A world-class tourism destination is taking shape on the island province of Hainan, catering to those in search of culture, countryside, shopping or medical treatment.

That is the vision of the province's 13th Five-Year Plan (2016-20) for Tourism, which looks to build on the area's natural assets and develop it as a high-end tourist destination.

"Hainan has all the basic elements an international traveler would love to see: warm sunshine, gorgeous sea views, soft beaches, beautiful greenery and clean air," said Jason Shield, an Italian tourist with extensive travel experience.