Places Rated: Hainan’s Overdeveloped Coast
The November/December issue of Traveler features our annual “Places Rated” survey of destination stewardship, and this year 340 expert panelists rated 99 coastal destinations around the world. Here on the blog, we’re going to highlight some of these coastal destinations and are interested in adding your feedback to the mix. What do you think?
China: Hainan
Rating: 51 — “Facing Trouble” Category
This teardrop-shaped island’s verdant, mist-bound mountains and excellent surfing beaches have earned it the nickname “China’s Hawaii.” Its burgeoning hospitality industry has brought economic growth and environmental challenges. “Locals may benefit from tourism, but outsiders benefit more.”
Why did the place earn this score? Read representative panelist comments after the jump.
“Has become an overdeveloped coastal city.”
“Developing quickly into a retirement and winter resort for Europeans, Russians, and the growing Chinese middle class. A result, the area is under considerable pressure. Developers with money easily circumvent regulations. In Yalong Bay, locals are being denied entry to the beaches. Reminds me of the situation in Phuket in the 1980s.”
“Hainan is suffering from overdevelopment. Survival of gibbons and Eld’s deer seems unlikely even in the medium term. “
“Unregulated development, especially in Sanya. There needs to be greater sensitivity to ethnic minorities and farmers.”
“Emerging conflicts between farmers and developers. The island is adopting a speculative development model geared towards attracting the urban rich.”
Survey scoring system:
74-84 Top Rated
65-73 Doing Well
55-64 In the Balance
48-54 Facing Trouble
34-47 In Trouble
22-34 Near Catastrophic
See all 99 ratings and representative panelist comments online and share your thoughts below.
Photo: Qiuyu Gu
Related Topics
Go Further
Animals
- How scientists are piecing together a sperm whale ‘alphabet’How scientists are piecing together a sperm whale ‘alphabet’
- Orangutan seen using plants to heal wound for first timeOrangutan seen using plants to heal wound for first time
- What La Palma's 'lava tubes' tell us about life on other planetsWhat La Palma's 'lava tubes' tell us about life on other planets
- This fungus turns cicadas into zombies who procreate—then dieThis fungus turns cicadas into zombies who procreate—then die
Environment
- The northernmost flower living at the top of the worldThe northernmost flower living at the top of the world
- This floating flower is beautiful—but it's wreaking havoc on NigeriaThis floating flower is beautiful—but it's wreaking havoc on Nigeria
- What the Aral Sea might teach us about life after disasterWhat the Aral Sea might teach us about life after disaster
- What La Palma's 'lava tubes' tell us about life on other planetsWhat La Palma's 'lava tubes' tell us about life on other planets
- How fungi form ‘fairy rings’ and inspire superstitionsHow fungi form ‘fairy rings’ and inspire superstitions
- Your favorite foods may not taste the same in the future. Here's why.Your favorite foods may not taste the same in the future. Here's why.
History & Culture
- These were the real rules of courtship in the ‘Bridgerton’ eraThese were the real rules of courtship in the ‘Bridgerton’ era
- A short history of the Met Gala and its iconic looksA short history of the Met Gala and its iconic looks
Science
- Why trigger points cause so much pain—and how you can relieve itWhy trigger points cause so much pain—and how you can relieve it
- Why ovaries are so crucial to women’s health and longevityWhy ovaries are so crucial to women’s health and longevity
Travel
- What it's like trekking with the Bedouin on Egypt's Sinai TrailWhat it's like trekking with the Bedouin on Egypt's Sinai Trail