Perceptions
Historically, there have been negative perceptions regarding Hainan by the mainland Chinese. Hainan was viewed as a place of danger and exile. It was also viewed as backward frontier land by the inhabitants of “Proper China,” untouched by industrialization. These views began to shift at the end of the 1970s, however, when the government began shifting their economic policy. At this point, the government began focusing on Hainan and begun to develop its infrastructure and economy.
Today, Hainan is popular tourist destination, often compared to Hawaii because of its tropical beaches. During 2011, more than 30 million tourists visited Hainan, most of them coming from mainland China.
I’m not sure how people’s perceptions of Hainan might change after having settled here. It would definitely depend on the person. Some people are happy to vacation away from their big city life but would rather not live there. Hainan still does have Haikou, which has over 2 million people. But by Chinese standards that could be
Today, Hainan is popular tourist destination, often compared to Hawaii because of its tropical beaches. During 2011, more than 30 million tourists visited Hainan, most of them coming from mainland China.
I’m not sure how people’s perceptions of Hainan might change after having settled here. It would definitely depend on the person. Some people are happy to vacation away from their big city life but would rather not live there. Hainan still does have Haikou, which has over 2 million people. But by Chinese standards that could be