Hainan

Map

Key data

Items shown in Chinese are kept from the original Chinese source; no English name is available yet.

Highlights

Introduction

• Tropical beaches of Sanya and year-round warm weather.

History

• Hainan was called Qiongya in ancient times. In the Han Dynasty, the two commanderies of Zhuya and Dan'er were established, bringing the island into the territory of the central dynasty, and from then on its ties with the Central Plains grew steadily closer. During the Tang and Song dynasties, Hainan was a place of exile for officials; Su Dongpo was banished to Danzhou, where he left behind many poems and writings that sowed the seeds of local education and culture. In the Ming Dynasty, Hai Rui, an official from Qiongzhou, was known to later generations for his integrity and uprightness. In modern times, large numbers of overseas Chinese left Hainan for Southeast Asia, forming a distinctive culture of overseas Chinese hometowns. In 1988 Hainan became a province and established an economic special zone; since then the round-island high-speed rail has been completed, and the ends of the earth are no longer far away.

Culture

• Hainan's culture is diverse and inclusive, with local dialects such as Hainanese, Li, and Lingao in common use. The Li people are among Hainan's earliest indigenous groups, and Li brocade weaving is a national-level intangible cultural heritage, featuring exquisite and distinctive patterns; the Miao, Hui, and other ethnic groups likewise preserve their own traditions. Hainan dishes such as Wenchang chicken and Jiaji duck are fresh and light, and the laoba tea culture is relaxed and leisurely. Qiong opera has melodious vocals, while coconut carvings and shell crafts are distinctly local. During festivals, folk activities such as the Li Sanyuesan and Junpo Festival are held lively, showcasing the island people's warmth and vitality.

Science & Technology

• Hainan's higher education and research systems are continuously improving, with universities such as Hainan University providing talent support for development. The province has unique advantages in deep-space and deep-sea research: the Wenchang Space Launch Site undertakes major space launch missions, and Yazhou Bay in Sanya is building the Nanfan Silicon Valley to advance seed industry innovation. Marine research institutions focus on deep-sea exploration and marine engineering, while tropical agricultural technology supports industries such as rubber and coconut. The Bo'ao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone explores the application of advanced medical technologies, and innovation platforms continue to cluster.

Economy

• In 2025, Hainan's GDP reached 810.885 billion yuan, with the economy led by tourism, modern services, high-tech industries, and tropical high-efficiency agriculture. The building of an international tourism and consumption center has yielded notable results, with resorts and shopping in Sanya, Haikou, and other places attracting large numbers of visitors. Agriculture features tropical fruit, rubber, and the Nanfan seed industry, while ports such as Haikou and Yangpu offer convenient shipping. As free trade port policy benefits are gradually released, the island economy continues to gain new momentum.