There was a time when even a mere mention of Hainan, the island off China's southern coast, would evoke mental images of Hainan Airlines, giant tropical-themed hotel compounds, coconut milk and migrants from China's northeast region. Not any more.
China's opening-up policy, which is already encouraging the world's big companies and investors to redraw their strategies, received a fresh burst of energy this month.
The grand plan to build Hainan into an international free-trade zone will not only boost South China's development, but also catalyze economic growth in the Asia-Pacific region and the rest of the world, said one of the nation's top experts in international trade.
Hainan province was established in April 1988. Its jurisdiction extends to Hainan Island, Xisha Islands, Zhongsha Islands and Nansha Islands, as well as more than 240 islets and the surrounding sea territories.
Overview
Haikou 
Sanya 
