Hainan unveils 20-year development plan

A Hainan committee of experts on February 7 approved a comprehensive economic and social development plan for the tropical island province. It is in line with the Chinese government's strategic decision, more than a decade ago, to develop the country's major beach holiday destination as Hainan International Tourism Island.

Four major planning regions: the coast, central mountains, terraced region and maritime region.

The committee said the plan maps out a "strategy for integrated urban and rural development over a period of 20 or more years," and offers a "new model of national urban and rural integrated development."

The plan divides Hainan into four principle regions; the coastal region, the central highlands, agricultural terraced region and the maritime region. It also designates four urban and 21 rural planning areas.

The overall aim of the plan is to create a "harmonious Hainan" based on urban and rural modernization, economic renewal, welfare provision and improving the environment.

Four urban planning areas: Sanya, Haikou, Qionghai and DanzhouTourism and services, key to development

Tourism and services, key to development

The plan names two key industries – tourism and modern services – as key to the island's development. They will be supplemented by three supporting pillars of modernized tropical agriculture, energy and resources, and manufacturing. One of the key aspects of the island's tourism development plan is to offer visa-free travel to overseas visitors.

Equalizing public services

A key aim of the development plan will be to equalize access to basic public services across urban and rural areas. Twenty-one rural development zones centered on county towns have been designated. Within the zones, road transport infrastructure, housing, leisure, education and medical facilities will be boosted to enhance the quality of life of residents. Commuting time within the rural development zones will be cut to 30-40 minutes.

Rapid Transit Systems

One of the key aspects of the plan is the modernization of the island's transport system. The plan calls for rapid transit systems (RTS) to be built in four areas of the island; the main beach resort, Sanya, provincial capital Haikou, Qionghai and Danzhou. The RTS will be designed to meet the "high-end service demands of international tourists," according to the website of the Boao International Tourism Forum.