Over the last decade, Hainan has made a name for itself as a hub for modernity and development with everything from man-made islands and 7-star hotels to Space centres and marine research parks. As of late 2010, the island added another star attraction to its list: a high-speed across country bullet train.
At the southernmost point of China, a coastal city lies facing the emerald waters of the South China Sea. Ancient Persian tombs along the coast tell of the 10,000-year history of this city, spanning dynasties and periods of occupation by everything Buddhist missionaries and the Japanese navy. Nicknamed 'the end of the sky and ocean', the city of Sanya is fast becoming one of the world's top resort destinations.
All heads were turned to France in July this year as the world watched cyclists from all over tackle the grueling 3430.5 km Tour de France. 2011 marked the 98th year of the race that has made cycling a popular sport and that has inspired similar tour races around the world.
Everyone needs a break sometimes, which is why we book holidays to tropical islands. Sometimes we just need to sit back in the sun, cocktail in hand, with nothing at all to do except perhaps to get a massage or go to a hot spring!
Australian travelers are known for their love of being outdoors and of living amongst the elements. Whether hiking up a mountain, surfing or simply relaxing in the sun by a beach, Australians look for outdoor experiences when choosing their ideal travel destinations, which explains the popularity of places like Bali or Hawaii.
Until recent years, Hainan was a hidden paradise little known to the outside world. Now, however, the small tropical island that boasts the highest air quality in China and some of the world's cleanest cities is getting a lot more attention. From its emerald green waters and endless white, sandy beaches to its lush, mountainous rainforest core, Hainan is an ecotourism paradise.
Unless you're a farmer or grow your own veggies, you probably don't put too much thought into where your fruit and veg has come from, especially not to the contents of the soil where they where grown. If this is the case then you probably weren't aware that food grown in soil rich in selenium replenishes your body with a nutrient that is known to help fight autoimmune disorders, curb the mutation of viruses and even reduce the risk of several types of cancers.
China's tropical island province in the South China Sea is known for many things, from sunny, empty beaches to bustling modern cities. But one thing that you just cannot escape when you wander through the streets of any city or town on the island are the smells of freshly cooked food wafting through the air.
In exciting news for China's tropical island province, Hainan Island has been designated as the Asian stopover port for the 2011-2012 Volvo Ocean Race. The announcement was made on Friday May 20 by the State General Administration of Sport and Sanya Municipal Government in a press conference in Beijing.
Six months into the year, 2011 is already proving to be the biggest year that China's tropical island province has seen in terms of international sporting competitions. Chances are there will be an exciting event on when you next visit Hainan, so grab your diary and take note as we map out various sporting events throughout the year.
Draped across the volcanic landscape of the Northern region of Hainan island lie the emerald green golf courses of one of the world's most prestigious clubs, Mission Hills Haikou. The club that boasts the slogan 'limitless play' is the latest venture of golfing powerhouse Mission Hills, widely regarded as the world's leading leisure and sports management firm.
Feature Report
Over the last decade, Hainan has made a name for itself as a hub for modernity and development with everything from man-made islands and 7-star hotels to Space centres and marine research parks. As of late 2010, the island added another star attraction to its list: a high-speed across country bullet train.
At the southernmost point of China, a coastal city lies facing the emerald waters of the South China Sea. Ancient Persian tombs along the coast tell of the 10,000-year history of this city, spanning dynasties and periods of occupation by everything Buddhist missionaries and the Japanese navy. Nicknamed 'the end of the sky and ocean', the city of Sanya is fast becoming one of the world's top resort destinations.
All heads were turned to France in July this year as the world watched cyclists from all over tackle the grueling 3430.5 km Tour de France. 2011 marked the 98th year of the race that has made cycling a popular sport and that has inspired similar tour races around the world.
Everyone needs a break sometimes, which is why we book holidays to tropical islands. Sometimes we just need to sit back in the sun, cocktail in hand, with nothing at all to do except perhaps to get a massage or go to a hot spring!
Australian travelers are known for their love of being outdoors and of living amongst the elements. Whether hiking up a mountain, surfing or simply relaxing in the sun by a beach, Australians look for outdoor experiences when choosing their ideal travel destinations, which explains the popularity of places like Bali or Hawaii.
Until recent years, Hainan was a hidden paradise little known to the outside world. Now, however, the small tropical island that boasts the highest air quality in China and some of the world's cleanest cities is getting a lot more attention. From its emerald green waters and endless white, sandy beaches to its lush, mountainous rainforest core, Hainan is an ecotourism paradise.
Unless you're a farmer or grow your own veggies, you probably don't put too much thought into where your fruit and veg has come from, especially not to the contents of the soil where they where grown. If this is the case then you probably weren't aware that food grown in soil rich in selenium replenishes your body with a nutrient that is known to help fight autoimmune disorders, curb the mutation of viruses and even reduce the risk of several types of cancers.
China's tropical island province in the South China Sea is known for many things, from sunny, empty beaches to bustling modern cities. But one thing that you just cannot escape when you wander through the streets of any city or town on the island are the smells of freshly cooked food wafting through the air.
In exciting news for China's tropical island province, Hainan Island has been designated as the Asian stopover port for the 2011-2012 Volvo Ocean Race. The announcement was made on Friday May 20 by the State General Administration of Sport and Sanya Municipal Government in a press conference in Beijing.
Six months into the year, 2011 is already proving to be the biggest year that China's tropical island province has seen in terms of international sporting competitions. Chances are there will be an exciting event on when you next visit Hainan, so grab your diary and take note as we map out various sporting events throughout the year.
Draped across the volcanic landscape of the Northern region of Hainan island lie the emerald green golf courses of one of the world's most prestigious clubs, Mission Hills Haikou. The club that boasts the slogan 'limitless play' is the latest venture of golfing powerhouse Mission Hills, widely regarded as the world's leading leisure and sports management firm.