Hainan's sunny weather and spectacular ocean views have been attracting an increasing number of migrant workers from across the country. But locals say the newcomers are straining local resources, and pushing up food and home prices. CGTN's Feng Yilei tells another story from Hainan Province.

The refreshing sea breeze, tropical weather, and lush forests - those are the things that bring Wang Xiaozu, a 76-year-old retired designer to Hainan's Nanqiang village every December through May. Wang is a member of an amateur fine arts association, with some 60 senior citizens from all over China. Wang spends his time travelling around, reading literature and practicing his painting skills.

WANG XIAOZU RETIRED DESIGNER "I am in love with this place. I see old trees, beautiful scenery, folk houses, newly-built bars and bookstores. I like them all so I use my spare time to portray them with my pen."

Wang is just one out of a million retirees said to relocate to this province each year. Just like egrets, they travel to Hainan Island to escape the frigid winter of the other parts of China - and enjoy the pleasant natural beauty. They are called "snowbird" pensioners.

Hainan's government also sees potential. Migrant workers could be a way to make up for a weak cultural environment and talent pool. Accordingly, officials have proposed a program to make the most of migrant experts and professionals, in the interest of regional development.

The renowned Chinese agricultural scientist Yuan Longping is a Hainan snowbird. He found a species of wild rice in Hainan that led to the mass production of a heartier type of hybrid rice in the 1970s. Today he still visits a research center in Sanya that was named in his honor, and looks in on the latest rice experiments.

DAI GUOFU, GENERAL MANAGER HAITANG BAY PADDY FIELD NATIONAL PARK "Migrants in Hainan are a human resources treasure. They have rich experience in all walks of life, varying from leadership to research. There's meaningful work in helping retirees settle, keeping them happy and letting them continue making contributions."

But retaining these professionals still requires a longer-term solution. Geography teacher Pan Sibao was drawn to Hainan by its unique geomorphic features, and got re-employed at Wanning Middle School. Pan says he is satisfied with the incentives and favourable policies - but what really motivates him is a sense of accomplishment.

PAN SIBAO, GEOGRAPHY TEACHER WANNING MIDDLE SCHOOL, AFFILIATED WITH BEIJING NORMAL UNIVERSITY "Teachers here come from all over the country and have their own strengths I can learn from. The educational foundation of Wanning students is relatively weak, but these students are highly motivated and can follow teachers. As a teacher, I am pleased and impassioned to work when I see students so eager to learn, and for a school that entrusts me with major responsibilities."

The efforts of migrants like Mr. Pan serve as a sort of incubator, one that gives birth to new hope for the area. And people here believe the cold winter of its talent shortage will be over in the foreseeable future. Feng Yilei, CGTN, in Hainan province.