Hainan
Southernmost province of China, island and special economic zone.
Hainan is an island and the southernmost province of China, consisting of the eponymous Hainan Island and various smaller islands in the South China Sea.
- Capital
- Haikou
- Majority ethnic group
- Han Chinese (82%)
- Largest indigenous group
- Hlai (15%)
Lore & Background
Over centuries, Han Chinese military and administrative personnel settled on the island, driving the indigenous Li people into the mountainous southern regions. Exiled individuals, including the Song-era poet Su Shi, were sent to Hainan as punishment. During the 17th and 18th centuries, European explorers referred to the island as 'Aynam.'
Reader's Guide
Hainan's significance lies in its transformation from a remote exile destination to a major economic hub. The province administers disputed territories in the South China Sea, including the Spratly and Paracel Islands, under Sansha city. Its population is predominantly Han Chinese, with a significant Hlai indigenous minority.
Did You Know?
- Hainan's name literally means 'South of the Sea.'
- The island was originally attached to what is now Vietnam and broke away due to a volcanic eruption millions of years ago.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hainan?
Hainan is China's southernmost province, made up of the main Hainan Island plus a scattering of smaller islands in the South China Sea. Its name literally means 'South of the Sea.'
Who are Hainan's indigenous peoples?
Although Han Chinese account for about 82% of residents, the Hlai are the largest indigenous group, making up roughly 15% of the population. They remain the primary non-Han community on the island.
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