How Xi envisions Hainan’s future

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Lying in the southernmost tip of China, Hainan Province –roughly the size of Switzerland – is known as one of the most popular tourism destinations in the country.

However, the pleasant weather and beautiful scenery are not the only reasons why people are drawn to Hainan – its booming economy is an attraction in its own right.

The province's eastern Boao Township is the permanent site of the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA), one of the most prominent gatherings in Asia. The four-day annual event, which closed on Wednesday, aims to promote regional integration while deepening economic exchanges and cooperation.

Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a keynote speech during the opening ceremony on Tuesday, marking the fourth time he has participated in the forum.

Xi's bond with Hainan goes back to 1979, when he first visited the island. But times have changed, and the province has undergone “drastic changes”, according to Xi. The country's impoverished southern island, which at one point had no traffic lights, has evolved into a vibrant cosmopolitan tourist spot.

Xi has long been pushing for sustainable economic growth of the province, calling at the same time for the development of its ecological environment, to ensure the well-being of future generations.

What makes President Xi’s bond to Hainan strong? What role has he played in the province’s development? Watch this video to see how the impoverished island evolved into the paradise it is today.