Editor's note:

Although China’s southernmost province of Hainan is also the country’s youngest, the past decade has seen a continuous deepening of the process of reform and opening up. As the province has been growing into its role as a Free Trade Port with Chinese characteristics, it has become a microcosm of China's development story and the indelible proof that the country is "opening ever wider the door to the outside world." As the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) gets underway, Hainan International Media Center (HIMC) continues to bring you the Ten Years on in Hainan: An Expat Perspective video series. Presenting China's development achievements and the construction process of the Hainan Free Trade Port with "fresh eyes", this series features several long-term foreign residents of Hainan sharing what they see, think, and feel concerning both Hainan and greater China. Although the guests on this program hail from different countries and work in different industries, one thing they have in common is they have spent years witnessing Hainan change and grow. What special ties do they have with China and Hainan? What do they make of China's development achievements and future plans? What are their views on the blueprint for the construction of the Hainan Free Trade Port? Starting on September 28, the Ten Years on in Hainan: An Expat Perspective program will share with you these expats’ unique stories and perspectives.

(Photo / HIMC)

On January 30, 2007, Iain—a Welshman—visited Hainan for the first time. Before coming here, he had spent some time living in Suzhou and Shanghai. However, the cool, damp climate made him very uncomfortable. He yearned for sunshine and the warmth of the tropics. Although he had never heard of China's tropical island province, he decided to depart the megacity of Shanghai for greener pastures at the far southern end of the country. After taking a job with one of the hotels in Sanya's Yalong Bay, he quickly forged an indissoluble bond with Hainan.

(Provided by Iain)

Living in Sanya over the past 15 years, Iain has witnessed Hainan usher in two major development opportunities: "building an international tourist island" and "constructing a free trade port with Chinese characteristics." Whether it is the island's cities or the countryside, everywhere he looks has undergone massive transformations. Now working as a TV host, Iain regularly goes on junkets and work trips to every corner of the province. When speaking about the changes which have taken place - from rural revitalization to infrastructure construction - Iain is a treasure trove of information.

(Provided by Iain)

Iain is still trying to figure out how to introduce Hainan—a place he has long regarded as his "second hometown”—to the world. Hoping to show the development that has taken place, he regularly uploads videos about his life in China and Hainan on his personal YouTube channel. He says since the people of Hainan accepted him with open hearts, he ought to reciprocate and do what he can in return.