As much of China shivers through winter, Sanya in tropical Hainan is drawing waves of foreign tourists to its beaches, with new visa-free entry policies fueling a surge in arrivals during the Spring Festival holiday.
So far, passengers from 86 countries can now enter Hainan visa-free, making the province one of the country's most accessible destinations for international travelers.
At Dadonghai Beach in Sanya, winter coats are replaced by sunglasses and swimsuits as visitors from around the globe soak up the sun. Some lounge on the sandy shore, while others wade into the gentle surf.
This dynamic scene during the nine-day Spring Festival holiday, highlights Sanya’s appeal as a top destination for tourists seeking warmth and cultural exchange under its tropical skies.
The Spring Festival, China's most important holiday marked by family reunions, festive foods and New Year wishes, fell on Tuesday this year.
According to Sanya's tourism authorities, more than 5,000 Russian visitors arrive each week, making up nearly 70 percent of foreign tourists at Dadonghai Beach.
"Because a lot of my colleagues come here, I am a tourist, and I travel a lot. So this place was interesting for me. And I decide to come here with my husband," said Christina, a visitor from Russia.
"I was in Phuket. I was in Maldives, but I think Sanya is the best," said Christina's husband.
From Chinese New Year's Eve to the third day of the holiday, Sanya Phoenix International Airport recorded 10,800 entries and exits by foreign nationals, marking a 22.7 percent increase compared to the same period last year.
During the four days, the airport handled more than 70 international arrival and departure flights, with routes mainly connecting Sanya to destinations in Russia, Kazakhstan and the Republic of Korea.
"I think Chinese immigration is very fast. Everyone is extremely nice here. It is very convenient," said foreign visitors.
Visa-free policy fuels surge of foreign tourists in Sanya during Spring Festival
