According to the provincial plan, the new district will become functional in three years and basically formed in seven years. It will be an open, inclusive, world-class new city built in line with world vision, international standards and featuring Hainan characteristics.

"We will build it into a new area where the ecological systems enjoy the highest level of protection," Fu said. "It will be a world leading, ecological central business district, where Chinese traditional culture and Hainan local culture will be highlighted."