HAIKOU — More than 83 million tourists visited southern China's tropical Hainan province in 2019, up 9% year on year.
Hainan's tourism revenue went up 11% over the previous year to 105 billion yuan (approx. US$15 billion) last year, according to the provincial department of tourism.
Last year, China’s largest tropical island received 1.42 million international tourists, up 12.4% year on year.
The island’s tourism authority is currently promoting Hainan as the best place to go camping in the winter season.
Among many spots set aside for camping, Haikou’s most popular beach, Holiday Beach, offers RV (recreational vehicle) campsites, beach BBQ pits, hiking & biking paths, geo-thermally heated swimming pools, water sports and golf courses.
Public bathrooms and small shops selling BBQ supplies, fresh cold coconuts, swimsuits and more line the beach area.
As of Aug. 1, 2019, a new Hainan Temporary Driver’s Licence Policy came into effect, making it easy to rent a car for an epic road trip. The new policy is aimed at international travellers as well as those from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan who are visiting or living in Hainan.