HAIKOU /China/, April 19. /TASS/. The traffic on all sections of the round-the-island tourist road in the southern Chinese island province of Hainan will be opened by the end of December 2023. The Sanya Daily newspaper reported this with reference to the local transportation department.

The project was approved by provincial government in 2020, and construction began in 2021. The total length of the route will reach close to 1,000 kilometers, with its uninterrupted stretch covering 442.7 kilometers. It will pass through 12 cities and counties in the province, such as Haikou, Sanya, Wenchang and Qionghai. Its construction is now moving into its final stage, 56 km in the area of Qionghai are fully open to traffic.

The route will pass through all main attractions of the island, picturesque bays and coves, mountain ranges, national parks, as well as areas of economic development. According to the authorities' plan, about 40 special stops for tourists will be set up all along the road. At each of these stops, travelers will be able to admire scenic views, visit attractions or learn more about local culture. Earlier, it was reported that the infrastructure already in place in Hainan meets the requirements for the use of electric cars along the entire length of the road under construction.

The project is one of the key projects in the province's free trade port program. The road should become a Hainan landmark in its own right. The authorities expect that the project will be of great significance for the development of tourism on the island.