Beijing, China – Experts say if want to see Paradise on earth, visit Pakistan’s Northern Areas, Indian Occupied Kashmir or Hainan Province of China.
Since I have been to Northern Areas of Pakistan, I chose to visit Hainan, the Island Province of China, which is fast becoming a global tourist sensation as the number of world tourists visiting China is augmenting fast.
Located in southern part of China, Hainan is youngest island have smallest land area which was given provincial status in year 1988. Haiku city is a capital of Hainan. More than 1500 kilometers coastline contains numerous bays and natural harbours.
Special correspondent ‘DiploMag’ took a journey as part of a 50-member media delegation representing 49 countries from Beijing to Hainan. These all participants came from Asian and African countries.
With lots of beaches and health clubs equipped with state-of-the-art facilities add to the attraction of Hainan which is called ‘Paradise in China’.
Hainan also contributes to the Chinese economy in a big way. Hainan’s economy mostly relies on agriculture, marine products and tourism. Rice is the most cultivated product in across Hainan Province while coconut, palm and tropical fruits are also major crops. Hainan is also home to marine products which are famous across the world including shrimps, prawns, scallops and pearls.
As the media delegation landed at Sanya international airport, they were informed that Sanya is the Southern city of Hainan which has become the world’s top tourist destination. The area has tropical weather with rich natural resources and sandy beaches across with 250-km-long coastline.
General Economist of Sanya Development Reform Commission Mr Zhao Yiwen told the delegation that free trade and free economic zones were launched in Sanya which has become a tax-free city for tourism promotion.
“We give free visas to 59 countries including Russia, United Kingdom, European Union, Malaysia, Philippines and others. More than 20 companies from 45 countries invested in Sanya in different fields. The companies from all across China have moved their headquarters to Sanya due to special tax incentives offered to them,” he added.
Zhao said only in year 2018, more than 22 million people visited Sanya including 1.5 million from other countries.
Sanya city covers a land of 1918.37 square kilometers and sea area of 3,500 square kilometers. It is home for 19 harbors and 10 major islets. The city is composed of two districts and six towns with a total population of 581,400
Talking to DiploMag, Andre, a Russian tourist, said that Sanya city is top international destination set by the coastline in a lush green environment which is an ideal choice for tourists.
“I am newly married so I decided to spend my honeymoon with my wife here”.
There are many places in Sanya like Phoenix International Cruise Terminal, Royal Yacht Club, Sanya Paddy Field National Park, Sanya International Duty Free Shopping Center and World largest Atlantis Sanya Resort which attract visitors.
Qionghai is another big city of Hainan located at east of Hainan Province. The 2019 Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) annual conference was held at BOAO, Qionghai, from March 26-29. Qionghai has been declared as permanent city for BOAO Forum where almost all Asian countries attend the forum.
Ms Kelly, the Secretary-General of Boao Foreign Language Cultural Exchange Center, told DiploMag that Boao had become a tourist sensation due to Boao Forum for Asia.
“Moreover, the rich culture of Qionghai is a major reason for attracting a huge number of foreigners. Our rich heritage also attracts domestic tourists which throng Qionghai in huge numbers,” she added.
This city is also famous by Qionghai Jiaji High school, the best high school in Hainan island. The delegation also visited Shamei village, which is among the oldest villages in China.
