The HNU-ASU Joint International Tourism College of Hainan University (HAITC) launched a field trip in Hainan province from Jan 7 to 11. Attendees included students from the class of 2020 and teacher representatives.

This trip was aimed at deepening students’ understanding of geographical conditions, ecosystems and the tourism industry in Hainan.

Students investigated coastal landforms at the Guilinyang Economic Development Zone in Haikou, capital of Hainan, as well as visited the Wenchang Space Launch Center, Wenchang Stone Park and Coconut Bay. During the visits, they reviewed geographical knowledge they gained in class and learned about the impact of excessive reclamation projects on coastal ecosystems.

HAITC students look at granite formations at Wenchang Stone Park in Hainan province. [Photo/haitc.hainanu.edu.cn]

Pan Zhixin, a HAITC teacher, lectures on the impact of excessive reclamation projects on coastal ecosystems at Coconut Bay in Hainan province. [Photo/haitc.hainanu.edu.cn]

The trip also included investigations at sites such as the Wanquan River, Changhua River, Baishi Ridge, Boundary Island, Yalong Bay, the Leiqiong Global Geopark of China and Qizi Bay. It helped students better understand hydrological characteristics in Hainan, which features karst, danxia and volcanic landforms, as well as the forming of local coasts.

The Changhua River in Changjiang Li autonomous county boasts karst landforms. [Photo/haitc.hainanu.edu.cn]

Baishi Ridge in Qionghai, Hainan, features unique danxia landforms. [Photo/haitc.hainanu.edu.cn]

An aerial photo shows the picturesque landscape of Boundary Island in Lingshui Li autonomous county, Hainan. [Photo/haitc.hainanu.edu.cn]

The teachers also led students to visit the Yingge Sea Salt Field, the largest of its kind in South China, and witness its development history and salt production.

HAITC students investigate the Yingge Sea Salt Field in Ledong Li autonomous county, Hainan. [Photo/haitc.hainanu.edu.cn]

They also learned about underwater archaeology projects, fishermen’s engagement in the South China Sea and the liberation of Hainan during their visits to the China (Hainan) Museum of the South China Sea and Hainan Island Liberation Park. 

HAITC students visit the China (Hainan) Museum of the South China Sea in Haikou, Hainan province. [Photo/haitc.hainanu.edu.cn]

A sculpture in Hainan Island Liberation Park in Linggao county, Hainan province [Photo/haitc.hainanu.edu.cn]

HAITC attaches great importance to extracurricular practices. This five-day trip gave students in-depth insights into the natural environment and cultural atmosphere in Hainan and laid a solid foundation for their future studies.