Century Bridge, Haikou, China

Haikou, like a jewel embedded in the "Belt and Road", is the capital of Hainan Province, the southernmost tropical island in China. Haikou is the province’s political, economic, technological and cultural center and also its transportation hub.

Haikou has a land area of 2,304 square kilometers, a sea area of 830 square kilometers, and a coastline of 136 kilometers. In 2019, the city’s permanent population was 2.27 million. Haikou has a long history. It opened as a port at the end of the Song Dynasty and the beginning of the Yuan Dynasty. It is an important node city on the ancient "Maritime Silk Road" and one of the first ten trade ports in China. In 1926, Haikou was separated from Qiongshan and established as an independent city. In 2007, it was listed as a "National Historical and Cultural City" by the State Council. Haikou is also an open city with frequent exchanges with the international community. It joined the World Organization of United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG) in 2007, and currently serves as a member of UCLG World Council and Executive Bureau for 2019-2022. Besides, Haikou has built mutual friendly relationship with 41 cities in 32 countries on five continents.