Hainan Island has transformed from an exile into a real paradise. Earthquakes often happen here, and we'll tell you what else it's famous for.
A long way from the center
Hainan Island - the southernmost part of China, which is located at the latitude of Hawaii. As you might guess, the climate there is mild, tropical. And the nature is wonderful: mountains, rivers, sea and beaches.
Nevertheless, until the last century, Hainan in the Chinese capital was considered a wild province and practically the edge of the world. That's why the emperor invented the idea of exiling the guilty officials to such a creepy place. But those, for some reason, did not get sicker there, but got healthier. That's when the Chinese began to suspect something.
But the Japanese have been eyeing this island in the South China Sea for a long time. It has a strategically advantageous position. That's why Japan captured Hainan on the sly in World War II. But after its defeat, the Chinese asked for the island back. And they really paid attention to it.
We can
Now the Chinese have turned Hainan into a military base. You can notice its presence by some details. For example, when a tourist goes down to the underground shopping mall, on his way down he can see thick doors with airlocks - these are bomb shelters.
It is not difficult for Russians to get there. It is possible to get a group tourist visa, but with it you can only walk around the island. Although there is no desire to go anywhere - very warm, beautiful and interesting. And all kinds of dangerous creatures in the sea is difficult to find. The Chinese say: there's a big population, we fished and ate them all.
Breathless.
Only at the end of the last century, Hainan was given the status of a special economic zone, and it began to turn into a resort. Sanatoriums and hotels quickly sprouted up here. And people really could quickly improve their health. All because the air is very clean - the island is far from harmful industries, and the environment on it just great.
In Hainan specially installed a lot of sensors for air purity, and visitors can see its level. To maintain this favorable situation on the island banned transport with gasoline engines, which are known for harmful emissions. Buses, personal cars, and millions of motorcycles are all on electricity here. Only special services can drive on gasoline. They need speed.
All-China Health Resort
But now people from all the provinces of China are sent to the island to improve their health. From morning till evening, master classes for all comers are held near the beach, on river embankments and in parks. Just strolling along the sea, you can learn the skills of tango, sword fighting, qigong, juggling, driving the Chinese folk dances and much more.
It's mostly Chinese pensioners who take part in all this. That is probably why they are so healthy, active and long-living. One of them is said to have lived 256 years.