Throughout China: China’s island province Hainan uses varied tourist experiences to holidaymakers

Visitors store at Sanya International Duty-Free Shopping Complex in Sanya, south China’s Hainan Province, Oct. 2, 2026. Throughout the very first National Day vacation because the launch of the island-wide unique customizeds operations at Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP ), the tropical island has actually provided visitors from home and abroad a varied variety of experiences– from duty-free shopping and regional food to historical communities and the distinct way of life of fishing neighborhoods.(Xinhua/Guo Cheng )

HAIKOU, Oct. 4(Xinhua)– China’s southernmost province of Hainan has more to use than beaches and coconut trees.

Throughout the very first National Day vacation because the launch of the island-wide unique custom-mades operations at Hainan Free Trade Port(FTP), the tropical island has actually used visitors from home and abroad a varied series of experiences– from duty-free shopping and regional food to historical areas and the distinct way of life of fishing neighborhoods.

In the seaside resort city of Sanya, the Sanya International Duty-Free Shopping Complex has actually drawn a consistent stream of visitors throughout the vacation. The vast shopping center uses a large choice of worldwide brand names, appealing duty-free rates and practical pickup services.

“The shopping mall is huge and nice,” stated Alina, a Russian traveler. “There are many international brands and the prices are good. I enjoy shopping here very much.”

Going to China for the very first time, Alina stated she had actually enjoyed her journey to Hainan, where tropical seaside surroundings was matched by a first-rate shopping experience.

Given that Hainan broadened its duty-free shopping access to leaving travelers last November, a growing number of abroad visitors like Alina have actually been seen at the island’s significant duty-free shopping.

For domestic travelers, duty-free shopping has actually long been a popular part of a Hainan schedule.

Li Tian, a traveler from main China’s Henan Province, acquired fragrances and cosmetics throughout her check out.

“Duty-free shopping is a must-do for me every time I visit Hainan. The prices are attractive, and the wide range of products meets my one-stop shopping needs,” she stated.

The island’s appeal goes well beyond its shiny shopping malls. Throughout Hainan, old streets, conventional communities and fishing ports use visitors a possibility to decrease and experience a various side of the island– one rooted in regional history and daily life.

At Qilou Old Street in Haikou, the provincial capital, century-old game structures line the historical streets, where travelers roam through narrow lanes, sample regional treats and absorb the environment.

A regional tea home on the street was loaded with visitors throughout the National Day vacation. “I came here to experience the local way of life. It’s bustling and has a very authentic feel,” stated a traveler surnamed Xu from east China’s Zhejiang Province.

At Xincun Port in Lingshui Li Autonomous County, numerous Tanka fish rafts are lined up throughout the blue waters, forming a distinct “village on the sea.” Shuttle bus boats ferryboat travelers backward and forward, providing them a close-up take a look at the standard culture and way of living of the Tanka individuals.

The Tanka individuals, or boat occupants, are those who have actually generally survived on sampans and made their living by fishing in seaside waters. Over generations, they have actually established a distinct culture.

“I have never seen such a large cluster of fish rafts before, and I’ve never had a meal on one either. Today’s experience is truly unique,” stated Gao Chen, a traveler from Beijing who took pleasure in a seafood meal on a drifting raft for the very first time.

Throughout the day, travelers here participate in enjoyable activities like beachcombing and sea fishing, gathering fresh seafood. As night falls, Xincun night market comes alive with dynamic crowds as individuals collect around stalls serving grilled seafood, tropical fruits and regional treats.

Sanya’s Xidao Island, home to a fishing town with more than 400 years of history, provides yet another glance into the island’s standard seaside life. Visitors can explore its winding lanes on foot or lease electrical scooters to navigate.

“Cycling around the village makes me feel totally relaxed and at ease,” stated a traveler surnamed Zhang from north China’s Hebei Province.

Hainan is at the leading edge of a wider nationwide effort to update tourist offerings. The most recent five-year tourist advancement strategy, authorized by the State Council and launched in July, requires supporting brand-new motorists of tourist development and enhancing the supply of top quality tourist experiences.

The Hainan FTP formally introduced island-wide unique customizeds operations in December in 2015. According to strategies, China intends to develop Hainan into an internationally prominent tourist and intake location by 2035. ■

Visitors store at Sanya International Duty-Free Shopping Complex in Sanya, south China’s Hainan Province, Oct. 2, 2026.

Throughout the very first National Day vacation because the launch of the island-wide unique custom-mades operations at Hainan Free Trade Port(FTP), the tropical island has actually used visitors from home and abroad a varied variety of experiences– from duty-free shopping and regional food to historical communities and the unique way of life of fishing neighborhoods. (Xinhua/Guo Cheng )

Individuals dine at a regional tea home in Haikou, south China’s Hainan Province, Oct. 1, 2026.

Throughout the very first National Day vacation because the launch of the island-wide unique custom-mades operations at Hainan Free Trade Port(FTP), the tropical island has actually used visitors from home and abroad a varied variety of experiences– from duty-free shopping and regional food to historical communities and the unique way of life of fishing neighborhoods. (Xinhua/Guo Cheng)

Travelers check out Qilou Old Street in Haikou, south China’s Hainan Province, Oct. 1, 2026.

Throughout the very first National Day vacation because the launch of the island-wide unique customizeds operations at Hainan Free Trade Port(FTP), the tropical island has actually provided visitors from home and abroad a varied variety of experiences– from duty-free shopping and regional food to historical communities and the distinct way of life of fishing neighborhoods.(Xinhua/Guo Cheng)

This picture handled Oct. 1, 2026 reveals the busy night market in Xincun Port of Lingshui Li Autonomous County, south China’s Hainan Province.

Throughout the very first National Day vacation given that the launch of the island-wide unique custom-mades operations at Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP), the tropical island has actually used visitors from home and abroad a varied series of experiences– from duty-free shopping and regional food to historical communities and the distinct way of life of fishing neighborhoods. (Xinhua/Guo Cheng)