Hainan Province has long been a part of China and its population of 7.8 million is comprised mainly of people of the Han nationality. However, with 37 recognised ethnic groups, Hainan enjoys a truly multicultural and colourful social fabric.

The largest of the non-Han nationalities on Hainan are the Li, Miao and Hui peoples, of which the Li, with a population of 1.3 million, are the most numerous. The Li are also among the earliest residents of Hainan, with the island being the only part of China where they can be found. The majority of the Li are located in the Wuzhi Mountain area.

The Miao nationality, with a population of about 60,000, is found mainly in the mountainous areas of Qiongzhong and Baoting County. The Hui, with a population of about 10,000, are believed to have resided on Hainan Island for about 700 years and are mainly found in and around Yanglan Town near Sanya City. While a large portion of the Miao people are Christians, the Hui people are mainly of the Muslim faith.