Hainan Forum
Your guide to life and business on China's tropical island.
Hainan, in English, by people who actually live here.
Hainan Forum
Introduce Yourself
Tell us who you are, where you're from, and what brought you to Hainan. Every member starts here.
Forum Help & Guidelines
How to use the forum, posting rules, and tips for getting the most from your membership.
FTP Policy & Official Updates
Every significant regulatory change in the Hainan Free Trade Port, tracked and translated into plain English. The most reliable English-language FTP policy reference on the web.
FTP News & Announcements
Breaking news from the Hainan FTP — new partnerships, infrastructure developments, government announcements, and what they mean for businesses on the ground.
Company Setup & Registration
WFOEs, JVs, sole proprietorships, the commitment-based registration system, address requirements, the negative list, and step-by-step guides to getting your business legally established.
Tax, Incentives & Finance
The 15% corporate and individual tax rates, the 183-day residency rule, EF accounts, QFLP and QDLP funds, banking for foreign businesses, and VAT changes from January 2026.
Government Contacts & Official Guidance
Contact details for every relevant government department, customs office, and official body in Hainan. The directory no one else has compiled in English.
Guides, Whitepapers & Market Data
Investment guides, economic reports, trade statistics, and official whitepapers — curated and organised so you can find what you need without wading through government websites.
Sectors & Opportunities
Healthcare, fintech, technology, tourism, logistics, manufacturing, aerospace, and more — sector-specific discussions, B2B opportunities, and what the FTP's encouraged industries list means in practice.
Market Entry & Case Studies
Real experiences from businesses that have entered or are entering the Hainan FTP. What worked, what didn't, how long it actually took, and what they wish they'd known.
Visas & Entry to Hainan
The 86-country visa-free list updated December 2025, 30-day duration rules, visa-on-arrival options, tourist versus long-term entry pathways, and what happens when your time runs out.
Work Permits & Residence
A, B, and C category work permits, how to apply, what employers need to do, residence permit renewals, the Hainan talent card program, and permanent residence pathways.
Legal, Contracts & Dispute Resolution
Employment law basics, contract essentials, IP protection in the FTP, how the Hainan courts work, free legal advice resources, and where to turn when things go wrong.
Housing, Cost of Living & Daily Life
Finding an apartment, typical rent prices, the best neighbourhoods in Haikou and Sanya, monthly cost breakdowns, utilities, shopping, getting around by taxi, e-bike, and train.
Healthcare & Insurance
International clinics, the best hospitals for expats, the Boao Lecheng medical tourism zone, expat-friendly doctors and dentists, health insurance options, and emergency contacts.
Family, Schools & Education
International schools including Harrow Haikou and TIS Sanya, local school options, childcare, after-school activities, and what family life actually looks like on the island.
Digital Life — Payments, Phone & Internet
Setting up WeChat Pay and Alipay as a foreigner, getting a local SIM card, VPN options, opening a bank account, dealing with frozen accounts, and sending money abroad.
Sports, Outdoors & Leisure
Surfing, hiking, cycling, diving, football, marathons, golf, the best beaches, rainforest trails, and how to make the most of Hainan's extraordinary natural environment.
Food, Drink & Restaurants
Where to eat in Haikou and Sanya, Hainanese cuisine worth knowing, international restaurants, bars and nightlife, night markets, food delivery apps, and cooking in Hainan.
Hainan Pet Corner
Vets, dog and cat registration, pet import and travel regulations, vaccination requirements, microchipping, finding pet-friendly housing, and the Hainan animal rescue community.
Hainan News & General Discussion
Current events, island news, and anything worth talking about that doesn't belong in a specialist section. The community pub — fewer rules, more conversation.
Travel — Visiting & Exploring Hainan
For visitors and residents alike. Day trips, island exploration, the best beaches and attractions, getting around as a tourist, and hidden gems worth knowing about.


