Hainan - Towards 2015
With some of the most important and groundbreaking tourism projects currently in development in Hainan, it is poised to become an international landmark of tourism excellence.
With a diverse array of projects that range from the construction of China's first ever-integrated tourism community in Dragon Bay, to the first eco-tourism centre in the Nanshan Mountains tourism development in Hainan is unlike anywhere else. So what are the major tourism projects currently shaping this Island paradise, well we thought we would run you through some of the best!
Hainan's Bullet Train
Hainan East Ring Intercity Rail is a high-speed railway development that is set to change the way people travel. The railway will link Haikou city in the north of the province with Sanya, Hainan's tourism capital in the southernmost part of Hainan. Even more significant it will provide the first rail link between Hainan and mainland China. Construction started on the 29 of September 2007, and the project is on course to officially be opened on November 1st 2010. Trains are designed to travel at approximately 280 km/hr and will stop at 14 stations along the Eastern coast of the Island. Travel time is expected to be 80 minutes from Haikou to Sanya, which represents a dramatic improvement from the previous train line, which took around 4 hours, or even the journey, by car, which takes around 3 hours. It is projected that the railway will be able to transport 18 million passengers a year by 2020 and is expected to cost the government around 18 billion CNY.
World's largest duty-free shop in Sanya
Step aside Hong Kong, the world has a new premier duty-free shopping destination. With the establishment of Hainan as China's third duty-free shopping zone, the Island province is set to become a world leader. Construction has commenced on a 400 000 square metre shopping centre, which is scheduled to start operation by 2012. The centre will be the largest duty-free shopping centre in the world and will sell a range of both international and domestic brands.
The project is part of a 30 billion CYN investment plan to build an integrated tourism resort in the province, which will also include both an entertainment centre and health spa. The integrated tourism resort project is expected to provide 10,000 jobs in Sanya and generate tax revenue of RMB 2 billion per year.
7-Star Mangrove Tree Fairmont Hotel
You won't have to go to Dubai to enjoy seven-star luxury anymore as the world's second seven star hotel and China's first is going to be built in Sanya. Construction of the 120m high hotel will begin later this year and will be completed by 2011 and operated by Fairmont Hotels & Resorts. The hotel is located in the Sanya's Haitang Bay, a natural preserve in the pristine southeastern corner of Hainan. The 125-hectare site will also be the first eco-resort development in all of China.
Designed by the British based firm W.S Atkins, who also designed the Burj Al Arab Hotel in Dubai, the hotel will be an international landmark and a symbol of Sanya around the world. The proposed 7-star resort will contain 700 hotel guest rooms and 60 villas with a gross floor area of 113 000 sq m including spa facilities and restaurants. It will be situated adjacent to the newly built luxury yacht club, will also feature a 27 hole professional standard golf course and be home to Asia's largest marine park which will be constructed in the surrounding waters of Haitang Bay.
7-star Haikou Millennium Hotel
Another 7-star hotel is expected to start construction in 2012 in Haikou in the Northern part of the Island at an estimated cost of around 2.8 billion RMB. The planned, Haikou Millennium Hotel will be built on an artificial island, which will span around 33.5 hectares and 300 meters of gorgeous coastline. Occupying at least 20 hectares, with plans to provide anywhere from 600 to 800 guest rooms. The Island will also be home to a shopping district, commercial centre and apartments. The hotel will also provide 24-hour housekeeper service reminiscent of early English aristocratic society. The hotel is set to be finished before 2015 and will be part of what will become the most widely recognised luxury destination in the world.
Hainan's space theme park
Like the Kennedy Centre before it, Hainan is about to bring space travel to the world. The development of China's fourth space launching site in Hainan, will also see the development of a space theme park five times larger than the Kennedy centre in Florida. The park will be the first space tourism site in China and will, offer the chance to experience the wonders of space. The site will include a 4D Motion Theatre, IMAX Dome Theatre, firing simulator, Aerospace museum, Space Celebrity Hall, lunar outpost, Moon Golf, lunar exploration theatre, Sun Tour, astronaut spaceship and the Mars Red Adventure Centre. This will also be an important academy for the next generation of space explorers with a key training centres to be established on this site. The park is likely to be opened and fully operational by 2015.
Sanya's Phoenix Island
Phoenix island is a man-made island, situated in the gorgeous surrounds of Sanya Bay, with 360 degree ocean views, this man made marvel is set to be one of true wonders of the tourism world. With an area 365,000 square meters, the island will be the home of the Hainan's most comprehensive tourism centre and is accessible by foot from downtown Sanya. Investment in the island looks likely to exceed 3 billion Yuan, and will be one of the most prestigious and luxurious sights in all of Hainan. Also the site of the largest cruise ship port in China and is fast becoming one of the primary destinations for all cruises in Southern Asia. It was also the arrival point of the Olympic flame in 2008.
Shenzhou Peninsula
Shenzhou Peninsula is set to be one of the finest resorts ever built in China. Located on Hainan's East coast in Wanning County, it is the ideal location for a world-class retreat. Possessing stunning natural beauty, four south facing coves with endless stretches of pristine beaches, a serene Laguna, as well as world class leisure facilities.
Completion date December 2010
Qionghai Boao International Airport
An airport in Qionghai City, 15km from the famous Boao International convention centre will start construction at the end of 2010. The airport will be the third international airport constructed on Hainan.
Completion date 2011
Hainan International Convention and Exhibition Centre
Located in Haikou, the Hainan International Convention and Exhibition Centre, began construction in 2009. The centre will be apart of the Millennium Hotel development and be one of the world's largest and most sophisticated convention centres. With over 70 000 square metres, 6 exhibition halls, 2300 booths the exhibition centre will be the second world class facility of this kind on the island. Completion date June 2011
Hainan Mainland Bridge
Plans to build the world's second longest bridge, which would connect Hainan and the southern mainland province of Qiongzhou have been drawn up to start in 2012. The bridge, which would span around 30km, is estimated to cost around 20 billion CYN and would reduce travel time from a 55-minute ferry trip to 20 minutes by train or car.
Prospective Completion date 2020