South China's tropical island province of Hainan -- a top tourist resort in the country -- saw a staggering 283-percent year-on-year surge in visa-free foreign tourist visits to the province in 2024, as a result of the expansion of China's visa-free policy to facilitate international travel in the year, according to official data released by the local customs inspection authorities.
The data show that Hainan handled 2.14 million inbound and outbound trips crossing the border in 2024, with foreign travelers accounting for over 1.01 million, or 47.5 percent of the total.
The island's increasing popularity is largely attributed to its spectacular natural landscape and visa-free entry policy.
One of Hainan's most popular attractions attractive to international tourists is the Yanoda Rainforest Cultural Tourism Area, which is famous for its rainforest and canyon. It is located only 36 kilometers away from Sanya City, which houses one of the three major airports on the island.
In separate interviews with China Central Television, tourists from Russia and Kazakhstan said they were impressed by the natural wonder.
"I like all these flowers the most. They smell so good," said a Russian kid.
"This is our first time in Hainan. We have been here for a few days. We really like the stunning nature here. The air here is fresh and the people are kind and welcoming," said the kid's father.
"The air here is very fresh. My granddaughter had a cough back in our country, but she has got better here. The air is very good, the city is very good, and people are very nice," said a Kazak tourist.
To ensure smooth customs clearance for visa-free passengers from worldwide, local border inspection authorities have upgraded the customs declaration system, and set up designated areas at ports to serve travelers eligible for transit visa-free policies.
International tourists said the services are efficient.
"We ordered a tour product at a travel agency, then we flew here and got our passport stamped. We are glad there isn't such a long queue and the whole process is fast," said a Kazak tourist.
Hainan's three main airports -- the Haikou Meilan International Airport, the Sanya Phoenix International Airport and the Qionghai Boao International Airport -- currently operate 70 international routes, connecting nearly 40 cities across Southeast Asia, Northeast Asia, the Middle East, Australia and New Zealand, Europe and other regions.
South China's Hainan sees sharp surge in visa-free foreign tourist visits in 2024
