The southernmost island province of China, Hainan has been attracting people from around the world for years with its clear waters, sandy beaches, and year-round sunshine. Following a blueprint released by China's central government in 2020, Hainan has been striving to become a globally influential high-level free trade port by the middle of the century. It is a prime example of China's continuous opening-up. But what has happened to the lives of the people in Hainan during this period?

On the 20th anniversary of the Boao Forum, the Chat Room invites locals and foreigners with connections to Hainan to share their stories about the island.

The change: from fishing village to international island

Although they have different backgrounds and career paths, all the guests shared enthusiastically about the tremendous changes they've witnessed in Hainan over the past decades.

An online English teacher, Winnie Chen, said the market for English education is getting much bigger, and Hainan is on its way to building an international and high-level educational system. Taking herself as an example, Chen said she hadn't spoken to any foreigners until she went to college due to the lack of foreign teachers back then. But students start learning English at a much younger age nowadays, and there are many foreign teachers working in kindergartens and primary schools. Moreover, Hainan schools have begun enrolling international students, stressing more on bilingual education and cultivating a global perspective in students.

Godfrey Zwygart, CEO of the marine consulting company Marevisio, shared his observation of the prospering business of yachting in Hainan. In Sanya for more than a decade, he witnessed the business growing from zero. He said the number of boats in Sanya tripled in the past decade, from less than 200 to over 600, almost 700. There are also numerous projects and new marinas under construction.

Regarding the economy, Liao Zhu, a Hainan TV host, also highlighted a change that everyone can notice, the tax-free shops. With the tax-free consumption limit increased to 100,000 per person per year, visitors now enjoy a bigger bargain. However, tax-free shopping reflects only a fraction of the comprehensive political systems and policies aiming at building the island into a free trade port by 2050. As a reporter, Liao said she is thrilled to see that the Boao Forum, marathons, film festivals and other promising and exciting events keep rising in Hainan.

The challenge: pollution endangering marine and human life

While most of the changes are positive, there are still problems intertwined with rapid development. Pollution is one of them. All the guests highlighted the perceptible environmental pressure and the chain reactions on every circle of life. 

One of the visible changes is in people's diets, Han Han, a social entrepreneur for Blue Sustainability, said. People in Hainan were once "sick of" eating too much seafood every day. Now, the large diversity of seafood is gone, and locals have begun to worry whether the seafood on their tables is harmful. During her work at a local environmental research institution, Han said she was shocked to learn that over 70 percent of the coral reef around Hainan has disappeared. Fiaz Ahmad, PhD, a research scientist and biotechnologist, echoed Han's concerns. He noted that it was easy to catch fish near the beach a decade ago. But now, one can hardly find them near the coast.

Zwygart added that the decrease in biodiversity is putting massive pressure on Hainan's traditional fishing industry. Nowadays, local fishermen have to go farther and farther for fishing. Many of them can't rely on the fish population to earn a living anymore. They need to reorient themselves to other industries, he said.

The future: sustainable development with a global vision

Some efforts are already being made.

Following the booming yachting industry, the Hainan Cruise and Yacht Assassination was established to help create new systems and new rules, Godfrey said. New laws and regulations are being made, and they will undergo inspection before they are finalized. Liao said the charter business is making yachting more affordable for ordinary people, making the market larger. The price has come down to 200 to 300 yuan (about $31 to $46) per person for three hours from about 10,000 yuan for the same period, offering more consumers access to the recreation. But still, the market is immature, and the service quality needs to be upgraded. It still needs time to be further nurtured.

Another ambitious change that guests are looking forward to is Hainan truly becoming an international island. To realize this goal, Winnie said it is crucial for students and locals in Hainan to regard English as a communication tool rather than only a subject with tests. She said the authorities need to encourage people to practice speaking English and communicating more with the world.

"If Hainan wants to go intentional, its citizens must be international first," Winnie said.

The guests all share the same vision on pollution control and environmental restoration. As Han and Fiaz mentioned, the task needs long-term efforts from all sectors, including scientists, policymakers, entrepreneurs, fishing industry insiders and ordinary consumers.

Strategic solutions will align with scientific techniques, sewage purification management, fishing regulations and consumer awareness to finally turn the tide. After all, "where there is a problem, there is a solution," Fiaz said.

What's your Hainan story? How do you see its changes and future? Share it with us!