Against the backdrop of turquoise waters and thriving coral ecosystems, Wuzhizhou Island in Hainan Province stands as a testament to China's successful integration of ecological preservation and sustainable tourism. Since initiating marine ranch development and coral reef restoration in 2010, this tropical paradise has evolved into a blueprint for coastal conservation across Asia.
As the Chinese mainland's first national-level marine ranch demonstration area, Wuzhizhou has pioneered an "ecology+tourism" model that benefits both environment and economy. Recent data shows coral coverage has increased by 38% since restoration efforts began, while tourist arrivals reached 1.2 million visitors this year alone.
"What began as environmental rehabilitation has become a powerful economic engine," explains marine biologist Dr. Li Wei. "Local fishing communities now thrive through eco-tourism partnerships, while hotels using sustainable practices report 25% higher occupancy rates than conventional resorts."
The island's success comes as Hannan accelerates its free trade port development, with green infrastructure projects attracting $2.3 billion in overseas investment this year. For travelers and investors alike, Wuzhizhou demonstrates how ecological priorities can drive long-term prosperity in Asia's coastal regions.
