51.8 % of Hainan Province is covered with forest. The Island is home to a great variety of wild animals which total over 500 species. These include over 70 kinds of beasts and over 340 kinds of birds. On the island visitors can see animals such as the rare Hainan deer, the black headed gibbon, the Hainan partridge and the white stork.

These are just a few of the 13 types of animal under first-class state protection. Second-class state protection covers the macaque, pangolin, black bear and water dog along with 32 other species.

With the extensive maritime area around the island, Hainan enjoys plenty of tropical oceanic resources including over 800 kinds of sea products. More than 40 types of fish are highly valued including the grouper, Spanish mackerel, hair tail, moray, sea cucumber and large yellow croaker. In 1999 Hainan Province gained approval from the State Council as the first ecological province.