China's Hainan Island innovates tourist offerings ahead of May Day holiday

As the five-day May Day (Labor Day) holiday approaches, top tourist destinations in Hainan, China’s southern island province, are rolling out dynamic cultural and leisure offerings, ensuring visitors have a vibrant and immersive getaway.

Data from online travel platforms indicates a significant surge in flight and hotel bookings for Hainan during the upcoming holiday.

In anticipation of the influx of tourists, scenic spots across the province are leveraging their unique resources to offer distinctive cultural and tourism experiences.

The Luhuitou Scenic Area in Sanya City is blending light art with natural landscapes, enhancing its nighttime offerings. In addition to its regular live performances, the scenic area has introduced new Labor Day-themed light installations and photo-worthy spots for visitors to enjoy.

The Ocean Flower Island resort in Danzhou City has launched a night-tour program featuring stunning light shows and live performances, designed to create a relaxing atmosphere for visitors.

The Shenyu Island Cultural and Tourism Resort in Baoting Li and Miao Autonomous County will offer a five-day therapeutic course for elderly visitors, along with intangible cultural heritage educational programs for children.

"The first 30 visitors to our park each day will enjoy a free costume experience, with makeup artists available to help create their looks. This allows visitors to immerse themselves in both the rainforest scenery and the Hanfu (traditional Chinese attire) culture," said Liu Yukun, marketing manager of the Baihualing Rainforest Cultural Tourism Zone in Qiongzhong Li and Miao Autonomous County.

According to Hainan's tourism authorities, the province welcomed 33.86 million tourist arrivals in the first quarter of this year, a 5.6 percent increase compared to the previous year. International arrivals grew by 19.3 percent, reaching 309,600. This continued growth in tourist numbers signals a thriving tourism market in Hainan.

The central parity rate of the Chinese currency renminbi, or the yuan, strengthened 20 pips to 7.0108 against the U.S. dollar Monday, according to the China Foreign Exchange Trade System.

In China's spot foreign exchange market, the yuan is allowed to rise or fall by 2 percent from the central parity rate each trading day.

The central parity rate of the yuan against the U.S. dollar is based on a weighted average of prices offered by market makers before the opening of the interbank market each business day.