Bullet train, shopping centres & 7-star hotels to make Hainan an int’l tourism island

Bullet train, shopping centres & 7-star hotels to

make Hainan an international tourism island

With some of the World’s most important and groundbreaking tourism projects currently under construction in Hainan, it is poised to become an international landmark of tourism excellence. With a diverse array of projects that range from the construction of China’s first ever-integrated tourism community in Dragon Bay, to the first eco-tourism centre in the Nanshan Mountains. Tourism development in Hainan is unlike anywhere else. So what are the major tourism projects currently shaping this Island paradise, well we thought we would run you through some of the best!

Hainan’s Bullet Train

Hainan East Ring Intercity Railway is a high-speed railway development that is set to change the way people travel. The railway will link Haikou city in the north of the province with Sanya, Hainan’s tourism capital in the south. Even more significant it will provide the first rail link between Hainan and Mainland China. Construction started on the 29 of September 2007, and the project is on course to officially be opened on November 1st 2010. The trains are designed to travel at approximately 280 km/hr and will stop at 14 stations along the Eastern coast of the Island. Travel time is expected to be 80 minutes from Haikou to Sanya, which represents a dramatic improvement from the previous train line, which took around four hours, or even the journey, by car, which takes around three. It is projected that the railway will be able to transport 18 million passengers a year by 2020 and is expected to cost the government around 18 billion CNY.

World’s largest duty-free shopping Centre

The duty-free shopping Centre in Hainan

Step aside Hong Kong, the world has a new premier duty-free shopping destination. With the establishment of Hainan as China’s third duty-free shopping zone, the Island province is set to become a world leader. Construction has commenced on a 400 000 square metre shopping centre, which is scheduled to start operation by 2012. The centre will be the largest duty-free shopping centre in the world and will sell a range of both international and domestic brands. The project is part of a 30 billion CYN investment plan to build an integrated tourism resort in the area. The integrated tourism project is expected to provide over 10,000 jobs in Sanya and generate tax revenue of RMB 2 billion per year.

7-Star Mangrove Tree Fairmont Hotel

You won’t have to go to Dubai to enjoy seven-star luxury anymore, as the world’s second seven star hotel and China’s first, will be built in Sanya. Construction of the 120m hotel will begin later this year with operators Fairmont Hotels & Resorts expecting the project to be completed by 2011. The hotel is located in the Sanya’s Haitang Bay, a natural preserve in the pristine southeastern corner of Hainan. The 125-hectare site will also be the first eco-resort development in all of China. Designed by the British based firm W.S Atkins, who also designed the Burj Al Arab Hotel in Dubai, the hotel will be an international landmark and a symbol of Sanya around the world. The proposed site will also contain 700 guest rooms, 60 villas, spa facilities, and a 27-hole professional standard golf course and be adjacent to the China’s largest Marine Park.

7-star Haikou Millennium Hotel

Another 7-star hotel is expected to start construction in 2012 in Haikou in the Northern part of the Island at an estimated cost of around 2.8 billion CNY. The planned, Haikou Millennium Hotel will be built on an artificial island, which will span around 33.5 hectares and 300 meters of gorgeous coastline. The hotel itself is set to occupy at least 20 hectares, with plans for around 600 – 800 guest rooms. The Island will also be home to a shopping district, commercial centre and apartments. The hotel will also provide 24-hour butler service reminiscent of aristocratic English society. The Millennium is set to be finished before 2015 and will be part of what will become the most widely recognised luxury destination in the world.

Hainan’s space theme park & Launch Centre

Like the Kennedy Centre before it, Hainan is about to bring space travel to the world. The development of China’s fourth space launching site in Hainan, will also see the development of a space theme park five times larger than the Kennedy centre in Florida. The park will be the first space tourism site in China and will, offer the chance to experience the wonders of space. The site will include a 4D Motion Theatre, IMAX Dome Theatre, Firing Simulator, Aerospace museum, Moon Golf Course, lunar exploration theatre, astronaut spaceship and the Mars Red Adventure Centre. This will also be an important academy for the next generation of space explorers with key training centres to be established on this site. The park is likely to be opened and fully operational by 2015.

Sanya’s Phoenix Island

Sanya Phoenix Island

Phoenix Island is a man-made island, situated in the gorgeous surrounds of Sanya Bay. With 360 degree ocean views, this man made marvel is set to be one of true wonders of the tourism world. With an area of 365,000 square meters, the island will be the home of the Hainan’s most comprehensive tourism centre and is accessible by foot from downtown Sanya. Investment in the island looks likely to exceed 3 billion Yuan, and will be one of the most prestigious and luxurious sights in Hainan. The site, which has been partially opened since 2008, is expected to open in early 2011 and will feature five separate luxury apartment blocks all between 50 and 70 stories.

SOURCE: e Travel Blackboard

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