Geography of Hainan (China)

The People's Republic of China's smallest province, Hainan, is situated off its southern coast. The largest island, Hainan Island (Hainan Dao), is among the group's many others. The main Hainan Island is typically mentioned when the word "Hainan" is used in Chinese. The province's closest neighbours are the port cities of Hong Kong and Macau in the northeast and the Guangxi autonomous region and Guangdong province in the north.

In addition to Hainan Island, the Xisha, Zhongsha, and Nansha Islands are all under the control of the Hainan Province. Its provincial capital is Haikou. The Pearl Cliffs was the name of Hainan Island.

Physical Features

The largest island under the administration of the People's Republic of China and the 42nd largest island in the world is Hainan, which is separated from the Leizhou Peninsula of Guangdong by the 20 km (12 km) wide Qiongzhou Strait. The size of Hainan Island is somewhat smaller than Taiwan Island (35,400 km2; 12,700 sq. mi), making up 97% of the province. The Gulf of Tonkin is to the west of Hainan Island. At 1,840 meters (6,040 feet), Wuzhi Mountain is the tallest mountain on the island.

The size of Hainan Island is 180 km (110 mi) wide and 288 km (179 mi) long. The historic Hainan Volcanic Field is present throughout Hainan's northern half. Volcanic rock is beneath the topsoil, and there are minute fragments of this vesicular rock within the topsoil. There are 320,000 hectares of wetlands, 78,000 of which were artificially produced. The eastern and northern regions of Hainan contain the majority of this.

Climate

Tropical wet monsoon weather prevails in Hainan. The tropical Köppen climate may be found in both of the island's two biggest cities, Haikou and Sanya. January and February are the coldest months, with lows of 16 to 21 °C (61 to 70 °F); July and August are the hottest, with highs of 25 to 29 °C (77 to 84 °F). In every month of the year, Hainan has daily average temperatures that are considerably above 10 °C (50 °F), with the exception of the mountainous areas in the island's centre.

The summers are hotter and can reach temperatures of over 35 °C (95 °F) on more than 20 days each year in the northern region. The annual temperature fluctuation is less than 15°C (27°F). January and February are the coldest months, with lows of 16 to 21 °C (61 to 70 °F); July and August are the hottest, with highs of 25 to 29 °C (77 to 84 °F). The daily average temperature in Hainan is above 10 °C (50 °F), with the exception of the mountainous areas in the island's centre. The integrated temperature throughout the growing season of the crops reaches 8,000 to 9,000 degree Celsius-days. The northern summers are hot and can reach temperatures of more than 20 days per year above 35 °C (95 °F).

In the central and eastern regions, yearly precipitation ranges from 1,500 to 2,000 millimetres (59 to 79 in) and can be as low as 900 millimetres (35 in) in the coastal regions of the southwest. Typhoons frequently pass through the eastern section of Hainan, and these storms and the summer rainy season are responsible for 70% of the island's yearly precipitation. Typhoons create significant flooding, which can be quite problematic for the surrounding population.

River

The majority of the rivers in Hainan have their beginnings in the island's centre and move radially in various directions. The Xinwu River, a tributary of the 314 km (195 mi) long Nandu River in the island's north, is 109 km (68 mi) long. Other significant rivers include the Changhua River in the west, the Sanya and Taiyang Rivers in the south, and the 162 km (101 mi) long Wanquan River in the east. River flow is significantly reduced by evaporation in the coastal areas during the dry season. In Hainan, there are hardly any natural lakes. Although there are many reservoirs, the Songtao Reservoir in the central-north region is the biggest.

Flora And Fauna

Tropical forests covering more than 1,500 km2 (580 sq. mi) in Hainan are home to 4,600 different plant species and more than 570 different animal species. On Hainan Island, there are 53 genre and 29 families of wild and cultivated fruit. Coconut palms and other smaller trees are quite prevalent on the island, which has few huge trees. But Hainan Island is mostly covered in trees. On the island, there are many reserves for animals and protected areas.

Frogs, toads, geckos, skinks, and butterflies are among the creatures that may be found all across the island. Snakes (including Asian palm pit vipers, red bamboo snakes, and occasionally cobras) as well as Siberian chipmunks, squirrels, and the masked palm civet are present although less frequently seen. There are hardly any huge creatures left in the wild. Carp and catfish make up a substantial portion of the lake's inhabitants. 362 species of birds are recognized. Seabirds like gulls are not frequently observed.

In agricultural areas, egrets and black-winged kites are frequent. The variety of bug species and prevalence of mosquitoes are similar to many subtropical regions. Sea turtles and whale sharks are known to move through these waters in the ocean.

Resources

More than 30 minerals have commercially exploitable reserves in Hainan. The most significant mineral is iron, which was originally mined on the island by the Japanese during their occupation during World War II. Titanium, manganese, tungsten, bauxite, molybdenum, cobalt, copper, gold, and silver are also significant. On the island, there are sizable lignite and oil shale resources, and substantial offshore oil and natural gas finds have been made. More than 20 species with high commercial value can be found in virgin forests in the interior mountains, including teak and sandalwood.

Conclusion

Chinese province Hainan is distinguished by its tropical climate, breath-taking landscapes, and an abundance of natural resources. The island's abundant biodiversity, which includes a wide variety of plant and animal species, increases its ecological importance. Numerous species of wildlife depend on the lush tropical woods and pristine wetlands as their primary habitats.

Despite its difficulties with typhoons and flooding, Hainan is nevertheless a popular travel and investment destination. The province's abundant mineral resources, such as iron, titanium, and oil, support its economic growth. Hainan continues to prosper as an integral part of China's environmental and economic landscape because to continued efforts to protect its natural beauty and promote sustainable practices.

FAQs

1. Where exactly is Hainan?

The People's Republic of China's southernmost province, Hainan, is an island in the tropics off its southern coast.

2. How big is the island of Hainan?

Approximately 97% of the province is covered by Hainan Island, which is the 42nd-largest island in the world and slightly smaller than Taiwan Island.

3. How is the weather in Hainan?

Tropical wet monsoon weather characterizes Hainan, with scorching summers and moderate winters. Typhoons frequently hit the island, which greatly increases its annual precipitation.

4. What is Hainan's biodiversity like?

With more than 570 animal species and over 4,600 plant species, Hainan has a thriving biodiversity. Numerous creatures, insects, birds, and marine life, including as sea turtles and whale sharks, call the island's tropical forests home.

5. What notable resources may be located in Hainan?

Over 30 mineral reserves, including iron, titanium, manganese, tungsten, and oil, are commercially exploitable in Hainan. Mountains in the heart of the island are home to precious species including teak and sandalwood.