Overview
Hainan is China's southernmost province, a tropical island in the South China Sea famous for beaches, rainforests and the resort city of Sanya.
Province
Hainan
海南省 · Capital: 海口
Map & Prefectures
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Prefecture-level cities
Haikou海口Sanya三亚Sansha三沙Danzhou儋州Wuzhishan五指山Qionghai琼海Wenchang文昌Wanning万宁Dongfang东方Chengmai澄迈Baoting保亭Qiongzhong琼中Baisha白沙Lingshui陵水Ding'an定安Tunchang屯昌Changjiang昌江Ledong乐东
Read articles about Hainan → About Hainan
Geography
A volcanic island with a central mountain range, Hainan has a tropical monsoon climate, coral reefs and some of China's best-preserved rainforests and coastlines.
History
Historically a place of exile and a naval frontier, Hainan became a province only in 1988 and was designated China's largest free-trade port in 2018.
Culture
Hainan is home to the Li and Miao minorities, with distinctive weaving, brocade and boat-dwelling traditions, alongside a laid-back island lifestyle.
Cuisine
Hainan cuisine highlights the famous Wenchang chicken, coconut-flavored dishes, seafood and the Hainanese chicken rice beloved across Southeast Asia.
Highlights
Highlights: the beaches of Sanya, the rainforests of Jianfengling, and the hot springs and duty-free shopping of Haikou.