Themed on "One Accent, One Emotion, One Future," the 16th Congress of the World Federation of Hainanese Associations got underway in Sanya, Hainan on Nov 27.
Over 3,200 people, including 2,000 Hainan-based overseas Chinese from 48 associations from 28 countries and regions, gathered at the event to deepen bonds and discuss further development for Hainan.
Hainan-based overseas Chinese gather at the 16th Congress of the World Federation of Hainanese Association. [Photo/chinanews.com]
It has been 15 years since the event was last hosted on Hainan Island. The third and eighth edition of the congress were held in the island province in 1993 and 2004.
Major events for the 16th congress include meetings, the welcoming gala, the opening ceremony, the World Hainan Overseas Chinese Leadership Roundtable Meeting, the World Hainan Youth Forum, promotion events for the Hainan Pilot Free Trade Zone and Hainan Pilot Free Trade Port, the Maritime Silk Road Cultural and Economic Forum, the closing ceremony, as well as a roots-seeking activity.
A special Hainan snack street also opened on Nov 27 where the overseas Chinese attendees were able to try the local delicacies of Hainan cities and counties.
Tasty Hainan local delicacies are served to participants of the congress. [Photo/chinanews.com]
Overview
Haikou 
Sanya 
