The Mangrove Forest in the eye of a Finnish photographer

Wilen stays with Liu Jinmei's family at Xinhui village in Haikou city during every visit. Now 91 years old, the Chinese 'grandma' treats him as her own son. Xinhui Village is one of the 14 natural villages of Yanhai Villagers' Committee, Yanfeng Township. It is by the sea, with fresh air, a long history and honest and simple residents. Xinhui Village was the first village to develop farmhouse tourism in Haikou. The 546 residents in 49 households here live by marine fishing and aquaculture. In recent years, their per capita net income has reached 3,650 yuan. Not only does Wilen frequently visit here, but he always brings more Finnish friends.

Kirmo Wilen poses with his Finnish friends in Xinhui village, Haikou, South China's Hainan province.

Kirmo Wilen with his Finnish friends in Xinhui village, Haikou, South China's Hainan province.

Kirmo Wilen poses with his Finnish friends and Liu Jinmei's family at Xinhui village in Haikou city.

According to Wilen, it would be impossible for a new town to be completed so soon in Finland. He is right. Unexpected changes happen each year in such a small village. Since 2012, the roads have been widened and the distance from the village to the airport shortened to a 20 minute drive. Yanfeng Town, where the village is located, has even witnessed enormous changes, and a new featured small town is soon to be completed.

Translated By Yang Mifen