The southern island of Hainan has experienced great changes in the past 20-years.

 

The island was originally pioneered as a special economic zone in 1988, when it recorded a 41.2-percent of GDP growth rate. But as reform took place across the country, the preferential policy adopted in Hainan Special Economic Zone, was weakened. As a result, Hainan's economy stalled until 1996.

The province began to shift its focus to tourism, and since then the industry has shown great potential. In 2007 the province submitted a proposal to the State Council, to trial as an international tourism island.

At the end of 2009, the State Council released a plan to make Hainan a top travel destination by 2020. Another good opportunity for the island's development.