Hainan (Chinese: 海南;pinyin:  Hǎinán; literal meaning: "South of the Sea") is the smallest province of the People's Republic of China (PRC). Although the province comprises some two hundred islands scattered among three archipelagos off the southern coast, all but three percent of its land mass is on Hainan Island (Hainan Dao), from which the province takes its name. Hainan Island is located in the South China Sea, separated from Guangdong's Leizhou Peninsula to the north by a shallow and narrow strait.

Climate
Hainan has a tropical moist monsoonal climate. Its annual temperature change is less than 15 degrees Celsius. The coldest months are January and February when the temperatures drop to 16 to 21 degrees Celsius; the hottest months are July and August, and the temperatures are 25 to 29 degrees Celsius. Except for the mountainous regions in the central part of the island, the daily average temperature in Hainan is above 10 degrees Celsius, and the integrated temperature during the growing season of the crops reaches eight thousand to nine thousand degree Celsius-days. The summer in the north is swelteringly hot and, for more than 20 days in a year, the temperature can be higher than 35 degrees Celsius. The average annual precipitation is 1500 to 2000 mm and can be as high as 2400 mm in central and eastern areas, and as low as 900 mm in the coastal areas of the southwest. The eastern part of Hainan lies in the path of typhoons, and 70% of the annual precipitation is derived from typhoons and the summer rainy season. Major flooding occurs due to the typhoons and they can cause many problems for the local residents.

Culture

Hainan has always been on the fringe of the Chinese cultural sphere. Traditionally, the island
was a place of exile for criminals and disgraced officials. As a frontier region celebrated by such exiled poets as Su Tungpo, Hainan acquired an air of mystery and romance.

Languages
The Han Chinese of Hainan speak a variant of the Min Nan Chinese language, known as Hainanese. In addition, the national standard Putonghua is understood and spoken by most people, and Standard Cantonese is understood by many local Hainanese. The Li people have their own language, as do the Miao and Zhuang. The latter three groups would usually speak Standard Mandarin as a second language.

Cuisine
Hainan cuisine is said to be "lighter, with mild seasonings." A lot of local taste is mixed with the Han Chinese taste. Seafood predominates the menu, as shrimp, crab, fish and other sea life are widely available.

Wenchang Chicken is a dish known throughout the province of Hainan. Although there are many varieties of this dish, the name is usually used to define a type of large, free-range chicken from Wenchang county, located on the east coast of the province. As opposed to battery chickens, its meat has more texture and is somewhat drier.

Hainan chicken rice is a famous dish in Southeast Asia bearing the region's name. However, whilst many restaurants use chicken fat to quickly add flavour to the dish, the proper local method is to 'marinate' the rice with chicken soup to add a more full flavour.

Tourism
As Hainan Island is not heavily industrialised, its greenery, together with its beautiful beaches and clean air, make it a popular tourist attraction. The island is accessible through ferry links with Guangdong province, as well as air links. There are two airports, Meilan Airport in Haikou, and Phoenix Airport in Sanya.

Other attractions in Hainan include:

Qiong Opera; and
Yalong Wan (亚龙湾， Crescent Dragon Bay or Yalong Bay), is a seven kilometre-long beach east of Sanya City.

Currency
Cash is always the most popular way to make payment and it is the easiest way. You could pay by credit card in 4-5 star hotels. For dining outside the hotels, renting a car, airline ticket purchasing and shopping, cash payments are requisite.

ATM is very popular now in Sanya Hainan Island. You could draw cash from your debit card or credit card. The daily amount you could draw is limited. If you wish to draw cash from your credit card in a bank office or get exchanges, a copy of your passport is a must.

Taxes in Sanya Hainan Island
Sanya has no VAT (value added tax). All the rates quoted include tax except a local tax of 2-11 per guest per night (varying according to the rating of hotels). This local tax may be included in rates quotes - but always request a written or email confirmation. 

Safety & Security in Sanya Hainan Island
Keeping safe in Sanya is simple. Just follow the same common sense rules that you would follow anywhere. Lock your car and keep your valuables within sight and reach. Use the safe box in your room or at the reception in the hotels. Contact the Assistant Manager at your hotel anytime you need help.