Hainan is the southernmost province of the People's Republic of China (PRC). It has an area of 33,920 square kilometers (13,100 sq mi), with Hainan Island making up 32,900 square kilometers (12,700 sq mi) (97%) and the rest divided among 200 islands scattered across three archipelagos. Since 1988, it was made the largest Special Economic Zone established by Deng Xiaoping as part of the Chinese economic reform.
There are a total of ten major cities and ten counties in Hainan Province. Haikou on the northern coast of Hainan Island is the capital while Sanya is a well-known tourist destination on the southern coast. The other major cities are Wenchang, Qionghai, Wanning, Wuzhishan, Dongfang, and Danzhou.
Haikou, known as the 'Coconut City', is the capital of Hainan Province, China's second
largest island. The city features beautiful sunshine, crystal water and soft sand. It is the
provincial administrative center of Hainan as well being the focus of the local economy,
culture and transportation. It stands at the northern end of Hainan Island, on the west bank
of the Nandu River estuary. This river is the longest on the island and the city's name
appropriately means 'Mouth of the Sea'.
Sanya is the most popular destination in Hainan, and for good reason. The natural beauty of
the area’s tropical beaches, rainforests, and parks can be a little overwhelming! Treat
yourself to a stay in one of the luxury 5 star resorts, eat the freshest seafood you’ve ever
had in your life, and step back in time in one of the local minority villages.
Individuals from 59 countries can visit the Hainan province for 30 days visa-free as long as they book their tour through travel agencies.
Countries benefiting from the policy include Russia, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Norway, Ukraine, Italy, Austria, Finland, Netherlands, Denmark, Switzerland, Sweden, Spain, Belgium, Czech Republic, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Ireland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania, the United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Kazakhstan, Philippines, Indonesia, Brunei, UAE, Qatar, Monaco, and Belarus.