After beginning a campaign to improve the environment and enhance the wellbeing of its residents in 2005, Haikou today ranks among the most livable cities in the nation, according to local government.

Haikou, the provincial¹ capital of Hainan province, is home to beautiful seascapes and historical sites as well as dozens of newly developed tourist attractions.

The first recorded human settlement in the city was during the Han Dynasty (206 BC - AD 220). Through the centuries many more have made it their home.

And many more of its residents are now using Mandarin² instead of the local Haikou dialect in part due to the number of immigrants from the mainland, which have now reached about 320,000, more than one-fifth of the city's population.

More immigrants come to Haikou today either to work or start businesses as early immigrants did in their search for a better life.

In September 1995, Haikou city won the approval of the World Health Organization and China's Ministry³ of Health to begin an effort to improve public health.

The city is the provincial administrative⁴ center, as well as the focus of the local economy, culture and transportation.

Haikou enjoys a long coastline featuring excellent beaches and seaside resorts. Its downtown area has an enjoyable environment of streets lined with coconut⁵ palms.

With its resorts, Haikou is becoming a center for tourism in China, and is increasingly attractive to travelers from around the world.

Questions:

1. In which province is the capital city Haikou located in?

2. When was the first recorded human settlement in the city?

3. Immigrants to Haikou now comprise how much of the city’s population?

Answers:

1. Hainan.

2. During the Han Dynasty (206 BC - AD 220).

3. More than 1/5th.