Hainan looks to be tourist mecca

HAIKOU: After being the biggest special economic zone for 20 years, the island province of Hainan is now focusing on developing its tourism industry.

In a written reply on Wednesday to Hainan's blueprint for developing itself into an "international tourism island", the State Council requested all ministries and central government agencies to provide strong support.

The cabinet approved the setting-up of duty-free shops this year in the cities of Haikou, Sanya, Qionghai and Wanning, to boost the island's tourism.