Different from other provinces, Hainan is the second largest ocean island and the smallest land province in China. Although scenery in Hainan lacks the grandness of the Great Wall and the mystery of the Terra-Cotta Warriors, its natural beauty has gained a good reputation among the visitors and has been widely known around the world. People call it "the Oriental Hawaii".
Hainan is located at south end of China, and occupies an area of 35,000 square kilometers (13,510 square miles). Its administrative regions are Hainan Island, Xisha archipelago, Zhongsha archipelago and Nansha archipelago. Its neighboring countries are Philippines towards the east, Malaysia and Brunei towards the south, Indonesia (Natuna Islands) towards the southwest, and Vietnam towards the west. The surrounding sea area totals 2,000,000 square kilometers (772,000 square miles). Due to the mild climate and favorable environment, Hainan is regarded as a long life island. The young often travel to Hainan seeking a return to nature and the old would rather live there to enjoy their lives. Hainan now has a population of 7.11 million, among which about one million are ethnic minorities.
Ethnic Minority Groups
Hainan is a multinational region, and there the ethnic villages of Li and Miao are very typical. The hospitable villagers will treat you to traditional food as well as wonderful singing and dancing performances. So the Li and Miao Villages are well worth a visit in Hainan. Nowadays, Hainan cuisine is very popular all over the world, especially the fresh and delicious seafood. Furthermore, Hainan is famous for their beautiful handicrafts, like shell carvings. 
Hainan flavor
The capital of Hainan is Haikou City. Located in northern part of the island, it is the political, economic, cultural and transportation center of the whole province. In Hainan, the cities Haikou and Sanya are where most tourists congregate.
When to Go
Hainan is an ideal place for you to be away from the cold winter. In January and February, the average temperature is 16
C to 24C, and 25C to 29C is in July and August. The rainy seasons are from May to October. The best time to visit Hainan is between November and March the next year. I suggest those who are fond of swimming had better come to Hainan. It's an excellent swimming and bathing place all the year around, and far away from the crowded cities, it is your best choice for relaxation and entertainment.
What to See
Sanya is famous for its tropical beach landscapes. Tianya Haijiao and Dadonghai are two well known beaches. Just imagine that you are lying on the soft beach under beautiful sunshine or that you are walking through the coconut plantation under the blue sky. How wonderful everything is! Historical heritages such as Hairui Tomb (Hairui (1514 - 1587) who was a compassionate and popular officer during the Ming Dynasty) and Wugong Temple (Fiver Officials' Temple) in Haikou are also worth a visit.
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Recommended Hainan Tour:Hainan Road Cycling Race Route
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Q & A on Hainan Province
1.
Feb. 8,2010 03:15 Reply
Mr.Naeem Khan(Pakistan) said:
What a nice and beautiful place Hainan is. Wah Tracy Wu, you are verey luck,
CHEERS
2.
Mar. 16,2009 15:57 Reply
Mr.X Hinh(USA) said:
Can some body tell me, how to find my ancestor in Hainam.... My father come frome there, but I do not any thing about the island. I'm need help to find the Hinh families in this island... thanks.
Mar. 18,2009 02:53
Ms.June(Malaysia) replied:
Hi Mr Xhinh
I am interested to offer my help in tracing your root in China.
First of all, I need your surname in Chinese... is it
邢 ? Most (if not all) of those Chinese bearing this surname orignated from Hainan Island.
Next find out as much info as possible from your father or relatives about their village in China. Let me have your email address so that I can communicate with you offline on the next step of tracing
Mar. 18,2009 03:45
Ms.Joe(Malaysia) replied:
Dear Mr.X Hinh,
May I know how can I help you? Do you know your surname in Chinese? Did your father tell you anything about his story in Hainan? I know a place called "WenChang City" (Chinese: 文昌) where most of my father's migrated friends are from. Maybe you can check from here or do you still have any relatives in Hainan?
I haven't been there before but it is not far away from HAIKOU. It's not a place that the normal Hainan tour will cover.
I hope the above info will help.
P/S: WENCHANG , a decent-sized county town 70km southeast of Haikou, is known to the Chinese as the birthplace of the sisters Song Qingling and Song Meiling , respective wives to Sun Yatsen and Chiang Kaishek.
Cheers,
Joe
Feb. 3,2010 22:52
Ms.Marina Burn(Canada) replied:
Hello Mr. Hinh,
Your Surnmae sounds like Heng. In the city of WenChang next to the Confucian Temple is the Heng Family Ancenstral Temple. Go there the caretake or anyone from the temple could trace you to your ancestral village. WenCheng is a small town and everyone is very friendly and would gladly help you. There is a problem here do you speak hainanese it would be easier, but the younger locals could speaks English fluently. I was there in 2003. 2007, and 2008 what is how I found my ancestor village. Look luck
Marina Burn
3.
Jan. 30,2010 19:36 Reply
Ms.Vickie Gracie(China) said:
Hi,
I'm a TESOL teacher from Australia teaching in the Guangdong province, one of my students mentioned Hainan Island to me and here I am looking it up...it's beautiful! My query is whether you can direct me to any websites to apply for teaching positions in this part of China? Thank you..
Feb. 1,2010 07:40
Ms.Rebecca(China) replied:
Friend,may try this school:
http://yudafla.com/en/jobopp.html
All the best!
4.
Jan. 18,2010 08:57 Reply
Mr.Louis(Taiwan) said:
Hi, I'm going to retire in the middle of this year and want to stay in Hainam. I like to play golf, swimming and biking. Would Haihao or Sanya to be an ideal place? What will be the rent for hiring a house or the price of buying for about 200 square metres?
Thanks n best regards
Louis
Jan. 18,2010 22:30
Mr.Jamie replied:
I prefer Sanya which is much more comfortable than Haikou. Well, if you just would like to stay for a while, you could hire a house. The rental varies greatly in terms of location. If you would like to purchase one, the current price is about CNY10,000 to CNY20,000/square meters.
Jan. 24,2010 13:30
Mrs.elizabeth(China) replied:
Boao has two completed golf courses and one being built. Qionghai or Boao are the best communities for retirement
5.
Jan. 18,2010 18:17 Reply
Mrs.Paula(Malaysia) said:
Hello,
We are planning to visit Hainan Island. Need a truthfull information on the followings, please:-
1. I love to go around and specially shop for street food unfortunately, I don't speak any chinese language, so my question, do people speak english in Haikou and Sanya city?
2. Can I get a guide personal from a hotel or an agent office in Haikou or Sanya city? Do you have the address of this sort of agent and any idea how much their will charge me?
3. Would you recommend a place to stay for a family group of 10 to 13 person, (woman and men), any apartment in a city center, reasonable, clean and easy access to food, supermarket and transportation etc.
Thanking you in advance.
Jan. 18,2010 22:35
Mr.Jamie replied:
1. seldom locals and drivers could speak English.
2. I think you could ask your hotel to recommend you a guide for day tours.
3. there are some family hostels in Sanya, you could search one easily online. Well, two apartments are needed for you~