Check out our guide to life in Hainan
Do you love the sound of a province with a tropical climate, beautiful beaches and ancient mountain rainforests? Picturesque Hainan province is located in the south China sea and consists of a group of small islands with Hainan Island being the largest. You’ll find more farms than factories in Hainan, with over half the exports being agricultural. It’s a major tourist destination for Chinese and international travellers, famed for fresh, locally grown produce, great air quality and a relaxed lifestyle. Perhaps that is why life expectancy is higher on Hainan than mainland China.
Hainan Fast Facts
Province
Established 110 BCE
Population 9,257,600
Hainan Weather
Hottest Month July (29 °C avg)
Coldest Month January (17 °C avg)
Wettest Month August (208.8 mm avg)
Windiest Month May (14 km/h avg)
Annual Rainfall 1278.6 mm (per year)
10 Things to See and Do in Hainan
Five Finger Mountain
Explore hiking trails, waterfalls and forests, or take an exciting boat ride through the canyon.
Holiday Beach
Relax on a 7kms stretch of beach with restaurants, an amphitheatre and swimming pools.
Movie Town Haikou
See movie and TV sets and studios, and global celebrity autographs at the Avenue of Stars.
Yalong Bay Tropical Paradise Forest Park
Marvel at amazing forests from suspension and glass bridges and ziplines in the treetops.
Nanshan Temple
You’ll be amazed by the gigantic Guan Yin Buddha statues, temple, artefacts and scenery.
Hainan Tropical Wildlife Park and Botanical Garden
Drive through this park featuring over 4,000 rare and endangered birds, plants and animals.
Qilou Old Street
Stunning historic architecture lines this street that boasts great shopping, markets and food.
Binlang Ethnic Village
Experience the old ways of the local Li and Miao culture, live shows and tropical scenery.
Volcanic Crater Park
Wander through this geological park with spa and hot spring, craters, lake and gardens.
Haikou Qilou Snack Street
A foodies’ favourite, this is the place to be for delicious street food and traditional fare.
Cost Of Living
| ITEM | RMB | GBP | AUS | RAND |
| Cinema | 60 | 6.85 | 12.52 | 124.78 |
| Water | 2 | 0.23 | 0.42 | 4.18 |
| Beer in a bar | 19 | 2.17 | 3.96 | 39.51 |
| Beer in a shop | 4 | 0.46 | 0.84 | 8.35 |
| Coke | 3 | 0.34 | 0.63 | 6.27 |
| Meal at a cheap restaurant | 18 | 2.05 | 3.75 | 37.43 |
| Meal at an average restaurant | 35 | 3.99 | 7.30 | 72.79 |
| Meal at a high end restaurant | 85 | 9.70 | 17.73 | 176.77 |
| Gym per month | 200 | 22.83 | 41.72 | 415.92 |
| City bus | 2 | 0.23 | 0.42 | 4.18 |
| Monthly utility bills (electricity, heating, water, rubbish) | 430 | 49.08 | 89.69 | 894.23 |
| Loaf of bread | 6 | 0.68 | 1.67 | 12.48 |
