Hainan: Breath of fresh air

The air quality in Hainan has become an attraction to tourists across the nation.[Photo/Asianewsphoto]

When Zhang Jing arrived in Haikou, capital of Hainan province, on Feb 24, he recalls being greeted by a breeze of warm, fresh air.

"I live in the inland area, where the smoggy weather makes me feel bad," said the tourist whose hometown is Xi'an in Northwest China's Shaanxi province.

"But here in Hainan, the clear, blue sky has delighted me greatly."

The air quality in Hainan has become an attraction to tourists across the nation.

During the Spring Festival holidays that lasted from Jan 31 to Feb 6, the province welcomed more than 2.6 million tourists, an increase of 36.9 percent year-on-year.

Tourism generated revenue totaling 7.6 billion yuan ($1.24 billion) during the period, up 34 percent annually compared to last year.

This trend is being driven by the allure of the island's natural environment and climate, said officials from Hainan's tourism administration.

The provincial government has made ecology a priority in its strategic planning.

According to a report by Greenpeace, the average thickness of PM2.5 in Haikou was 25.6 micrograms per cubic meter last year, out-ranking the air quality seen in the 73 other sampled cities nationwide.