Hainan (海南) Island, located just off of China’s south coast, is a land of emerald mountains and sapphire blue sea.  Hainan has its own culture distinct from that of the Mainland.  In antiquity political exiles were often sent to Hainan as punishment.  Many of them found life on this warm, humid island far more desirable than the frigid north where powers that be could be more closely felt. These exiles often chose to stay in Hainan after their sentence ended, composing poems to the easy tropical lifestyle.  Hainan can become hot and humid during the summer months and typhoons are not uncommon.  However, even during the hottest season, a sea breeze usually blows.  Coconut trees, fresh seafood and an abundance of tropical fruit make Hainan an ideal seaside getaway.