Sanya Highlights Tourism and Free Trade to International Media

Media representatives and social media influencers from 19 countries and regions visited Sanya, a tropical coastal city in China's Hainan Province, for a six-day programme highlighting its natural attractions, cultural heritage, tourism potential and growing economy.

The international media initiative, titled "Go China In Sanya", ran from November 1 to 6 under the broader "Why China: Discovering Sanya" programme. It brought together international journalists and digital content creators to explore the city's unique attractions and gain first-hand insights into China's cultural diversity and economic development.

The programme was guided by the Publicity Department of the CPC Sanya Municipal Committee, organised by the Sanya Tourism Development Bureau, supported by the Sanya Municipal Cyberspace Administration and implemented by the Hainan branch of China News Service International Communication Group.

The official opening ceremony took place on November 2 at Luhuitou Scenic Area, which offers panoramic views of Sanya's coastline.

Addressing the gathering, Li Yingting, a member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Sanya Municipal Committee and head of its Publicity Department, welcomed the international delegates and highlighted Sanya's growing profile as an international tourism destination.

Describing Sanya as a city where mountains, coastal landscapes and urban development coexist, Li said the city was pursuing greater openness while positioning itself as a modern hub for tourism, business and international exchanges.

Li also urged visiting journalists and content creators to share their experiences with global audiences through stories, photographs and digital platforms, showcasing Sanya's cultural identity, openness and everyday lifestyle.

Over the six-day programme, participants visited several major attractions and explored the city's combination of tropical scenery, traditional Chinese culture, modern infrastructure and community life.

The itinerary began at Luhuitou Scenic Area, known for its spectacular coastal views and a romantic legend rooted in Li ethnic culture.

Participants subsequently visited the Sanya International Friendly Traditional Chinese Medicine Sanatorium, where they learned about traditional Chinese medical practices, including acupuncture, therapeutic massage and wellness treatments. The visit also highlighted Sanya's expanding health and wellness tourism sector.

At Hongzhou International Yacht Marina, the delegation explored the city's developing marine tourism industry and learned about opportunities emerging from the Hainan Free Trade Port, particularly in international yacht tourism and related businesses.

The programme also featured visits to Atlantis Sanya, a prominent luxury tourism complex, and the cdf Sanya International Duty-Free Shopping Complex, offering insights into the city's international retail market and tourism-oriented consumer services.

Environmental protection and sustainable tourism were another major focus. At Wuzhizhou Island, participants explored the surrounding marine ecosystem and learned about initiatives to protect coral reefs and promote environmentally responsible coastal tourism.

The delegation also visited Tianya Haijiao, one of Sanya's best-known tourist attractions, and Daxiaodongtian Scenic Area, which reflects the region's maritime heritage and historical links with the ancient Maritime Silk Road.

To gain a deeper understanding of Sanya's cultural traditions, participants travelled to Yazhou Ancient City. There, they explored historic streets, traditional architecture and cultural landmarks while learning about Yazhou folk songs and the customs of the Li ethnic community. Traditional performances also showcased ongoing efforts to preserve the region's intangible cultural heritage.

Beyond established tourist attractions, the programme introduced participants to local communities and traditional lifestyles.

At West Island, visitors experienced the distinctive culture of a fishing village with a history spanning more than a century, gaining insights into the daily lives and maritime traditions of its residents.

A visit to Durian Valley in the Yucai Ecological Zone provided an opportunity to explore tropical agriculture and understand how agricultural production is being integrated with rural tourism.

Participants also visited Sanya's First Market, Dadonghai tourist area, Tianya Town and Sanya Joy City, experiencing the city's food culture, shopping facilities and coastal lifestyle.

At Sanya Joy City, the delegation learned about the "Passport Friendly" initiative, designed to simplify shopping and improve consumer services for international visitors.

The programme further included a visit to Hainan Lausanne Tourism University, where participants gained insights into international cooperation in hospitality education and efforts to develop skilled professionals for the tourism industry.

Alongside tourism and cultural attractions, the initiative highlighted Sanya's growing international accessibility under the Hainan Free Trade Port framework.

Local officials said citizens of 88 countries could benefit from visa-free entry arrangements, with individual immigration clearance reportedly taking as little as 30 seconds.

Sanya currently operates 38 international passenger air routes connecting the city with overseas destinations, particularly in Southeast Asia, Central Asia and Russian-speaking regions.

According to figures available as of October 24, passenger movements through Sanya Phoenix International Airport had surpassed one million this year, marking a 30.3% increase from the same period last year.

The international media programme also served as a platform for cross-cultural engagement, enabling participants from different countries and regions to understand China's development through direct interaction with local communities, businesses, cultural institutions and residents.

For audiences in Bangladesh and elsewhere, the initiative provided an opportunity to gain a closer understanding of how China is combining cultural preservation, sustainable tourism and economic expansion while promoting international people-to-people exchanges.

The six-day programme concluded with a broader showcase of Sanya's ambition to strengthen its position as a leading international tourism destination and an important gateway for global visitors seeking to explore China.