In November 2025, Hainan Province in the Chinese mainland unveiled its first “4-to-8 lane” upgraded interchange on the eastern stretch of the G98 Hainan Island Ring Expressway, marking a major leap in island connectivity.
Engineering by the numbers
Construction began in 2024 on the Xiangou Interchange, where teams expanded the highway to an eight-lane, dual-direction main line designed for speeds up to 120 km/h. The single-lane ramps, built for up to 40 km/h, form a full cloverleaf network that replaces the previous bottleneck.
Bridging towns and opportunities
The new interchange eases travel pressure between Xiangou Town and Hainan's main urban centers, smoothing traffic flow across the island. For business operators, the upgrade promises faster logistics and more reliable supply chains. Digital nomads and tourists can now explore the island with fewer delays, unlocking hidden beaches and inland villages with ease.
Looking ahead
As Hainan ramps up investment in expressway upgrades, this project sets a precedent for future expansions around the island. Improved road connectivity will support sustainable tourism, local entrepreneurship and cross-regional collaborations, driving growth in one of the Chinese mainland's fastest-evolving provinces.
Reference(s):
Upgraded interchange boosts connectivity on Hainan expressway
cgtn.com
