Hainan Island is the second largest island that is part of China and is notable for its natural beauty. It is also known as China's Hawaii. It is situated in the south of China and stretches across 35, 000 square kilometers.

Climate

Hainan Island has a tropical climate. The east part of the island experiences typhoons which can cause flooding. The yearly rainfall is 1500 to 2000 mm and most of this is accounted for by typhoons. The rainy season is from May to October and the rest of the year has pleasant temperatures. The best time to visit is between November and March.

Economy

The main contribution to the economy is agriculture as the island has an abundance of resources. Rice, coconuts, tropical fruits, tea and sugarcane are part of the agricultural trade. There is limited industrial development on the island and very few factories. Tourism makes a significant contribution to the economy. Fishing forms another source of income for locals.

Transport

The Haikou Meilan International Airport is on the island, making it possible to reach the island by plane from both China and international areas. The island also has a road system which has been improved and extended in recent years. The railroad ferry link provides a connection between the islands rail system and mainland. There is an extensive bus system to get around Hainan.

Culture

Hainan is influenced by Chinese culture. Originally it was a place for people who were exiled from mainland China. At a later stage people were sent to work on farms in Hainan to help develop the economy of the area. As the economy grew people moved Hainan to take advantage of job opportunities.

Education

Education facilities and standards have been improving but tertiary education facilities are lacking.

Population

The population is 7.11 million. The majority of the population is Han Chinese who make up 84 percent of the people living on the island. The Li make up 14.7 percent, the Miao 0.7 percent and the Zhuang 0.6 percent while the rest is made up of minority groups.

Religion

Buddhismis the religion followed by the majority of the population while there is a significant number of Muslims. Hainan has been a passing point for missionaries and there are, therefore, people on the island who follow the Christian faith.

Languages

The main languages are: Chinese, Hainanese, Putonghua, Cantonese and Mandarin.

Food

Food is similar to Chinese food but there are regional differences and the food is less spicy. Seafood is prominent on menus. Hainan chicken rice is a local specialty.

Safety

Be cautious of water sports as regulations are lenient and staff training, as well as equipment, can be inadequate. The area is relatively safe from crime and there are no major safety precautions that need to be noted.

Capital

Haikou City is the capital of Hainan Island.