City Introduction of Hainan, China: Danzhou

Danzhou

Major Economic indicators (2007)

Source: Danzhou Economic and Social Development Report 2007

Introduction

Located in northwest of Hainan Island and adjacent to North Bay, Danzhou is a county-level city of the province. It is 130 km west of the provincial capital of Haikou.

Danzhou has a tropical climate, with an average annual temperature of 23.3℃ and an annual rainfall of 1800-2000 mm. Danzhou usually experiences tropical storms between September and November each year.

Danzhou has an extensive land transport system, with the island's circle railway and highway passing through it. Cargo can be transported by sea to Southeast Asia and other coastal cities in Southeast China.

Economic Features

Agriculture is the most important industry of Danzhou. It focuses on the development of tropical fruit, medical materials and rare flowers. In 2007, total output value in agriculture reached RMB 7.4 billion, up 9.0% year-on year. Farming is a major sector in the industry, contributing 25.2% of the total output value. Of all the agricultural products produced by the city, sugarcane output increased fastest by 19.2%, hitting 1.4 million tons.

In 2007, the industrial output of enterprises above designated size in Danzhou reached RMB 3.4 billion, up 64.1% from the previous year. Its major industries are petrochemicals, coal chemicals, paper making, steel production and building materials, as well as rubber and sugar production. In 2007, sugar production experienced the fastest growth of 147.7%, with output reaching 146,000 tons.

Tourism is the biggest industry in Danzhou's service sector. In 2007, 408,800 travelers visited Danzhou, 5.8% higher than in 2006. The revenue from tourism reached RMB 250 million, growing by 5.0%.

Cultural Highlights

The city of Danzhou was built in 110 B.C. It is one of the oldest cities in Hainan. Danzhou was honored as the "Village of Poem", "Village of Couplet" and "Village of Civil Arts". Su Dongpo, one of the famous poets from the Song Dynasty (960-1127), once lived in Danzhou. The city is also famous for its unique local songs.

Tourist Attractions

Dongpo Academy, which was built in 1098, was once the residence of Su Dongpo. After his death, it functioned as a school which provided the highest level of education in Danzhou. The academy was rebuilt several times during its history and it now serves as a tourist attraction.

Aside from its rich history, Danzhou also has numerous scenic spots, such as hot-springs, beaches and tropical forests. The most famous dish in Danzhou is the "Milan".

Major Development Zones

By the end of 2007, Danzhou had one state-level development zones, namely Yangpu Economic Development Zone.

State-level Development Zones in Danzhou

Source: National Development and Reform Commission

Honors

National Excellence in Tourism (2007)

---National Tourism Administration

China's Top 100 Agricultural City (2005)

---Ministry of Agriculture

National Excellence in Greenery (2003)

---Ministry of Construction

National Excellence in Improvement of City Environment (1998)

---Ministry of Construction

National Sanitary City (1995)

---Ministry of Health

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