is the most populous country in the world, with over 1.3 billion citizens. Located in East Asia, the country covers approximately 9.6 million square kilometres...
. The size of Hainan Island (32900 square kilometre, 97% of the province) is comparable to the size of Belgium
Belgium
Belgium , officially the Kingdom of Belgium, is a federal state in Western Europe. It is a founding member of the European Union and hosts the EU's headquarters, and those of several other major international organisations such as NATO.Belgium is also a member of, or affiliated to, many...
. The PRC, however, regard it as the second largest island, since it considers Taiwan
Taiwan
Taiwan , also known, especially in the past, as Formosa , is the largest island of the same-named island group of East Asia in the western Pacific Ocean and located off the southeastern coast of mainland China. The island forms over 99% of the current territory of the Republic of China following...
(35980 km² (13,892 sq mi)) as an integral part of its territory. To the west of Hainan is the Gulf of Tonkin
Gulf of Tonkin
The Gulf of Tonkin is an arm of the South China Sea, lying off the coast of northeastern Vietnam.-Etymology:The name Tonkin, written "東京" in Hán tự and Đông Kinh in romanised Vietnamese, means "Eastern Capital", and is the former toponym for Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam...
. Wuzhi Mountain (1,840 m) is the highest mountain on the island.
Rivers and lakes
Most of the rivers in Hainan originate in the central area of the island and flow radially in different directions. The Nandu RiverNandu River
The Nandu River is the longest river in Hainan province, China. Its tributary is the Xinwu River. The river discharges into the Nandu River estuary in Haikou city, and then into Qiongzhou Strait.- External links :* with Chinese names and useful data*...
in the northern part of the island is 314 km (195.1 mi) long, and its tributary
Tributary
A tributary or affluent is a stream or river that flows into a main stem river or a lake. A tributary does not flow directly into a sea or ocean...
, the Xinwu River, is 109 km (67.7 mi) long, the Changhua River in the west is 230 km (142.9 mi) long, and the Wanquan River
Wanquan River
Wanquan River is the third longest river in Hainan Island, and is 162 km long. It rises in the Five-Finger Mountain, and flows generally northeast turbulently in a narrow route through mountainous regions. About half way downstream, it enters Qionghai...
in the east is 162 km (100.7 mi) long. Evaporation during the dry season around the coastal areas greatly reduces the flow of the rivers.
There are very few natural lakes in Hainan. There is a well-known artificial reservoir, the Songtao Reservoir
Songtao Reservoir
The Songtao Reservoir , also known as the Songtao Reservoir Irrigation Area, is the largest body of water in Hainan, and the second largest reservoir in China....
, in the central-north area.
Climate
Hainan has a tropical moist monsoonMonsoon
Monsoon is traditionally defined as a seasonal reversing wind accompanied by corresponding changes in precipitation, but is now used to describe seasonal changes in atmospheric circulation and precipitation associated with the asymmetric heating of land and sea...
al climate. Its annual temperature change is less than 15 C-change. The coldest months are January and February when the temperatures drop to 16 to 21 °C (60.8 to 69.8 °F); the hottest months are July and August, and the temperatures are 25 to 29 °C (77 to 84.2 °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
Growing degree day
Growing degree days , also called growing degree units , are a heuristic tool in phenology. GDD are a measure of heat accumulation used by horticulturists, gardeners, and farmers to predict plant and pest development rates such as the date that a flower will bloom or a crop reach...
. 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 1500 to 2000 mm (59.1 to 78.7 ) and can be as high as 2400 millimetres (94.5 in) in central and eastern areas, and as low as 900 millimetres (35.4 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.
Flora and fauna
Hainan has over 1,500 km2 of primitive tropical forest, in which live 4,600 kinds of plants, and more than 570 species of animals. There are 53 genera in 29 families of wild and cultivated fruit growing on the island. There are few large trees on the island. Coconut palms are very common, along with and other smaller trees. Most of the island is covered by forest. Much of the wildlife comprises domesticated farm animals such as goats, water buffalo, chickens, and ducks. The farms on Hainan generally do not raise sheep, and there are few cows. Almost no large animals remain in the wild. Reptiles such as frogs, toads, lizards, and geckos are common throughout the island, with snakes being somewhat more rare. The lakes are largely populated with carp and catfish. Seabirds such as gulls are not generally seen. Egrets are common in agricultural areas. Similar to many subtropical areas, insect species are diverse, with mosquitoes being very common.Flora
- Hainan Yellow Lantern ChiliHainan Yellow Lantern ChiliThe Hainan Yellow Lantern Chili , also known as the Yellow Emperor Chili is a member of the Capsicum chinense species of chili peppers that grows only in the southwest and southeast of Hainan Island off the coast of Southern China....
is a pepper similar to the scotch bonnet. - Hainan White PineHainan White PineThe Hainan White Pine or Fenzel's Pine, Pinus fenzeliana, is a tree endemic to the island of Hainan off southern China. This pine reaches heights of 20 m with a trunk 1m in diameter....
, a species of tree.
Fauna
- Hainan GymnureHainan GymnureThe Hainan Gymnure or Hainan Moonrat is a species of mammal in the Erinaceidae family. It is endemic to China. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical dry forests.It is in the monotypic genus Neohylomys....
, also known as the Hainan Moonrat, is a species of mammal. - Hainan PartridgeHainan PartridgeThe Hainan Partridge is a species of bird in the Phasianidae family.It is endemic to Hainan Island, China.Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and subtropical or tropical moist montanes....
is a species of bird endemic to Hainan. - Hainan Peacock-pheasantHainan Peacock-pheasantThe Hainan Peacock-Pheasant is an endangered bird that belongs to the pheasant family Phasianidae. It is endemic to the island of Hainan, China. It is extremely rare.- Description :...
, an endangered species belonging to the PhasianidaePhasianidaeThe Phasianidae is a family of birds which consists of the pheasants and partridges, including the junglefowl , Old World Quail, francolins, monals and peafowl. The family is a large one, and is occasionally broken up into two subfamilies, the Phasianinae, and the Perdicinae... - Hainan black crested gibbon is one of the world's most endangered primates. SeacologySeacologySeacology is a nonprofit 501 charitable organization headquartered in Berkeley, California that focuses on preserving island ecosystems and cultures around the globe. Founded in 1991, it began with the work of ethnobotanist Paul Alan Cox, who researched tropical plants and their medicinal value in...
, a non-profit organization in Berkeley, California, United States, initiated a project to protect the highly endangered Hainan Gibbon in exchange for scholarships for the children of four villages near Bawangling Reserve. - Hainan HareHainan HareThe Hainan Hare is a species of hare endemic to Hainan Island, China.-Description:The Hainan Hare is small; its body length is less than 40 cm and weighs only 1.5 kg. Its head is small and round. It has long ears that are longer than its hind feet. The upper part of the tail is black, while the...
is a species of hare endemic to Hainan
There are numerous protected areas and wildlife preserves on the island.
Demographics
Han Chinese
Han Chinese are an ethnic group native to China and are the largest single ethnic group in the world.Han Chinese constitute about 92% of the population of the People's Republic of China , 98% of the population of the Republic of China , 78% of the population of Singapore, and about 20% of the...
, known as the Hainanese, who are the majority (84% of the population); the Li (Hlai)
Li people
The Li or Hlai are a minority ethnic group, the vast majority of whom live off the southern coast of mainland China on Hainan Island, where they are the largest minority ethnic group...
(14.7% of the population); the Miao
Miao people
The Miao or ม้ง ; ) is an ethnic group recognized by the government of the People's Republic of China as one of the 55 official minority groups. Miao is a Chinese term and does not reflect the self-designations of the component nations of people, which include Hmong, Hmu, A Hmao, and Kho Xiong...
(0.7%) and the Zhuang (0.6%). The Li are the largest indigenous group on the island in terms of population. Also found on the island are the Utsuls, descendants of Cham refugees, who are classified as Hui
Hui people
The Hui people are an ethnic group in China, defined as Chinese speaking people descended from foreign Muslims. They are typically distinguished by their practice of Islam, however some also practice other religions, and many are direct descendants of Silk Road travelers.In modern People's...
by the Chinese government.
Although they are indigenous to the island and do not speak a Chinese language, the Limgao (Ong-Be) people near the capital (8% of the population) are counted as Han Chinese.
Religion
Out of the total population, 90% are Buddhist Hainanese. 3000 or more are MuslimMuslim
A Muslim, also spelled Moslem, is an adherent of Islam, a monotheistic, Abrahamic religion based on the Quran, which Muslims consider the verbatim word of God as revealed to prophet Muhammad. "Muslim" is the Arabic term for "submitter" .Muslims believe that God is one and incomparable...
s. Most, if not all, of the Muslims are Utsuls living near Sanya. Because Hainan was a point in the travel route of missionaries, there are many Christian
Christian
A Christian is a person who adheres to Christianity, an Abrahamic, monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth as recorded in the Canonical gospels and the letters of the New Testament...
s: 35,000 Protestants and 4,100 Catholic
Catholic
The word catholic comes from the Greek phrase , meaning "on the whole," "according to the whole" or "in general", and is a combination of the Greek words meaning "about" and meaning "whole"...
s by the biggest estimates. There is less oppression of Christians in Hainan than in other parts of the country.
Nanshan Park is the centre of Buddhism on Hainan Island. Encompassing more than 50 square kilometres of rainforest, the site includes countless grand temples, statues and spiritual gardens the likes of Saviour Garden and Longevity Valley, with intricately trimmed hedges and abundant in Lotus flowers, a venerated symbol in Buddhism meaning virtue or purity.
At the heart of the valley is the grand Nanshan Temple, its gates flanked by stone figures of Buddha in front of the Tang Dynasty-style entrance. The interior displays images of the Four Heavenly Kings amid statues of other deities enshrined in renderings of stone, gold and jade.
Perhaps the most popular site within the Nanshan Buddhist Cultural Zone is the awe-inspiring stone rendering of the bodhisattva Guan Ying, emerging out of the South China Sea to stand at 108 metres, taller than the statue of liberty.
The Nanshan Buddhist Cultural Zone is visited by thousands of tourists and pilgrims each year who come pay homage to the site that plays a significant role in the religion in China and to sample some of the finest Buddhist vegan cuisine on the island.
Population
The population density of Hainan is low compared to most Chinese coastal provinces. Compared to Taiwan, and to other islands of the SinosphereSinosphere
In areal linguistics, Sinosphere refers to a grouping of countries and regions that are currently inhabited with a majority of Chinese population or were historically under Chinese cultural influence...
, Hainan has both fewer mountains and more plains.
Languages
The Han Chinese of Hainan speak a variant of the Min NanMin Nan
The Southern Min languages, or Min Nan , are a family of Chinese languages spoken in southern Fujian, eastern Guangdong, Hainan, Taiwan, and southern Zhejiang provinces of China, and by descendants of emigrants from these areas in diaspora....
Chinese language, known as Hainanese. In addition, the national standard Putonghua is understood and spoken by most people, and Cantonese is understood by many local Hainanese.
The Li
Li people
The Li or Hlai are a minority ethnic group, the vast majority of whom live off the southern coast of mainland China on Hainan Island, where they are the largest minority ethnic group...
, the Zhuang and the Limgao (Ong-Be) speak Tai–Kadai languages.
The Miao
Miao people
The Miao or ม้ง ; ) is an ethnic group recognized by the government of the People's Republic of China as one of the 55 official minority groups. Miao is a Chinese term and does not reflect the self-designations of the component nations of people, which include Hmong, Hmu, A Hmao, and Kho Xiong...
speak Hmong–Mien languages. These groups would usually speak Putonghua as a second language.
4,500 people in the villages of Yanglan (羊栏) and Huixin (回新), two villages on the outskirts of Sanya, speak the Tsat
Tsat language
Tsat is a language spoken near Sanya, Hainan, China by the Utsuls. Tsat is a member of the Malayo-Polynesian group within the Austronesian language family, and is related to the Cham languages, originally from the coast of present-day Vietnam...
language, a member of the Chamic language family
Cham language
Cham is the language of the Cham people of Southeast Asia, and formerly the language of the kingdom of Champa in central Vietnam. A member of the Malayo-Polynesian branch of the Austronesian family, it is spoken by 100,000 people in Vietnam and up to 220,000 people in Cambodia . There are also...
.
Adults who are members of a minority also have quite high literacy skills in Chinese. Most adults speak several Chinese dialects, and some also speak Li. In old Yacheng City and its vicinity as well as for several dozen miles west of Huihui and Huixin, the so-called military speech (the official language of the southwest among the northern Chinese dialects) is spoken. In Yanglan Village to the northeast, two Min dialects, both closely related to Cantonese, are spoken: the Mai dialect and the Danzhou dialect, spoken in Haipo Village in the south, which is the same dialect as the dialect spoken in Danzhou in Dan Country in the northern part of the island. From the east to the west along the seashore, the Hainanese dialect is used. In Sanya City itself one sometimes finds speakers of Mandarin Chinese and Cantonese.
The general public can also use Mandarin Chinese to communicate with mainlanders. When Chams interact with the Hainanese dialect speakers from within Hainan Province, they use the Hainanese dialect, though youngsters generally use Mandarin. Not many can communicate in Li when interacting with the Li, so the Hainanese dialect or Mandarin is often used. In the market place and within the Sanya Municipality, the Cham speakers use Cham among themselves, and when they interact with speakers of other languages, they mostly use the Hainanese dialect. However, in the market places near the government seat of Yanglan Township, the Chams either use the Hainanese dialect or the Mai dialect. Some of the Cham speakers also speak the Danzhou dialect, a Cantonese dialect.
Government
Even while Hainan was a part of GuangdongGuangdong
Guangdong is a province on the South China Sea coast of the People's Republic of China. The province was previously often written with the alternative English name Kwangtung Province...
it had a considerable amount of local autonomy; the southern half of the island was an autonomous prefecture. Hainan's elevation to provincial level in 1988 increased its accountability
Accountability
Accountability is a concept in ethics and governance with several meanings. It is often used synonymously with such concepts as responsibility, answerability, blameworthiness, liability, and other terms associated with the expectation of account-giving...
to the Central People's Government
Central People's Government
The Central People's Government is the central government of the People's Republic of China in Beijing. According to the 1982 Constitution, "Central People's Government" is synonymous with the State Council.-History:...
, but by designating the new province a special economic zone
Special Economic Zone
A Special Economic Zone is a geographical region that has economic and other laws that are more free-market-oriented than a country's typical or national laws...
the central government expressed its intent to allow Hainan maximum flexibility in devising programs to facilitate foreign investment and economic growth
Economic growth
In economics, economic growth is defined as the increasing capacity of the economy to satisfy the wants of goods and services of the members of society. Economic growth is enabled by increases in productivity, which lowers the inputs for a given amount of output. Lowered costs increase demand...
. Administratively, the province has been divided into five economic major districts.
Politics
The politics of Hainan is structured in a dual party-government system like all other governing institutions in mainland ChinaMainland China
Mainland China, the Chinese mainland or simply the mainland, is a geopolitical term that refers to the area under the jurisdiction of the People's Republic of China . According to the Taipei-based Mainland Affairs Council, the term excludes the PRC Special Administrative Regions of Hong Kong and...
.
The Governor of Hainan is the highest ranking official in the People's Government of Hainan. However, in the province's dual party-government governing system, the Governor has less power than the Hainan Communist Party of China
Communist Party of China
The Communist Party of China , also known as the Chinese Communist Party , is the founding and ruling political party of the People's Republic of China...
Provincial Committee Secretary or CPC Party Chief.
Administrative
In the official PRCPeople's Republic of China
China , officially the People's Republic of China , is the most populous country in the world, with over 1.3 billion citizens. Located in East Asia, the country covers approximately 9.6 million square kilometres...
territorial claim, Hainan Province includes not just one island, but also some two hundred South China Sea Islands
South China Sea Islands
The South China Sea Islands consist of over 250 around 1-km² islands, atolls, cays, shoals, reefs, and sandbars in the South China Sea, most of which have no indigenous people, many of which are naturally under water at high tide, some of which are permanently submerged...
. Whilst the containment of the South China Sea Islands means that Hainan Province has a very large water body, it has a disproportionally small land area. James Shoal
James Shoal
James Shoal is a small bank in the South China Sea, with a depth of 20 metres.- Location :It is located about northwest of Bintulu, on the Continental shelf of Borneo...
(曾母暗沙 Zengmu Ansha), which is presently marked by the PRC, signifies the country's southernmost border. But Malaysia also claims that it is on their continental shelf.
Subdivisions
Hainan Province uses a slightly different administrative system than the other provinces of China. Most other provinces are divided entirely into prefecturePrefecture (China)
The term Prefectures, or the more formal prefectural level divisions, in the context of China, is used to refer to several unrelated political divisions in both ancient and modern China. Other than provincial level divisions, prefectural level divisions are not mentioned in the Chinese constitution...
-level divisions, each of which is then divided entirely into county-level divisions. County-level divisions generally do not come directly under the province. In Hainan, nearly all county-level divisions (the four districts excepted) come directly under the province. This method of division is due to Hainan's relatively sparse population of around 8 million people.
| Map | |||||
| # | Name and Administrative Seat | Hanzi | Hanyu Pinyin | Administrative Seat | Population (2010 Sixth National Population Census of the People's Republic of China The Sixth National Population Census of the People's Republic of China, also referred to as the 2010 Chinese Census, was conducted by the National Bureau of Statistics of the People's Republic of China with a zero hour of November 1, 2010.... ) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — Prefecture-level city Prefecture-level city A prefectural level city , prefectural city or prefectural level municipality is an administrative division of the People's Republic of China, ranking below a province and above a county in China's administrative structure. Prefectural level cities form the second level of the administrative... — |
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| 1 | Haikou Haikou Hǎikǒu , is the capital and most populous city of Hainan Province, in the People's Republic of China. It is situated on the northern coast of Hainan, by the mouth of the Nandu River... |
海口市 | Hǎikǒu Shì | Meilan District | 2,046,189 |
| 2 | Sanya Sanya Sanya is the southernmost city in China and is a part of Hainan Province. In 2006, it had a population of 536,000, making it, after the provincial capital , the second most populous city on the island. The city is renowned for its tropical climate and has emerged as a popular tourist destination,... |
三亚市 | Sānyà Shì | Sanya Sanya Sanya is the southernmost city in China and is a part of Hainan Province. In 2006, it had a population of 536,000, making it, after the provincial capital , the second most populous city on the island. The city is renowned for its tropical climate and has emerged as a popular tourist destination,... |
685,408 |
| — Sub-prefecture-level city Sub-prefecture-level city A sub-prefecture-level city , or vice-prefecture-level city, is an administrative division of China. A sub-prefecture-level city is officially considered to be a county-level city, but it has more power de facto because the cadres assigned to its government are one half-level higher in rank than... — |
|||||
| 3 | Wenchang Wenchang Wenchang is a county-level city located in the north east of Hainan province, China. It was promoted from a county to a city on November 7, 1995, and had a population of 86,551 in 1999... |
文昌市 | Wénchāng Shì | Wenchang Wenchang Wenchang is a county-level city located in the north east of Hainan province, China. It was promoted from a county to a city on November 7, 1995, and had a population of 86,551 in 1999... |
537,428 |
| 4 | Qionghai Qionghai -Other:Qionghai is historically associated with the Red Detachment of Women, an all-female company of the Chinese Red Army who survived Nationalist persecution... |
琼海市 | Qiónghǎi Shì | Qionghai Qionghai -Other:Qionghai is historically associated with the Red Detachment of Women, an all-female company of the Chinese Red Army who survived Nationalist persecution... |
483,217 |
| 5 | Wanning Wanning Wanning is a county-level city in SE Hainan province, China, with an estimated population of 65,871 .-History:Wanning lies on the east of the island and administers many small towns... |
万宁市 | Wànníng Shì | Wanning Wanning Wanning is a county-level city in SE Hainan province, China, with an estimated population of 65,871 .-History:Wanning lies on the east of the island and administers many small towns... |
545,597 |
| 6 | Wuzhishan Wuzhishan City Wuzhishan is a county-level city in the south-central part of Hainan, a province of the People's Republic of China. It was originally called Tongshi City and is located beside Wuzhi Shan, the mountain. The city's total area is 1129 square kilometres, and its population is 115,000 people. Its... |
五指山市 | Wǔzhǐshān Shì | Wuzhishan Wuzhishan City Wuzhishan is a county-level city in the south-central part of Hainan, a province of the People's Republic of China. It was originally called Tongshi City and is located beside Wuzhi Shan, the mountain. The city's total area is 1129 square kilometres, and its population is 115,000 people. Its... |
104,122 |
| 7 | Dongfang | 东方市 | Dōngfāng Shì | Dongfang | 408,309 |
| 8 | Danzhou Danzhou Danzhou is a city in the northwest of the Chinese island province of Hainan. It is a County-level city administered directly by the province.- See also :* Administrative divisions of the People's Republic of China... |
儋州市 | Dānzhōu Shì | Danzhou Danzhou Danzhou is a city in the northwest of the Chinese island province of Hainan. It is a County-level city administered directly by the province.- See also :* Administrative divisions of the People's Republic of China... |
932,362 |
| — County — | |||||
| 9 | Lingao Lingao County Lingao County is an administrative district in Hainan, the People's Republic of China. It is one of 4 counties of Hainan. Its postal code is 571800, and in 1999 its population was 399,057 people.-References:... |
临高县 | Língāo Xiàn | Lingao Lingao County Lingao County is an administrative district in Hainan, the People's Republic of China. It is one of 4 counties of Hainan. Its postal code is 571800, and in 1999 its population was 399,057 people.-References:... |
427,873 |
| 10 | Chengmai Chengmai County Chengmai County is an administrative district in Hainan, the People's Republic of China. It is one of 4 counties of Hainan. Its postal code is 571900. In 2002, its population was 490,800.-History:... |
澄迈县 | Chéngmài Xiàn | Chengmai Chengmai County Chengmai County is an administrative district in Hainan, the People's Republic of China. It is one of 4 counties of Hainan. Its postal code is 571900. In 2002, its population was 490,800.-History:... |
467,161 |
| 11 | Ding'an Ding'an County Ding'an County is an administrative district in Hainan, the People's Republic of China. It is one of 4 counties of Hainan. In 1999 its population was 304,522 people. The town of Ding 'an is located within the county.-References:... |
定安县 | Dìng'ān Xiàn | Ding'an Ding'an County Ding'an County is an administrative district in Hainan, the People's Republic of China. It is one of 4 counties of Hainan. In 1999 its population was 304,522 people. The town of Ding 'an is located within the county.-References:... |
284,616 |
| 12 | Tunchang Tunchang County Tunchang County is an administrative district in Hainan, the People's Republic of China. It is one of four counties of Hainan. Its postal code is 571600, and in 1999 its population was 250,059 people.... |
屯昌县 | Túnchāng Xiàn | Tunchang Tunchang County Tunchang County is an administrative district in Hainan, the People's Republic of China. It is one of four counties of Hainan. Its postal code is 571600, and in 1999 its population was 250,059 people.... |
256,931 |
| — Sub-prefecture-level autonomous county Autonomous areas of China In a similar fashion to the former Soviet Union's titular nations, a number of areas associated with one or more ethnic minorities are designated as autonomous within the People's Republic of China . These areas are recognized in the PRC's constitution and are nominally given a number of rights not... — |
|||||
| 13 | Changjiang (Li) Changjiang Li Autonomous County Changjiang Li Autonomous County is an autonomous county in Hainan, the People's Republic of China. It is one of 6 counties of Hainan. Its postal code is 572700, and in 1999 its population was 225,131 people, largely made up of the Li people.-References:... |
昌江黎族自治县 | Chāngjiāng Lízú Zìzhìxiàn | Changjiang Changjiang Li Autonomous County Changjiang Li Autonomous County is an autonomous county in Hainan, the People's Republic of China. It is one of 6 counties of Hainan. Its postal code is 572700, and in 1999 its population was 225,131 people, largely made up of the Li people.-References:... |
223,839 |
| 14 | Baisha (Li) Baisha Li Autonomous County Baisha County is an autonomous county in Hainan, the People's Republic of China. It is one of 6 counties of Hainan. Its postal code is 572800, and in 1999 its population was 176,377 people, largely made up of the Li people.-References:... |
白沙黎族自治县 | Báishā Lízú Zìzhìxiàn | Baisha Baisha Li Autonomous County Baisha County is an autonomous county in Hainan, the People's Republic of China. It is one of 6 counties of Hainan. Its postal code is 572800, and in 1999 its population was 176,377 people, largely made up of the Li people.-References:... |
167,918 |
| 15 | Qiongzhong (Li & Miao) Qiongzhong Li and Miao Autonomous County Qiongzhong Li and Miao Autonomous County is an autonomous county in Hainan, the People's Republic of China. It is one of 6 counties of Hainan. Its postal code is 572900, and in 1999 its population was 196,581 people, largely made up of the Li people and the Miao people.-References:*... |
琼中黎族苗族自治县 | Qióngzhōng Lízú Miáozú Zìzhìxiàn | Qiongzhong Qiongzhong Li and Miao Autonomous County Qiongzhong Li and Miao Autonomous County is an autonomous county in Hainan, the People's Republic of China. It is one of 6 counties of Hainan. Its postal code is 572900, and in 1999 its population was 196,581 people, largely made up of the Li people and the Miao people.-References:*... |
174,076 |
| 16 | Lingshui (Li) Lingshui Li Autonomous County Lingshui Li Autonomous County is an autonomous county in Hainan, the People's Republic of China. It is one of 6 autonomous counties of Hainan. Its postal code is 572400, and in 1999 its population was 318,691 people, largely made up of the Li people. Notably the beautiful Nuiling mountain... |
陵水黎族自治县 | Língshuǐ Lízú Zìzhìxiàn | Lingshui Lingshui Li Autonomous County Lingshui Li Autonomous County is an autonomous county in Hainan, the People's Republic of China. It is one of 6 autonomous counties of Hainan. Its postal code is 572400, and in 1999 its population was 318,691 people, largely made up of the Li people. Notably the beautiful Nuiling mountain... |
320,468 |
| 17 | Baoting (Li & Miao) Baoting Li and Miao Autonomous County Baoting Li and Miao Autonomous County is an autonomous county in Hainan, People's Republic of China. One of the six autonomous counties on the island, its postal code is 572300. In 1999 the county had a population of 155,575, largely made up of people from the Li and Miao minorities.-External links:*... |
保亭黎族苗族自治县 | Bǎotíng Lízú Miáozú Zìzhìxiàn | Baoting Baoting Li and Miao Autonomous County Baoting Li and Miao Autonomous County is an autonomous county in Hainan, People's Republic of China. One of the six autonomous counties on the island, its postal code is 572300. In 1999 the county had a population of 155,575, largely made up of people from the Li and Miao minorities.-External links:*... |
146,684 |
| 18 | Ledong (Li) Ledong Li Autonomous County Ledong Li Autonomous County is an autonomous county in Hainan, the People's Republic of China. It is one of 6 autonomous counties of Hainan. Its postal code is 572500, and in 1999 its population was 468,834 people, largely made up of the Li people.... |
乐东黎族自治县 | Lèdōng Lízú Zìzhìxiàn | Ledong Ledong Li Autonomous County Ledong Li Autonomous County is an autonomous county in Hainan, the People's Republic of China. It is one of 6 autonomous counties of Hainan. Its postal code is 572500, and in 1999 its population was 468,834 people, largely made up of the Li people.... |
458,876 |
| — Administrative office — | |||||
| *19 | Paracels, Spratlys, & Zhongsha Iss. | 西沙群岛、南沙群岛、 中沙群岛办事处 |
Hǎinán shěng Xīshā Qúndǎo, Nánshā Qúndǎo, Zhōngshā Qúndǎo Bànshìchù |
Yongxing Island (Woody Island) Woody Island, South China Sea Woody Island, also known as Yongxing Island , is one of the major islands of Paracel Islands in South China Sea. It is administrated by the People's Republic of China through the Yongxingdao Neighborhood Committee. It has no indigenous inhabitants, although there are People's Liberation Army... |
444 |
| *Note: Sovereignty over the Paracel, Spratly, & Zhongsha Islands is disputed as of . | |||||
Military
Hainan is home to the People's Liberation Army NavyPeople's Liberation Army Navy
The People's Liberation Army Navy is the naval branch of the People's Liberation Army , the military of the People's Republic of China. Until the early 1990s, the navy performed a subordinate role to the PLA Land Forces. Since then, it has undergone rapid modernisation...
Hainan Submarine Base
Hainan Submarine Base
Hainan Submarine Base is a naval base for nuclear submarine along the southern coast of Hainan Island, PRC. This underground base has recently reported by several agencies, especially Indian ones. The images collected by the Federation of American Scientists in February 2008 shows that China...
and strategic nuclear submarine
Nuclear submarine
A nuclear submarine is a submarine powered by a nuclear reactor . The performance advantages of nuclear submarines over "conventional" submarines are considerable: nuclear propulsion, being completely independent of air, frees the submarine from the need to surface frequently, as is necessary for...
naval harbor 18.221°N 109.686°E. The naval harbor is estimated to be 60 feet (18.3 m) high, built into hillsides around a military base. The caverns are capable of hiding up to 20 nuclear submarines from spy satellites. The harbor houses nuclear ballistic missile submarines and is large enough to accommodate aircraft carriers. The U.S. Department of Defence has estimated that China will have five Type 094 nuclear submarines operational by 2010 with each capable of carrying 12 JL-2 intercontinental ballistic missile
Intercontinental ballistic missile
An intercontinental ballistic missile is a ballistic missile with a long range typically designed for nuclear weapons delivery...
. Two 950 metres (3,116.8 ft) piers and three smaller ones would be enough to accommodate two carrier
Aircraft carrier
An aircraft carrier is a warship designed with a primary mission of deploying and recovering aircraft, acting as a seagoing airbase. Aircraft carriers thus allow a naval force to project air power worldwide without having to depend on local bases for staging aircraft operations...
strike groups or amphibious assault ship
Amphibious assault ship
An amphibious assault ship is a type of amphibious warfare ship employed to land and support ground forces on enemy territory by an amphibious assault...
s.
Economy
Hainan's economy is predominantly agricultural, and more than a half of the island's exports are agricultural products. Hainan's elevation to province-level status (1988), however, was accompanied by its designation as China's largest "special economic zoneSpecial Economic Zone
A Special Economic Zone is a geographical region that has economic and other laws that are more free-market-oriented than a country's typical or national laws...
", the intent being to hasten the development of the island's plentiful resources.
Prior to this, the province had a reputation for being a "Wild West" area, largely untouched by industrialisation
Industrialisation
Industrialization is the process of social and economic change that transforms a human group from an agrarian society into an industrial one...
; even today there are relatively few factories in the province. Tourism
Tourism
Tourism is travel for recreational, leisure or business purposes. The World Tourism Organization defines tourists as people "traveling to and staying in places outside their usual environment for not more than one consecutive year for leisure, business and other purposes".Tourism has become a...
plays an important part of Hainan's economy, thanks largely to its tropical beaches and lush forests.
The central government has encouraged foreign investment in Hainan and has allowed the island to rely to a large extent on market forces.
Hainan's industrial development largely has been limited to the processing of its mineral and agricultural products, particularly rubber
Rubber
Natural rubber, also called India rubber or caoutchouc, is an elastomer that was originally derived from latex, a milky colloid produced by some plants. The plants would be ‘tapped’, that is, an incision made into the bark of the tree and the sticky, milk colored latex sap collected and refined...
and iron ore. Since the 1950s, machinery, farm equipment, and textiles have been manufactured in the Haikou
Haikou
Hǎikǒu , is the capital and most populous city of Hainan Province, in the People's Republic of China. It is situated on the northern coast of Hainan, by the mouth of the Nandu River...
area for local consumption. A major constraint on industrial expansion has been an inadequate supply of electricity
Electricity
Electricity is a general term encompassing a variety of phenomena resulting from the presence and flow of electric charge. These include many easily recognizable phenomena, such as lightning, static electricity, and the flow of electrical current in an electrical wire...
. Much of the island's generating capacity is hydroelectric, and it is subject to seasonal fluctuations in stream and river flows.
Its nominal GDP for 2009 was 164.7 billion yuan (US$24 billion), making it the 4th smallest in all of the PRC and contributes just 0.5% to the entire country's economy. At that time, its GDP per capita was 19,166 yuan (US$2,805).
By the first quarter of 2010, Hainan had the highest increase in GDP of any province in China, with a year-on-year increase of 25.1%. The GDP of Hainan's Qionghai city grew 58.7%.
In December 2009, the government of China announed that it plans to establish Hainan as an "international tourist destination" by 2020. This announcement contributed to a surge in the province's economy, with a year-on-year increase in investment of 136.9% in the first three months of 2010. Hainan's real estate sector accounted for more than one third of the province's economic growth.
Economic and technological development zones
- Haikou Free Trade Zone
- Haikou New & Hi-Tech Industrial Development Zone
- Yangpu Economic Development ZoneYangpu Economic Development ZoneYangpu Economic Development Zone is an area of Hainan Island, located on the Yangpu Peninsula. This zone, covering 31 km2, contains a port, oil refinery, petroleum commercial reserve base, power station, and the town of Yangpu. The area, Hainan's largest economic zone, is located on the...
Natural resources
Hainan has commercially exploitable reserves of more than 30 minerals. IronIron
Iron is a chemical element with the symbol Fe and atomic number 26. It is a metal in the first transition series. It is the most common element forming the planet Earth as a whole, forming much of Earth's outer and inner core. It is the fourth most common element in the Earth's crust...
, first mined by the Japanese during their occupation of the island in World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
, is the most important. Also important are titanium
Titanium
Titanium is a chemical element with the symbol Ti and atomic number 22. It has a low density and is a strong, lustrous, corrosion-resistant transition metal with a silver color....
, manganese
Manganese
Manganese is a chemical element, designated by the symbol Mn. It has the atomic number 25. It is found as a free element in nature , and in many minerals...
, tungsten
Tungsten
Tungsten , also known as wolfram , is a chemical element with the chemical symbol W and atomic number 74.A hard, rare metal under standard conditions when uncombined, tungsten is found naturally on Earth only in chemical compounds. It was identified as a new element in 1781, and first isolated as...
, bauxite
Bauxite
Bauxite is an aluminium ore and is the main source of aluminium. This form of rock consists mostly of the minerals gibbsite Al3, boehmite γ-AlO, and diaspore α-AlO, in a mixture with the two iron oxides goethite and hematite, the clay mineral kaolinite, and small amounts of anatase TiO2...
, molybdenum
Molybdenum
Molybdenum , is a Group 6 chemical element with the symbol Mo and atomic number 42. The name is from Neo-Latin Molybdaenum, from Ancient Greek , meaning lead, itself proposed as a loanword from Anatolian Luvian and Lydian languages, since its ores were confused with lead ores...
, cobalt
Cobalt
Cobalt is a chemical element with symbol Co and atomic number 27. It is found naturally only in chemically combined form. The free element, produced by reductive smelting, is a hard, lustrous, silver-gray metal....
, copper
Copper
Copper is a chemical element with the symbol Cu and atomic number 29. It is a ductile metal with very high thermal and electrical conductivity. Pure copper is soft and malleable; an exposed surface has a reddish-orange tarnish...
, gold
Gold
Gold is a chemical element with the symbol Au and an atomic number of 79. Gold is a dense, soft, shiny, malleable and ductile metal. Pure gold has a bright yellow color and luster traditionally considered attractive, which it maintains without oxidizing in air or water. Chemically, gold is a...
, and silver
Silver
Silver is a metallic chemical element with the chemical symbol Ag and atomic number 47. A soft, white, lustrous transition metal, it has the highest electrical conductivity of any element and the highest thermal conductivity of any metal...
. There are large deposits of lignite
Lignite
Lignite, often referred to as brown coal, or Rosebud coal by Northern Pacific Railroad,is a soft brown fuel with characteristics that put it somewhere between coal and peat...
and oil shale
Oil shale
Oil shale, an organic-rich fine-grained sedimentary rock, contains significant amounts of kerogen from which liquid hydrocarbons called shale oil can be produced...
on the island, and significant offshore finds of oil
Oil
An oil is any substance that is liquid at ambient temperatures and does not mix with water but may mix with other oils and organic solvents. This general definition includes vegetable oils, volatile essential oils, petrochemical oils, and synthetic oils....
and natural gas
Natural gas
Natural gas is a naturally occurring gas mixture consisting primarily of methane, typically with 0–20% higher hydrocarbons . It is found associated with other hydrocarbon fuel, in coal beds, as methane clathrates, and is an important fuel source and a major feedstock for fertilizers.Most natural...
have been discovered. Virgin forests in the interior mountains contain more than 20 commercially valuable species, including teak
Teak
Teak is the common name for the tropical hardwood tree species Tectona grandis and its wood products. Tectona grandis is native to south and southeast Asia, mainly India, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Burma, but is naturalized and cultivated in many countries, including those in Africa and the...
and sandalwood
Sandalwood
Sandalwood is the name of a class of fragrant woods from trees in the genus Santalum. The woods are heavy, yellow, and fine-grained, and unlike many other aromatic woods they retain their fragrance for decades. As well as using the harvested and cut wood in-situ, essential oils are also extracted...
.
Agriculture
Owing to Hainan's tropical climate, Paddy rice is cultivated extensively in the northeastern lowlands and in the southern mountain valleys. Leading crops other than rice include coconutsCOcOnuts
COcOnuts is the second album released by Jane, comprising Animal Collective member Panda Bear, and Scott Mou. It was originally self-released on CD-R's, but later became the first album released by Psych-o-path Records in 2005. The Psych-o-path version was remastered by Rusty Santos and Edik Kleyner....
, palm oil
Palm oil
Palm oil, coconut oil and palm kernel oil are edible plant oils derived from the fruits of palm trees. Palm oil is extracted from the pulp of the fruit of the oil palm Elaeis guineensis; palm kernel oil is derived from the kernel of the oil palm and coconut oil is derived from the kernel of the...
, sisal
Sisal
Sisal is an agave that yields a stiff fibre traditionally used in making twine, rope and also dartboards. The term may refer either to the plant or the fibre, depending on context...
, tropical fruits (including pineapple
Pineapple
Pineapple is the common name for a tropical plant and its edible fruit, which is actually a multiple fruit consisting of coalesced berries. It was given the name pineapple due to its resemblance to a pine cone. The pineapple is by far the most economically important plant in the Bromeliaceae...
s, of which Hainan is China's leading producer), black pepper
Black pepper
Black pepper is a flowering vine in the family Piperaceae, cultivated for its fruit, which is usually dried and used as a spice and seasoning. The fruit, known as a peppercorn when dried, is approximately in diameter, dark red when fully mature, and, like all drupes, contains a single seed...
, coffee
Coffee
Coffee is a brewed beverage with a dark,init brooo acidic flavor prepared from the roasted seeds of the coffee plant, colloquially called coffee beans. The beans are found in coffee cherries, which grow on trees cultivated in over 70 countries, primarily in equatorial Latin America, Southeast Asia,...
, tea
Tea
Tea is an aromatic beverage prepared by adding cured leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant to hot water. The term also refers to the plant itself. After water, tea is the most widely consumed beverage in the world...
, cashews, and sugarcane
Sugarcane
Sugarcane refers to any of six to 37 species of tall perennial grasses of the genus Saccharum . Native to the warm temperate to tropical regions of South Asia, they have stout, jointed, fibrous stalks that are rich in sugar, and measure two to six metres tall...
. In the early 20th century Chinese emigrants
Overseas Chinese
Overseas Chinese are people of Chinese birth or descent who live outside the Greater China Area . People of partial Chinese ancestry living outside the Greater China Area may also consider themselves Overseas Chinese....
returning from then British Malaya
British Malaya
British Malaya loosely described a set of states on the Malay Peninsula and the Island of Singapore that were brought under British control between the 18th and the 20th centuries...
, introduced rubber trees to the island; after 1950, state farms were developed, and Hainan now produces a substantial amount of China's rubber. The hot Hainan Yellow Lantern Chili
Hainan Yellow Lantern Chili
The Hainan Yellow Lantern Chili , also known as the Yellow Emperor Chili is a member of the Capsicum chinense species of chili peppers that grows only in the southwest and southeast of Hainan Island off the coast of Southern China....
, a variety unique to the island, is grown in the southeast and southwest.
Fisheries
Grouper, Spanish mackerel, and tuna constitute the bulk of the catch from offshore fishing grounds. Scallops and pearls are raised in shallow bays and basins for local use and export.Shrimp production is estimated to have been 120000 to 150000 MT (132,277.4 to 165,346.7 ST) in 2007, more than 50% of which was exported. Hainan has over 400 hatcheries
Shrimp farm
A shrimp farm is an aquaculture business for the cultivation of marine shrimp or prawns for human consumption. Commercial shrimp farming began in the 1970s, and production grew steeply, particularly to match the market demands of the United States, Japan and Western Europe...
, most being located between Wenchang and Qionghai.
Tilapia production in 2008 was 300000 metric tons (330,693.4 ST). The island has an estimated 100,000 local, commercial fish farming families.
Real estate market
In 1990, Hainan province was the site of the largest property bust in modern Chinese history With 2009 and the announcement of the Chinese Government's plan to develop the province into a major international tourist location, property sales rose by 73%, creating the possibility of another bubble in Hainan's property market.Since March 2010, commercial and residential property values in some parts of Hainan have slowed down since the market peaked in February.
In March, average month-on-month transaction prices dropped 12.82% to 12,280 RMB per square meter, with a reduction in volume to 627000 square metres (6,748,971.8 sq ft), a 19.05% decline.
In April, prices declined 2.84% to 11,932 yuan per square metre, with a 57.59% decline in volume to 567200 square metres (6,105,290 sq ft).
Then in May prices declined a further 29.74% from the previous month to 8,483 yuan per square metre, with a 57.95% decline in volume to 229000 square metres (2,464,935.5 sq ft).
However, property prices in the tourist resort of Sanya remain strong as of January 2011, with prime developments selling at prices of up to 80,000 RMB per square metre.
Golf industry
This industry is expanding in Hainan, with numerous courses being constructed, including Mission Hills HaikouMission Hills Haikou
Mission Hills Haikou is a golf complex currently under construction in Hainan, China. At 80sq km and containing 22 golf courses and luxury hotels, it will be the second largest golf complex in the world...
, which will be one of the largest golf complexes in the world. The golf industry attracts foreign investment, and overseas golfers from such countries as Australia, South Korea, and Japan.
Transportation
Road
Before 1950 there were practically no transportation links with the interior of the island. The first roads were built in the early 20th century, but no major road construction was undertaken in the mountains until the 1950s. Parallel north–south roads along the east and west coasts and through the interior of the island constitute most of Hainan's road network.Air
Hainan has two international airports: the Haikou Meilan International AirportHaikou Meilan International Airport
Haikou Meilan International Airport is the largest and newest airport on the island of Hainan in the People's Republic of China...
and Sanya Phoenix International Airport
Sanya Phoenix International Airport
Sanya Phoenix International Airport is an airport in Sanya, Hainan, People’s Republic of China . It is located about northwest of the city center....
.
Rail
A Railroad ferry link was established in early 2000s connecting the island's railroad network to the mainland. In 2005, Ministry of CommunicationsMinistry of Communications of the People's Republic of China
The Ministry of Transport of the People's Republic of China is the government agency responsible for road, air and water transportation regulations. However, it is not in charge of the conventional railway transportation, which is administrated by the Ministry of Railways...
allocated 20 million yuan (US$2.4 million) to set up a committee to research and study the possibility of a bridge or tunnel link connecting the island to the mainland.
The Hainan East Ring Intercity Rail
Hainan East Ring Intercity Rail
The Hainan Eastern Ring Railway is a high speed railway on Hainan Island, China. Opened in December 2010, the railway links the capital Haikou at the northern end of the province to Sanya, a growing tourist city at the southernmost region of Hainan.-History:...
links Haikou
Haikou
Hǎikǒu , is the capital and most populous city of Hainan Province, in the People's Republic of China. It is situated on the northern coast of Hainan, by the mouth of the Nandu River...
and Sanya
Sanya
Sanya is the southernmost city in China and is a part of Hainan Province. In 2006, it had a population of 536,000, making it, after the provincial capital , the second most populous city on the island. The city is renowned for its tropical climate and has emerged as a popular tourist destination,...
. There are 15 stations in between, either in operation or still under construction. Trains are designed to travel at 250 km/h. Travel time from Haikou to Sanya is approximately 1 hour and 22 minutes.
Another high-speed railway will be built on the west coast of Hainan. The 345 km western ring will link up with the Hainan Eastern Ring Railway.
Seaports
- Haikou Xiuying PortHaikou Xiuying PortHaikou Xiuying Port , is a seaport located 7 km east of Haikou New Port, in Hainan, China....
(海口秀英港) serves as the main passenger and cargo center. - Haikou New PortHaikou New PortHaikou New Port is a seaport in Hainan, China. Formerly known as the Inner Harbour, this port is located on the southern side of the mouth of the Nandu River 7 km west of Haikou Xiuying Port. It is the main distribution centre for cargo entering Hainan, and is also a major port for immigration...
(海口新港) opened June 1, 2005 - Macun Port (马村港) located in Chengmai CountyChengmai CountyChengmai County is an administrative district in Hainan, the People's Republic of China. It is one of 4 counties of Hainan. Its postal code is 571900. In 2002, its population was 490,800.-History:...
, northern Hainan and opened June 1, 2005 - Hainan Strait Port
- Basuo PortBasuoBasuo is a county-level town located on the west coast of Hainan Province off the south coast of the People's Republic of China. A fishing and commercial port, the town is under the administration of Dongfang City and operates under the UN/LOCODE CNBAS....
is a small port on the west coast of Hainan near Dongfang.
Hainan received 11,000 tons of products via ports November 2010, up 90.1 percent month-on-month. Between January and November 2010, 102,000 tons of products were exported via Hainan, 34,000 tons of which were exported to the US, and 14,000 tons sent to the EU.
Education
The level of primary and secondary education has improved since 1949, but facilities for higher education remain somewhat inadequate.- Hainan UniversityHainan UniversityHainan University -History:The original Hainan university was established in 1983. It was a key provincial university. On August 14, 2007, the Ministry of Education approved the merger of the South China University of Tropical Agriculture and Hainan University merged into a single which kept the...
(海南大学) - Hainan Normal UniversityHainan Normal UniversityHainan Normal University , is located in Haikou city and is the province's oldest institution for higher learning. Over 20,000 students are enrolled, including about 200 foreigners.The 3,347 sq...
(海南师范大学) - Qiongzhou UniversityQiongzhou UniversityQiongzhou University is a university located in the Sanya , in Hainan, China.Quongzhou University is in the process of moving from its old location in the center of the island to its current location in Sanya, which is at the most southern part of the island of Hainan...
(琼州大学) - Hainan Medical Institute (海南医学院)
- Haikou College of EconomicsHaikou College of EconomicsHaikou College of Economics, also known as the Haikou College of Economics and Vocational Technology, is an educational institution located in Haikou, Hainan Province, China.-See also:*List of universities and colleges in Hainan...
(海口经济学院) - South China Tropical Agricultural University (华南热带农业大学, merged into Hainan University on Aug 14, 2007)
Culture
Hainan has always been on the fringe of the Chinese cultural sphere. Traditionally, the island was a place of exileExile
Exile means to be away from one's home , while either being explicitly refused permission to return and/or being threatened with imprisonment or death upon return...
for criminals and disgraced officials. As a frontier region celebrated by such exiled poets as Su Dongpo, Hainan acquired an air of mystery and romance. The influx of large numbers of mainlanders after 1950 - particularly in the 1970s, when young Chinese from southern Guangdong were assigned to state farms to help develop Hainan, and in the 1980s, when thousands more came to take advantage of the economic opportunities offered - has perpetuated the frontier atmosphere on the island.
Media
As well as programming from Central China Television (CCTV), Hainan has a number of local TV stations including Hainan TVHainan Television
Hainan Television is a television station in Hainan, China.It was established in August 1982, and began broadcasting on October 1, 1984.The station has five studios, two of which are 1,000 sq. m and 400 sq...
and Haikou TV
Haikou Television
Haikou Television is a television and radio station in Hainan, China. It broadcast three television channels, and 3 radio channels.The station broadcasts a total of 11,000 hours annually, producing approximately 49 television programs...
. The Chinese language Nanguo Metropolis Daily
Nanguo Metropolis Daily
The Nanguo Metropolis Daily is a daily Chinese language newspaper published in Hainan Province, People's Republic of China by the Hainan Daily Press Group ....
and Hainan Daily
Hainan Daily
The Hainan Daily is a daily Chinese language newspaper published in Hainan Province, People's Republic of China. Originally the organ of the Provincial Committee of the Communist Party of China , it was established on May 7, 1950...
newspapers are published in Haikou.
Cuisine
Hainan cuisine is said to be "lighter, with mild seasonings." A lot of local taste is mixed with the Han Chinese taste. Seafood predominates the menu, as shrimp, crab, fish and other sea life are widely available.Wenchang Chicken
Wenchang Chicken
Wenchang chicken , is a type of chicken and a chicken dish from the Wenchang city area in Hainan, China.-Chicken:This variety of small, fleshy free-range chicken is fed coconut and peanut bran. During the last two months before going to market, they are kept in coops above the ground.-Dish:Wenchang...
is a dish known throughout the province of Hainan. Although there are many varieties of this dish, the name is usually used to define a type of small, free-range chicken from Wenchang
Wenchang
Wenchang is a county-level city located in the north east of Hainan province, China. It was promoted from a county to a city on November 7, 1995, and had a population of 86,551 in 1999...
city, located on the east coast of the province. As opposed to battery
Battery cage
In poultry farming, battery cages are an industrial agricultural confinement system used primarily for egg-laying hens...
chickens, its meat has more texture and is somewhat drier.
Hainan chicken rice
Hainanese chicken rice
Hainanese chicken rice is a dish of Chinese origin most commonly associated with Hainanese and Singaporean cuisine, although it is also commonly sold in neighbouring Thailand and Malaysia...
is a famous dish in Southeast Asia bearing the region's name. However, whilst many restaurants use chicken fat to quickly add flavour to the dish, the proper local method is to 'marinate' the rice with chicken soup to add a more full flavour.
Seafood is of course a favorite in Hainan. Many places and a wide range of variety. However in the last year pollution put a toll on the quality. The best seafood can be found north of Sanya, Xiangshui Wan is reputed to provide some of the best.
Tourism
As Hainan Island is not heavily industrialised, its greenery, together with its beautiful beaches and clean air, make it a popular tourist attraction. In 2000, the province initiated a visa-upon-arrival policy for foreign tourist groups. It is available to citizens of twenty-six different countries, and was established in order to attract visitors.Hainan Island is often divided into eight regions for tourism purposes: Haikou and area (Haikou, Qiongshan, Ding'an
Ding'an County
Ding'an County is an administrative district in Hainan, the People's Republic of China. It is one of 4 counties of Hainan. In 1999 its population was 304,522 people. The town of Ding 'an is located within the county.-References:...
); the Northeast (Wenchang
Wenchang
Wenchang is a county-level city located in the north east of Hainan province, China. It was promoted from a county to a city on November 7, 1995, and had a population of 86,551 in 1999...
); the Central East Coast (Qionghai, Ding'an); the South East Coast; the South (Sanya); the West Coast also called the Chinese Riviera
Chinese Riviera
The Chinese Riviera is located in China's Southern Guangdong Province in the city of Zhuhai. Although Chinese Riviera refers to Zhuhai's coastal region, it takes its name from one of China's largest residential developments, The Riviera, which is located in Doumen District.This appellation is also...
(Ledong, Dongfang, Xianghsui, Changjiang); the North West (Danzhou
Danzhou
Danzhou is a city in the northwest of the Chinese island province of Hainan. It is a County-level city administered directly by the province.- See also :* Administrative divisions of the People's Republic of China...
, Lingao, Chengmai); and the Central Highlands (Baisha, Qiongzhong, and Wuzhishan/Tongzha).
Yachting
To encourage the international yachting community, new regulations now allow foreign yachts to stay for a total of 183 days each year, with a maximum single stay duration of 30 days. 13 additional ports will be built around the island to accommodate this market.Historical sites
Haikou is the province's capital and contains interesting historic sites. Also known as Coconut City, Haikou is a major port. The Five Officials Temple consists of five traditional temples and halls that were built in honour of five officials of the Tang (618-907) and Song (960-1279) dynasties. These officials were banished to Hainan for periods ranging from 11 days to 11 years for speaking out against what they felt were wrong practices by the Emperors. (It is perhaps significant that the establishment of the Five Officials Temple in the late 19th century coincides with a time when China's territorial integrity was under threat, and that several of the officials honoured here were exiled for espousing aggressive policies on the recapture of the north of China from the JurchensJurchens
The Jurchens were a Tungusic people who inhabited the region of Manchuria until the 17th century, when they adopted the name Manchu...
during the Southern Song dynasty
Song Dynasty
The Song Dynasty was a ruling dynasty in China between 960 and 1279; it succeeded the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period, and was followed by the Yuan Dynasty. It was the first government in world history to issue banknotes or paper money, and the first Chinese government to establish a...
.)
Xiuying Fort Barbette was built in 1891 to defend the southeastern corner of China during the Sino-French War
Sino-French War
The Sino–French War was a limited conflict fought between August 1884 and April 1885 to decide whether France should replace China in control of Tonkin . As the French achieved their war aims, they are usually considered to have won the war...
. The Xiuying Fort Barbette covers about a third of an acre. Its five large cannons are still intact and viewable at the site.
The Tomb of Hai Rui is a key national cultural protection site. Hai Rui
Hai Rui
Hai Rui was a famous Chinese official of the Ming Dynasty. His name has come down in history as a model of honesty and integrity in office and he reemerged as an important historical character during the Cultural Revolution.-Biography:Hai Rui, whose great-grandfather married an Arab and...
was a compassionate and popular official of Hainanese origins who lived during the Ming Dynasty. He was famous for his lifelong honesty and his willingness to speak out on behalf of local people. In later life, Hai Rui was persecuted and fell out of favour with the emperor. His admirers built the Hai Rui Tomb after his death to commemorate his great works. Construction of the tomb began in 1589.
The Yangpu Ancient Salt Field
Yangpu Ancient Salt Field
The Yangpu Ancient Salt Field is an archeological heritage site in Yantian village, on Yangpu Peninsula, Hainan, China. The area comprises more than 1,000 stones, cut flat on top, used to evaporate seawater to produce salt. The stones have a thin rim around the edge to contain the water. During...
is a heritage site in Yantian village on Yangpu Peninsula
Yangpu Peninsula
The Yangpu Peninsula is located in northwestern Hainan Island, the southernmost province of China. It has a 110-kilometer coastline containing many natural harbours. An expressway connects the peninsula to Haikou city, the capital of the province, to the east....
. The area comprises more than 1,000 stones, cut flat on top, used to dry seawater to produce salt.
Other attractions and destinations
Hainan Island has a number of beaches, hot springs and other attractions. Some top scenic sites include Yalong bay National Resort; Dadonghai Tourist Resort; Qizhi Shan (Seven Finger Mountain), Nuilin mountain tropical botanical reserve in Lingshui county, Guantang Hot Spring Resort, Shishan Volcanic Garden; the Wanquan RiverWanquan River
Wanquan River is the third longest river in Hainan Island, and is 162 km long. It rises in the Five-Finger Mountain, and flows generally northeast turbulently in a narrow route through mountainous regions. About half way downstream, it enters Qionghai...
, Baishi Ridge Scenic Zone and Baihua Ridge.
Other attractions in Hainan include:
- Phoenix IslandPhoenix IslandPhoenix Island , dubbed the Oriental Dubai, is an artificial archipelago forming an island resort currently under construction in Sanya, Hainan, China.The island is located in Sanya Bay, and is long by wide and covers a total area of...
, an artificial archipelago currently under construction in Sanya BaySanya BaySanya Bay is one of the five major bays in Sanya, Hainan, China. It has a 22km beach. The climate is warm and sunny all year around.The man-made resort Phoenix Island is currently under construction in the bay.-External links: , Xinhuanet....
. - Monkey IslandMonkey Island, HainanNanwan Monkey Island is located in Lingshui county on the south coast of Hainan island, the southernmost province of China. The island is a state-protected nature reserve for macaque monkeys....
, near the well-known perfume bay or Xiangshui Wan, a popular tourist destination located in LingshuiLingshui Li Autonomous CountyLingshui Li Autonomous County is an autonomous county in Hainan, the People's Republic of China. It is one of 6 autonomous counties of Hainan. Its postal code is 572400, and in 1999 its population was 318,691 people, largely made up of the Li people. Notably the beautiful Nuiling mountain...
County, is a state-protected nature reserve for macaques. - Yalong Bay (Crescent Dragon Bay or Yalong Wan), a 7 kilometres (4.3 mi) long beach east of Sanya City.
- Xiangshui Bay Scenic Area, 48 kilometres (29.8 mi) from Sanya Tiandu.
- Luobi CaveLuobi CaveLuobi Cave is a karst cave under the west face of Yin Ridge located north east of Lizhigou Town , from Sanya City, Hainan Province, People's Republic of China.-Features:The entrance to the cave is approximately high and wide...
, 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) north of Sanya City. - Nanshan TempleNanshan Temple (Sanya)Nanshan Temple is a Buddhist temple located in Sanya, Hainan province, People's Republic China. The temple's name originates from a popular Buddhist expression. .- History :...
, a Buddhist cultural area west of Sanya featuring a 108 metres (354.3 ft) Statue of Guanyin, Buddist Goddess of Mercy.
Statistics
20.6 million tourists visited Hainan in 2008, producing total revenues of 19.23 billion yuan (US$2.81 billion). Of these tourists, 979,300 were from overseas with the largest numbers coming from ROK, Russia and Japan.During 2010, the amount of overnight tourists visiting Hainan was 25.87 million, 663,000 of which came from outside China.
Events
Numerous events are hosted or sponsored on the island, including:- Miss WorldMiss WorldThe Miss World pageant is the oldest surviving major international beauty pageant. It was created in the United Kingdom by Eric Morley in 1951...
beauty pageant is regularly held in the city of Sanya. - Mission Hills Star TrophyMission Hills Star TrophyThe Mission Hills Star Trophy is an annual, pro-celebrity golf tournament held in Hainan, China.It has the largest individual prize purse of any golf tournament in Asia Pacific.-2010 inaugural tournament:...
is an annual golf tournament that started in 2010. - Tour of HainanTour of HainanThe Tour of Hainan is a UCI stage bicycle race held on the island Hainan in China. The first race was held in 2006. The race consists of nine stages and it's part of the UCI Asia Tour. Since 2007 the Tour of Hainan is a UCI 2.1 race....
bicycle race - Hainan Rendez-Vous, an annual four-day event that draws China's ultra high net worth individuals to the Chinese RivieraChinese RivieraThe Chinese Riviera is located in China's Southern Guangdong Province in the city of Zhuhai. Although Chinese Riviera refers to Zhuhai's coastal region, it takes its name from one of China's largest residential developments, The Riviera, which is located in Doumen District.This appellation is also...
-like shores of Hainan - IronmanIronman TriathlonAn Ironman Triathlon is one of a series of long-distance triathlon races organized by the World Triathlon Corporation consisting of a swim, a bike and a marathon run, raced in that order and without a break...
triathlon - Boao Forum for AsiaBoao Forum for AsiaThe Boao Forum for Asia , abbreviated to BFA, is a non-profit organisation that hosts high-level forums for leaders from government, business and academia in Asia and other continents to share their vision on the most pressing issues in this dynamic region and the world at large. BFA is modelled...
, held in BoaoBoaoBoao is a town located next to the eastern coastal city of Qionghai in Hainan Province, People's Republic of China, near the mouth of the Wanquan River where it discharges into the South China Sea. The town is away from Qionghai, away from Haikou and away from Sanya...
, is an international high-level government, business, and academia forum. - H1 Hot Air Balloon Challenge is held annually in Haikou. Balloons from across the nation fly over the Qiongzhou Strait from Haikou to a designated location on the mainland in Xunwen County, Guangdong.
Miscellaneous topics
- Hainan is a sister province of Jeju-doJeju-doJeju-do is the only special autonomous province of South Korea, situated on and coterminous with the country's largest island. Jeju-do lies in the Korea Strait, southwest of Jeollanam-do Province, of which it was a part before it became a separate province in 1946...
island-province of South KoreaSouth KoreaThe Republic of Korea , , is a sovereign state in East Asia, located on the southern portion of the Korean Peninsula. It is neighbored by the People's Republic of China to the west, Japan to the east, North Korea to the north, and the East China Sea and Republic of China to the south...
and of the Canadian island-province of Prince Edward IslandPrince Edward IslandPrince Edward Island is a Canadian province consisting of an island of the same name, as well as other islands. The maritime province is the smallest in the nation in both land area and population...
. - The novel, Red Detachment of Women, by Liang Xin, was set in Hainan. The novel was first adapted to a feature film in the 1950s, and then a ballet in the 1960s as one of the Eight model plays. Most of the people of that time derived their romanticized image of Hainan Island from the scenes in the ballet, particularly that of the vivid forests of coconut trees, the Five Finger Mountain (Wuzhi ShanWuzhi ShanWuzhi Mountain is the highest mountain in Hainan, towering 1,840 m above the center of the island. The surrounding areas of Wuzhi Mountain are inhabited mainly by the Li ethnic group. It is located beside Wuzhishan City....
), and the Wanquan RiverWanquan RiverWanquan River is the third longest river in Hainan Island, and is 162 km long. It rises in the Five-Finger Mountain, and flows generally northeast turbulently in a narrow route through mountainous regions. About half way downstream, it enters Qionghai...
. - One of the satellite launch centers of China is located in Hainan near the city of WenchangWenchangWenchang is a county-level city located in the north east of Hainan province, China. It was promoted from a county to a city on November 7, 1995, and had a population of 86,551 in 1999...
. It is called Wenchang Satellite Launch CenterWenchang Satellite Launch CenterWenchang Satellite Launch Center , located near Wenchang on the north-east coast of Hainan Island, is a former sub-orbital test center currently under upgrade. It is the fourth and southernmost space vehicle launch facility of the People's Republic of China...
. It is the closest Chinese launch center to the equator. - Parts of the 2010 movie If you are the One 2 (非诚勿扰 2) were shot in Shimei Bay (石梅湾) near Sanya.
- Two notable lighthouses are located on Hainan: the Baishamen Lighthouse and Mulantou Lighthouse are among the tallest in the world, the latter being the tallest in China.
- 3024 Hainan3024 Hainan3024 Hainan is an outer main-belt asteroid discovered on October 23, 1981 by Purple Mountain Observatory at Nanking.- External links :*...
, named for the province, is an outer main-belt asteroidAsteroidAsteroids are a class of small Solar System bodies in orbit around the Sun. They have also been called planetoids, especially the larger ones...
discovered in 1981. - Hainan Kopi TalesHainan Kopi TalesHainan Kopi Tales 琼园咖啡香 is a Singaporean Chinese drama serial which aired in year 2000. The show starred Chew Chor Meng, Cynthia Koh, Florence Tan, Lin Meijiao, Chen Huihui, Li Wenhai and other Mediacorp artistes....
is an award-winning Singaporean Chinese drama serial set in a famous Hainan coffee shop that explores the Hainanese way of life from the 1960s to the 1980s.
Space centre
- Main article Wenchang Satellite Launch CenterWenchang Satellite Launch CenterWenchang Satellite Launch Center , located near Wenchang on the north-east coast of Hainan Island, is a former sub-orbital test center currently under upgrade. It is the fourth and southernmost space vehicle launch facility of the People's Republic of China...
.
China announced in October 2007 that it would build its fourth space launch centre, just a week after it fired off its first lunar orbiter. The new launch centre, to be built on the eastern island province of Hainan, is scheduled to start operating between 2014 and 2015. The location of the launch centre in Hainan, a low-latitude coastal region advantageous for orbital launches, will displace more than 6,000 residents that will be relocated to make way for the space centre, which will occupy 1200 hectares (2,965.3 acre).
The site will be mainly used for launching various kinds of satellites and large space stations. The plan has been approved by the government. A 407 hectares (1,005.7 acre) space themed park will also be constructed near the new launch centre.
Notable residents
The poet Su ShiSu Shi
Su Shi , was a writer, poet, artist, calligrapher, pharmacologist, gastronome, and statesman of the Song Dynasty, and one of the major poets of the Song era. His courtesy name was Zizhan and his pseudonym was Dongpo Jushi , and he is often referred to as Su Dongpo...
(1036–1101) popularized Hainan's isolation and exoticism when he was exiled there under the Song dynasty
Song Dynasty
The Song Dynasty was a ruling dynasty in China between 960 and 1279; it succeeded the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period, and was followed by the Yuan Dynasty. It was the first government in world history to issue banknotes or paper money, and the first Chinese government to establish a...
. The Dongpo Academy
Dongpo Academy
The Dongpo Academy or Dongpo Academy of Classical Learning , was an academy located in Hainan, China. It was originally built in 1098 in memory of the Song dynasty literary figure, Su Dongpo, who was exiled here....
was built on the site of the residence where he lived in exile.
Hai Rui
Hai Rui
Hai Rui was a famous Chinese official of the Ming Dynasty. His name has come down in history as a model of honesty and integrity in office and he reemerged as an important historical character during the Cultural Revolution.-Biography:Hai Rui, whose great-grandfather married an Arab and...
(1514–1587) was a famous Chinese official of the Ming dynasty
Ming Dynasty
The Ming Dynasty, also Empire of the Great Ming, was the ruling dynasty of China from 1368 to 1644, following the collapse of the Mongol-led Yuan Dynasty. The Ming, "one of the greatest eras of orderly government and social stability in human history", was the last dynasty in China ruled by ethnic...
. His name has come down in history as a model of honesty and integrity in office.
The most well-known native of Hainan is Chinese-American Methodist minister turned businessman, Charlie Soong
Charlie Soong
Charles Jones Soong , courtesy name Yaoru was a Chinese businessman who first achieved prominence as a missionary in Shanghai. He was a close friend of Sun Yat-Sen and a key player in the events that led to the Xinhai Revolution in 1911...
, father of the Shanghai
Shanghai
Shanghai is the largest city by population in China and the largest city proper in the world. It is one of the four province-level municipalities in the People's Republic of China, with a total population of over 23 million as of 2010...
-born Soong sisters
Soong sisters
The Soong Sisters were three Hakka Chinese women who were, along with their husbands, amongst China's most significant political figures of the early 20th century...
: Soong Ai-ling
Soong Ai-ling
Soong Ai-ling , or Eling Soong , eldest of the Soong sisters, was the wife of H. H. Kung , who was the richest man in the early 20th century Republic of China. The first character of her given name is written as 靄 in some texts...
, wife of H. H. Kung
H. H. Kung
K'ung Hsiang-hsi , often known as Dr. H. H. Kung, was a wealthy Chinese banker and politician in the early 20th century. He was highly influential in determining the economic policies of the KMT government in the 1930s and 1940s...
(once China's richest man); Soong Ching-ling
Soong Ching-ling
Soong Ching-ling , also known as Madame Sun Yat-sen, was one of the three Soong sisters—who, along with their husbands, were amongst China's most significant political figures of the early 20th century. She was the Vice Chairman of the People's Republic of China...
, wife of Sun Yat-Sen
Sun Yat-sen
Sun Yat-sen was a Chinese doctor, revolutionary and political leader. As the foremost pioneer of Nationalist China, Sun is frequently referred to as the "Father of the Nation" , a view agreed upon by both the People's Republic of China and the Republic of China...
; and Soong Mei-ling, wife of former ROC
Republic of China
The Republic of China , commonly known as Taiwan , is a unitary sovereign state located in East Asia. Originally based in mainland China, the Republic of China currently governs the island of Taiwan , which forms over 99% of its current territory, as well as Penghu, Kinmen, Matsu and other minor...
President Chiang Kai-shek
Chiang Kai-shek
Chiang Kai-shek was a political and military leader of 20th century China. He is known as Jiǎng Jièshí or Jiǎng Zhōngzhèng in Mandarin....
.
See also
- Hainan Island incidentHainan Island incidentOn April 1, 2001, a mid-air collision between a United States Navy EP-3E ARIES II signals intelligence aircraft and a People's Liberation Army Navy J-8II interceptor fighter jet resulted in an international dispute between the United States and the People's Republic of China called the Hainan...
Further reading
- D'Arcy Brown, Liam (2003). Green Dragon, Sombre Warrior: travels to China's extremes. London: John Murray. ISBN 0-7195-6038-1
External links
- Hainan Government Website
- Economic profile for Hainan at HKTDCHong Kong Trade Development CouncilThe Hong Kong Trade Development Council is the international marketing arm for Hong Kong-based manufacturers, traders and service providers. Established in 1966, it has more than 40 offices around the world, including 11 in the Chinese mainland, promoting Hong Kong as a platform for doing business...
- Dr Howard M Scott "Hainan"
- Resources on the Hainanese in the National Library of Singapore