Hainan : the pearl of South China Sea

Hainan is in the Southern part of China and its second largest island.  The island falls between Tropical and Sub-tropical zones in the South China Sea.  In recent years, Hainan is being developed into a world-class resort island with plenty of sunshine and beautiful beaches.

(Hainan as Hawaii of China) 

Hainan was formed by volcanic activities million years ago with high mountains in the center and lowlands along its seashores.  It have abundant of hot springs which add attraction to many resorts in the island. The aboriginals of Hainan, known as Li people, have lived in the island for more than three thousand years.  Immigrants from Mainland settled in the lowlands and gradually out-numbered the aboriginals.

(Status of aborigine, Li, legend)  

 

(Tropical forest in the central part of island)

Tourists from Russian was first attacked to Hainan by its tropical weather and beautiful beaches even before China opened its door to the West.  In the past ten years, many Western resort hotels and golf clubs were developed in the island.  Two international airports, in Haikou in the North and Saniya in the South, provide direct flights to many cities in China and overseas.



(Golf club built on top of volcanic land)

(Thai-style resort)

(Coconut trees around the swimming pool)

(Expansive apartment building near the cruise terminal)

South China Sea is rich in oceanic resources.  It is strategically important to the ocean-going trade routes.  This draws tension between China and its neighboring states in the recent years.  The South China Navy is stationed in Saniya in the South.  You can easily see some of the marine boats nearby.

(Chinese navy ship)