Hainan Province, the southernmost island of China, is making waves in the global tourism and trade arena. A recent visit by a delegation of journalists from nine major overseas media outlets, including representatives from the United States, France, Türkiye, Spain, and the Republic of Korea, shed light on the region's rapidly evolving "ocean economy." During their four-day tour across Haikou, Wanning, Lingshui, and Sanya, the group explored marine cultural tourism, ecological conservation efforts, and innovative consumer models, uncovering the strategic initiatives driving Hainan's growth.
2026 marks a pivotal year for Hainan as it is the first full year following the island-wide special customs operations of the Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP). Designated as the "Marine Tourism Year," the province is focusing on ocean-themed cultural travel, leveraging policy dividends such as visa-free access for citizens of 86 countries, expanded traffic rights, and offshore duty-free shopping. These measures have significantly boosted inbound tourism, with over 1 million visits recorded in the first half of the year alone, a 48.8% increase year-on-year. This surge underscores the robust momentum of the FTP's tourism sector and its growing appeal to international travelers.
One of the highlights of the tour was Wanning's Riyue Bay, a world-class surfing destination that attracts over 500,000 visits annually. The delegation witnessed the rapid expansion of Hainan's coastal sports industry, particularly the nation's first Olympic-standard artificial surf pool. This facility uses advanced wave-making technology to simulate 23 different wave types, allowing year-round, all-weather surfing. Mr. Guney Isik Ganimgil, a contributor to Turkey's Aydınlık newspaper, expressed his amazement, noting that "Hainan's cultural tourism development has far exceeded expectations and holds tremendous investment potential."
Eco-empowered tourism and the protection of blue bays are central to Hainan's development strategy. The Hainan Ocean Paradise Resort adheres to a strict policy against capturing wild marine life, and its rescue center has successfully rehabilitated and released over 200 rare marine creatures, including sea turtles and hawksbills. Similarly, Wuzhizhou Island has pioneered an innovative eco-tourism model, partnering with universities to develop a tropical marine ranch. Through the deployment of artificial reefs and the transplantation of tens of thousands of coral colonies, the island now offers visitors the chance to participate in coral transplantation, creating a virtuous cycle between conservation and tourism. This hands-on approach earned high praise from the attending media representatives.
The integration of culture and tourism has also revitalized Hainan's traditional maritime heritage. The Danjia fishing rafts continue to enrich their authentic marine-ethnic cultural offerings, diversifying their "product portfolio." Tianya Town, built around a century-old fishing village, has transformed into a coastal leisure landmark, now home to nearly a hundred boutique homestays and specialty cafés. The Sanya International Duty-Free Shopping Complex, housing over 1,000 international brands, has introduced cutting-edge "duty-free + technology" consumption scenarios. Meanwhile, the Sanya Yacht Tourism Center, with a complete industrial chain, recorded over 220,000 yacht outings in 2025, cementing its status as a premier destination for high-end coastal tourism.
The media delegation concluded their visit with a clear impression of Hainan as an open, green, and dynamic region. Today's Hainan FTP has transcended the traditional model of seaside tourism, using policy as its backbone, ecology as its canvas, and culture as its soul. By continually energizing the blue economy, Hainan is presenting a compelling new vision of high-quality development to the world. The island's success in blending economic growth with environmental stewardship and cultural preservation offers a model for coastal regions worldwide, highlighting the potential of ocean-based industries in driving sustainable development.
