Hainan Island

Hainan Island, has, in the past, mainly been a place for people from Hong Kong and mainland China to relax in a tropical setting. It seems that Chinese people view Hainan’s resorts the same way Americans view Florida’s: a place to escape the winter. Because it cannot compete with budget destinations like Thailand and The Philippines, Hainan leans towards being an upscale vacation spot.

Until recently, Hainan was underdeveloped. It was a place where political dissidents and officials who fell out of favor with the government were sent. However, its tropical environment has recently made it a tourist mecca. The Island’s designation as a special economic zone has also helped bring tourists. Businesses on the island are not subject to the same laws and regulations as companies in mainland china are. Other special economic zones are Hong Kong and Macau.

Because it has mainly been a destination for Chinese, English is not universally used. Most speakers of English tend to be younger, having learned English from school and movies. Nonetheless, the number of foreign visitors has skyrocketed in recent years. While Hong Kong and Shanghai remain the starting point for most visitors to Hainan, an increase in non-chinese visitors has brought hope to Hainan, and, some china-watchers think, brought about the governments desire to liberalize the islands economy and government.

Hainan, despite being heavily touristed, is a place of great natural beauty. Yalong Bay’s butterfly park is worth a visit, especially for those interested in rare species of butterfly. Of course, Yalong Bay is the site of one of the most popular beaches on Hainan.

Inland, Qizhi Mountain provides a venue for a scenic hike. The Wanquan River tumbles down from the mountain through narrow gorges and past lush foliage. Getting to this area takes a little savvy traveling. Getting there required bussing to Baocheng village then further, to the town of Ba Cun. Though tourists are usually seduced into remaining on the idyllic beaches, inland Hainan is the stuff of storybook and well worth the effort to visit.

For the truly adventurous, getting inland to visit the Hmong and Li tribes who inhabit the islands mountainous interior is a recommendation. A guide will be required for this type of excursion, but it is the ultimate cultural experience the island has to offer.

Historical sites on the island included Hairui Tomb, which houses the remains of a famous Hainanese hero. Perhaps more interesting is the temple of the five officials in Haikou, the region’s capital. This complex commemorates those officials who were banished from China’s mainland for their dissenting views of the country’s leadership. The city of Haikou itself is a busy port, and worth wandering around.

Hainan is known as a resort destination, but there is much more for those willing to get off the beautiful and tranquil beaches.