History in Hainan island

Hainan Island is the second largest island that is part of China but it is the smallest province of China. It has a rich history and there is evidence of people inhabiting the island 6000 years ago.

Early Inhabitants

Li people are the native inhabitants of the island and evidence of them inhabiting the island can be seen from 3000 years ago. The Li originate from Yue Chinese tribes who settled on the island. However, the first written record is only evident in the Han Dynasty which was in 110 B.C. During this time a military garrison was formed on the island and military men moved from mainland China. Exiled officials were also forced to move to the island due to its remote location. Very few other people settled there during this time and the population grew slowly as the island gained a reputation for being a place for exiles.

Song Dynasty

During the Song Dynasty Hainan was part of Guangxi Province and Han Chinese people started settling on the island. During the Yuan Dynasty which was from A.D. 1206 to 1368, the island gained independence as a province. The Ming Dynasty saw Hainan as part of the Guangdang Province. During this era more immigrants moved to Hainin displacing the Li people. In the 18th century the Li people rebelled against the government but they were defeated by Miao mercenaries. Miao descendants are still present on the island today. Independence was gained again in 1912 and then lost in 1921.

Era of Communism

Communism was rife in Hainan during the 1920s and 1930s and many communists were driven out of China and forced into exile. During the period from 1939 to 1947 the Li and Communists fought against the Japanese and a significant amount of the population was killed by the Japanese.

In 1945 the Nationalist Party came into control of the area. In 1950 the Chinese communist party took over the island. However, Hainan was one of the last areas to come under their control. The communists tried to develop the island but the environmental conditions hindered their developments. In 1988 the island was declared a province with Haikou as the capital. Since then the government has made an effort to promote and develop the economy in Hainan. Agriculture, fishing and tourism form significant parts of the economy. The island is now popular among international and Chinese tourists.

Historical Sites

There are many historical sites to visit and ancient cities are places of interest to tourists. Gusong village in Wenchang is worth a trip for visitors as it unspoiled by development and tourists. The memorial for the Five Officials is a historical site as it was erected for officials who were exiled during the Song Dynasty. Hairui Park and Volcanic Crater Park are other attractions to visit.