The Bright Pearl of the Coast

Situated at the lower reaches of Wanquan River in the east of Hainan Island, Qionghai City has a total area of 1,692 km2 and a population of 42,640. Qionghai City borders on the South China Sea in the east and adjoins Wenchang City in the north. Qionghai City boasts picturesque scenery and pleasant weather and so it is called the "Bright Pearl of the Eastern Coast. There exists in the city some famous scenic spots and historical sites like Wanquan River, Baishi Ridge, Guantang Hot Spring, Jinniu Ridge, Shenggong Rock, Red Stone Cliff and Jukui Pagoda.

Its local specialities include Jiaji Ducks - one of the famous Hainan dishes - Wanquan river carps and large bamboo hats. As both the Eastern Expressway and Wanquan River run through the city, Qionghai enjoys very convenient transport on land as well as by water. It takes about one hour by car from Haikou to Jiaji Town, where the Local Government is located, and from Jiaji to Sanya less than two hours.

The Boao Forum for Asia

Boao is the location for the annual Forum for Asia, an annual meeting of the major leaders of Asia. The Forum, which was born out of a desire to hold a yearly meeting of the pre-eminent leaders, businessmen and scholars of Asia, was initiated by former President Fidel Ramos of the Philippines and former Prime Minister Bob Hawke of Australia. The first preparatory meeting was in November 2000, followed closely by the establishment of the "Boao Forum for Asia " (BFA) in February 2001. Support for this forum was evident from both the private and public sectors with permanent host facilities in Boao on Hainan Island.

The Forum brings together Asians from around the region to develop a better understanding and mutual awareness of issues that affect the region; leading to greater projection of Asian perspectives on the global arena. It will also assist in efforts to promote greater interdependence and economic integration of the region. The BFA is unique in having a pan-Asian outlook. This is the first organization designed to bring together governments, business communities and academics from across Asia: from Iran and Central Asia to South Asia, Southeast and East Asia and Australia. Additionally, the BFA is a distinctly Asian institution, with an agenda to deliberate matters based on Asian perspectives, as seen through Asian eyes and heard from Asian voices. The BFA will project this perspective.