Hainan: The “Hawaii of China” by 2020?

Hainan: The “Hawaii of China” by 2020?
Jan 04, 2014 By Seve Findlater , eChinacities.com

If you ask most expats in China what they know about Hainan, their knowledge is probably very limited. Ask someone outside of China and they might very well have difficulty placing the island on a map. But Hainan is so much more than just an island with beautiful beaches and great weather. It is part of an impressive government project to put the island on the international tourism radar—to make it the ‘Hawaii of the China’ and a rival to traditional tourist hotspots in the region like Thailand and Bali.


Source: 898.travel

Famed for generations for its isolation, with a reputation as a place of exiles and years of underdevelopment, it was not until the late 1970s when China flung open its doors to the world that Hainan really started its journey. Thirty years later, with the Chinese economy powering ahead, the government announced its plan to make Hainan an "international tourism destination" by 2020.

Visa rules

In fact, the government has already put in place a number of pilot schemes on the island to help achieve its goal. In 2000, the island introduced a visa-upon-arrival policy for international tourist groups (defined as at least five people) to stay in Hainan for a maximum of 15 days. At present, this scheme is available to tourists from the following countries: Australia, Austria, Canada, Denmark, France, Finland, Germany, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Norway, the Philippines, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Ukraine, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Money matters

In many ways, Hainan province is able to operate free from the regulations set in Beijing. The province is allowed to acquire investment directly from foreign countries and all Hainan registered companies whose exports amount to $1.5 million per year are able to apply for an Import/Export License.

Business freedoms are not restricted to the Chinese alone. Foreign companies enjoy rights and business opportunities not seen elsewhere on the Mainland, paving the way for international tourism players to set up shop. This will not only enhance the services already provided, but also raise the tourism industry on the island to the next level and help it achieve its 2020 deadline.

The province not only allows foreign companies to set up and separately run their own tourism businesses, but welcomes investment in power, sea transportation, ports, motorways, stores and many others—something that is tightly controlled back on the Mainland. With the government monopoly on tourism alleviated, Hainan is definitely more than just an island; it is an island with its eyes set firmly on putting itself center on the world stage.

Duty-free

To go with its growing international exposure, a duty-free program was initiated in April 2011 to increase sales of luxury goods and to persuade Chinese tourists to holiday at home rather than abroad. Initially, a cap of 5,000 RMB (approximately $804) worth of goods was set for domestic tourists, although this was raised to 8,000 RMB (approximately $1,286) in October 2012 and extended to international visitors. This makes luxury goods purchased in China 10 to 35 percent cheaper—another step in the government’s master plan to make Hainan an international tourist destination.

China, never content to do anything on a small scale, currently has the world’s largest duty free shopping center, the China Duty Free Group-built Sanya Haiting Bay International Shopping Center under construction on the island. Once open at the end of the year, it will cover an area of nearly 70,000 square meters. 23 world famous brands have already signed up to house their goods in this temple of unabashed commercialism, ready to tap into Hainan’s growing market.

International versus domestic

Despite all of Hainan’s grandiose plans, the question still lingers: who is all this really for? The government wants it to be a world-class tourist destination by 2020 and with the business freedoms and relaxed visa rules it would seem that the target audience is the big bad world. However, Hainan is in a great transitional period. The vast majority of tourists are still from the Mainland, lured by the blue skies, tropical weather and simply the island’s ability to provide everything Chinese tourists complain is not provided overseas (services in Chinese, authentic Chinese food to name just a few).

However, with prices rising out of the reach of most ordinary Chinese, Hainan understands it needs to quickly attract foreign visitors. At present, Japanese and Russians make up the vast majority of the island’s international presence, with its proximity to their countries no doubt a pull factor.

Hainan understands that more than just shopping and relaxed business regulations are needed to cater to the international crowd and lure them in. The Ritz Carlton has established itself in Sanya and the Sheraton is now a familiar face in Haikou. Meanwhile, Mission Hills, a branch of the Shenzhen golf club opened in January 2010 to much fanfare. 

Not satisfied with mere real estate, the island is now home to a number of important events. The Boao Forum for Asia, where regional and world leaders meet to discuss issues related to the continent and the greater world, is held annually in Hainan. Even the Miss World beauty pageant has graced Hainan a number of times, adding to the allure and reputation of the island (at least with the male tourists).

Gambling, banned on the Mainland, requires potential gamblers to travel to Macau or fly overseas. However, the recently opened Casino Bar at the Mangrove Tree Resort in Sanya Bay is changing all of that. Currently gambling is permitted, but there are no cash prizes. Instead your winnings are used to buy luxury goods at the hotel or even used to pay for your stay. It might be early days and a far cry from the hedonistic gambling culture of places like Las Vegas but it is a step in a direction not taken by the Chinese government on the Mainland.

The sky’s the limit!

The reality is Hainan has come a long way. The famed Song era poet Su Shi helped put the island on the radar during his second period of exile, but its metamorphosis into an up-and-coming tourist hotspot has been long in the making. China has proven time and time again, its ability to reinvent itself and put on a good show. According to a 2011 China Daily report, the country hosted 2 billion domestic trips in 2010 and hopes to raise this to 3.3 billion by 2015, with Hainan no doubt playing a substantial role. China likes to think big and making Hainan an international tourist destination in the next seven years is no small feat. But if there’s one country that can do it, it’s China. 

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Keywords: international tourism destination Hawaii of China

22 Comments

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Irfan100

Sanya is beautiful city and beach in Hainan island

Jan 22, 2015 22:10 Report Abuse

Gilbert887

I visited Hainan about a year ago. It attracts the visitors due to its soft beaches and beautiful tropical scenery. The shape of Hainan's Island is just like a giant elliptical pear. After Taiwan Island this is known as the largest islands of China. It is also known as Coconut Island due to its huge production of Coconut.

Oct 30, 2014 13:33 Report Abuse

Mixal

The interior is much better anyway. I don't see foreigners going wild about Hainan's beaches since it's expensive and less beautiful than SEA Asia.

Jul 26, 2014 07:16 Report Abuse

Benjamin321

I visited a 5 star Henian resort in 2012. The place is beautiful, the beaches are great, however, the problem is that the greedy land developers as mentioned have A. made the "ordinary" beaches completely packed for anyone who is not a millionaire B. what I have not seen mentioned, is that all of the overcrowded buildings are crowding-out-the-skyline so you can not even see the natural beautiful scenery or coast... just for another Chinese highrise meant to pack in every man, woman, and child for an extra $$$. It is disgusting.

Jul 24, 2014 03:22 Report Abuse

Guest2189570

Look, I've been to Hainan and I've been to Hawaii. To even put them in the same sentence is a disgrace to Hawaii. I went all over and stayed in Sanya, this "nice" part. EVERYONE of the locals will rip you off. ALL tai drivers will rip you off and conveniently take you to the wrong place and encourage you to check it out for the "attractions". There is no fun on this archipelago. No clubs, trash EVERYWHERE, a beach swarmed with people (half of which are in full hijabs in summer suffering in the sun), rude people, overpriced trash food. Walking down the street a child slave tried forcing me to buy her products while her owner watched from around the corner. Another time I caught a pickpocket who had his metal chopsticks around my wallet and a knife. I grabbed a police officer who was too scared and slowly pretended to run after the thief when suddenly 5 of his friends popped out of a car and took their thief friend to safety while the impotent officer did NOTHING. Not even attempting to write down their license plates. Basically, everything about this place is trash, the people are rude and dangerous, and you will bleed out money during your whole trip. Good luck. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention how everyone has shockingly bad hygiene and is on speed drugs. They sell this fermented plant IN GROCERY AND CLOTHING STORES that will cause your eyes to get wide and your heart to speed up. They chew this stuff all day and have red mouths full of the drug juice and just MAYBE 3-10 teeth. I know this seems too extreme, but I'm telling you the truth. I normal keep quite and just go with the flow, BUT I could NOT hold back anymore when I saw this article actually compare this beach front land fill to the pristine and heavenly beauty of Hawaii. P.S. I traveled all over China and mostly love this country. I just can't accept Hainan as being described as anything but the real landfill that this group of islands really is. Even the foreign restaurants are full of rude idiots who don't know how to cook or serve food. Especially that italian place across from the beach. That man, who is italian, is a total rip off scum bag and his raviolis taste like hard poop. The only saving grace was his wife (mainland Chinese) who was an angel and a good business woman. You want to vacation in China? stick to the main land. Beijing air is bad most days, but the people are wonderful and there are too many wonderful activities for anyone to do in a lifetime in Beijing or Hang Zhao or Shanghai. Just anywhere except Hainan!

Jul 22, 2014 09:32 Report Abuse

donnie3857

I have been to Hainan too. The beach at Sanya is spectacular, when there are no people. The beach there is smaller than the beach at Guangxi Beihai, but the water is cleaner. Once you travel 500 meters inland you encounter the third world. Travel another 500 meters and it is the 4th world. The capital city of Haikou looks like Guangxi Nanning,within a 3 km range, then it looks like Guangxi Bahmong on the Vietnamese border. Beijing's goal is a very ambitious one. Add to this the fact that China is instigating a war in that part of the world. (South China Sea)

Jul 20, 2014 04:34 Report Abuse

Guest644110

that's funny. why can't they just make their own mark or title? Go Philippines!

Jul 18, 2014 13:28 Report Abuse

sharkies

Been to Hainan. Some parts are nice. Although at the end of the day it's still China. Don't expect too much. The mainlanders go there and f**k it up - just like everywhere else.

Jul 18, 2014 08:44 Report Abuse

sgwin1975

Yes, Hainan may be the best for China for Chinese low standards and is the best they can do, but lags far behind Hawaii and Bali. I have been all over Hawaii, Bali and Hainan. There is absolutely no comparison. Don't even try to snorkel or dive off of Hainan. Visibility is so poor because the water is not clear at all. The best thing in Hainan was the coconut rice and massages - lol

Mar 28, 2013 15:03 Report Abuse

blanusse

Hi there! Do you know if there is any job opportunity in Sanya?? I would love to stay there for a year or so! Thaanks!

Mar 27, 2013 21:41 Report Abuse

Amazingchina

You will never know if you haven't been there! I love Sanya that is a nice and beautiful island and lots of things to see and to do. I have been to the beaches in Thailand, Philipine, Sanya is just different but I quite like it as there are many sightseeing. it depends on what you like to do.

Mar 27, 2013 16:28 Report Abuse

Guest272282

Sanya is a nice place but, something wrong with the environment, you'll find out they are still lacking of cleanliness, personal hygiene and it isn't that welcoming place which is a very important for tourist- the people sounds very rude when you ask them, those working in establishment are very serious, its hard to approach, when you ask them, they are even rude answering you back and seldom to find someone who could speak English .so I feel its not a good place to unwind. Boracay is much better aside from very amazing environment the Filipinos have a sincere warm welcome.

Mar 27, 2013 13:09 Report Abuse

Corflamum

I used to live in Hainan as well. I always like to say, Hainan is not so much an island as a corporation with a really good marketing department. The citizens are the only Chinese I have ever met who were not hospitable and warm. They are even quite rude to Mainland Chinese (whom they are quick to point out they are not a part of) The only reason the island is a tourist destination is because for financial, political, and cultural reasons it is so difficult for Chinese to leave China. Everyone I have ever known who has gone there says the same things: it was really disappointing. They paid a HUGE amount of money for a boring, trashed honky tonk beach. I could never recommend anyone except maybe a Northern European or a Russian go there for a vacation.

Mar 26, 2013 15:09 Report Abuse

Corflamum

Exactly. My meaning is, only people who vacation on the North Sea or Sakhalin Island would find Hainan a tropical paradise. As a serious comment, literally the only people I have known who like Hainan are Siberians.

Mar 27, 2013 13:28 Report Abuse

Burak43

Eh what? It is so much easier for Northern Europeans to go Thailand than Hainan. The only Europeans I've met who've been to Hainan were living in China in the first place.

Jul 18, 2014 09:15 Report Abuse

philwilliams.cn

To compare Hainan to Bali or Hawaii is a joke.

Mar 25, 2013 19:39 Report Abuse

slide38

Having lived in Hainan for 18 months, it is a beautiful island. There are miles of beautiful beaches. The interior of the island, is also magnificent. Yet, there are many problems, dirty, dirty, dirty. Most of the islanders still cook with wood, burn their trash. The fast train on the east coast, used to be a pleasure to ride, but now with overbooking, it has become a nightmare. Hainan has all the natural beauty to be a Chinese Hawaii, but the caretakers of the island, are not doing a good job.

Mar 24, 2013 08:53 Report Abuse

Guest737434

Great, all the Chinese can go to Hainan.

Mar 23, 2013 20:28 Report Abuse

carlstar

Is this the island that rips people off unmercilessly? I know there is one somewhere down in south China that has a reputation that makes charlatans blush.

Mar 23, 2013 13:29 Report Abuse

eurotrash

Cannot be Hawai'i without Aloha; something the Hainanese are the antithesis of.

Mar 23, 2013 13:18 Report Abuse

Guest2189570

As more people comment, my post about Hainan was pushed to the second page or further. For a complete HONEST review of my experience in Hainan, I invite you to find my comment, which is likely on the next page. Thank you and enjoy.

Jul 23, 2014 07:05 Report Abuse