Hainan Province is the southernmost as well as the largest island province in China. Hainan boasts a unique geographical environment – it is bounded by the Qiongzhou Strait in the north and the Beibu Gulf in the west, and lies just across a short stretch of sea from many Southeast Asian countries. Hainan has a pleasant climate, an excellent natural environment, and beautiful scenery, giving it the nickname ‘The Pearl of the South China Sea’. The island's unique culture is a fascinating mixture of local minority customs as well as those brought back to Hainan by overseas Chinese on their travels throughout the region over the last several centuries.

Let's discover what makes Hainan such an incredible place together!

1. Hainan's cultural quilt of many colors

Hainan was established as a province in 1988, but don't be fooled! The island's history and rich cultural heritage stretch back much farther. Hainan's cultural quilt proudly features brightly woven fabrics from the Li and Miao ethinicities, Southeast Asia, seafaring fishing families, and much more, all of which is proudly passed from one generation to the next.

Southeast Asian Culture

Starting in the 1920s, more and more Hainanese who had ventured to Southeast Asia returned to invest in and build up their hometowns, creating a new architectural style incorporating elements from both the East and the West. The qilou-style buildings that still stand at the heart of many of Hainan's cities and towns bear testament to the strong influence of Southeast Asia on the island's culture.

Recommendations: Haikou's Historic Qilou Street, Puqian Town in Wenchang, and Yazhou in Sanya.

Li and Miao Culture

The Li and Miao people have both long lived on Hainan Island, and their traditional customs lie at the heart of the island's cultural blend.

The legends, songs, dances, clothing, architecture, and handicrafts of the Li and Miao people are all cultural treasures of Hainan Island. The Double Third Festival, which is celebrated on the third day of the third lunar month, is the most important traditional Li holiday, who perform elaborate ceremonies to honor their ancestors on this day. Li Brocade can be traced back over 3,000 years, and every colorful, hand-dyed thread in these intricately woven fabrics are imbued with the wisdom and strong work ethic of the Li people. Miao Embroidery is a traditional technique of the Miao people, with each hand-stitched pattern representing part of their ancient culture, history, stories, and daily lives. These are all now recognized as national intangible cultural heritage.

Recommendations: Betel Nut Valley in Baoting, Zhongliao Village in Sanya, and Yetian Ancient Village in Lingshui.

Ocean Culture

Hainan's fishing families, who have long relied on the sea for sustenance, were early pioneers of Hainan's ocean-faring culture. The South China Sea Route Book, which has been passed down through the generations, is a careful record of the hard-won experience and wisdom that they collected over thousands of years of exploring the South China Sea.

Recommendations: West Island in Sanya, Wuzhizhou Island in Sanya, and Tanmen Fishing Port in Qionghai.

2. Hainan's Breathtaking Landscapes

Hainan's many highlights include a coastline stretching over 1,800 kilometers, high mountains, and dense tropical rainforests. The gentle sea breezes and the vast ocean waters are all parts of Hainan's unique charm.

Tropical Rainforests

Hainan is a natural oxygen bar with plenty of bright sunshine, lofty mountains, and forests that cover over 50% of the island. The rainforest here are dense, with many towering ancient trees and rare tropical plants, such as the Nutmeg Plant (Jatropha curcas) which produces seeds with a high oil content, Traveler's Palm (Ravenala madagascariensis) which is so named because travelers can drink the water it holds, the Miracle Berry (Synsepalum dulcificum) which can change the way other foods eaten afterwards taste, poisonous Upas trees (Artiaris toxicaria), and more. They all have both scientific research and ornamental value.

Recommendations: The Hainan Tropical Botanical Gardens in Danzhou, Yanoda Rainforest Cultural Tourism Zone in Baoting, The Wuzhishan National Tropical Forest Park, and the Diaoluoshan National Forest Park.

Waves Crashing on the Shore

The sea breeze is blowing, the shadows of the palm fronds are swaying, and there is a strong romantic atmosphere floating on the breeze. Many couples come to Hainan to get married, relax on their honeymoons, celebrate their anniversaries, or just take a little time to make new, sweet memories together.

Recommendations: Coconut Dream Corridor, Tianya Haijiao, and Dongtian Park in Sanya.

Sunset Splendor

As the sun sets, the white-capped waves rush one after the other onto the sandy shores, and distant sails flutter on the horizon. There are many excellent spots to take in the ever-shifting colors, peace, and beauty of the sunset, but the beach is definitely one of the best.

Recommendations: Century Park in Haikou, the Coconut Dream Corridor in Sanya, and Mulan Bay in Wenchang.

3. Great Eats

Hainan is known for excellent, flavorful foods lovingly created by using the freshest natural ingredients found on the island. In local restaurants and night markets you can try all kinds of Hainan specialties such as Wenchang Chicken (known across the world as Hainan Chicken), tender, savory roast suckling pig, the many pastries and beverages of ‘Old Daddy's Tea’ - Hainan's version of dimsum, mackerel and other fresh catch of the day, the sweet dessert soup Qingbuliang, a refreshing drink from a locally picked coconut, and much, much more. Eat all the tropical fruit and seafood you want - there's always more to enjoy! Hainan's specialty food has so much to offer that foodies will think they've somehow discovered paradise.

Hainan's beauty is endless, but reading about it doesn't compare to seeing it in person, so make the most of your precious vacation time by seeing this unique Chinese province for yourself, tasting the flavors of the tropics as they dissolve on your tongue, immersing yourself in the local culture, and becoming part of the never-ending story of the island of Hainan.

Photos: Mang Chen Media