China's southernmost province of Hainan has emerged as a multifaceted tourist destination, offering experiences that go beyond its beautiful beaches and coconut trees. During the first National Day holiday since the launch of the island-wide special customs operations at Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP), visitors from home and abroad were treated to a diverse range of activities. These included duty-free shopping, local food, historic neighborhoods, and the unique lifestyle of fishing communities.
The Sanya International Duty-Free Shopping Complex in the seaside resort city of Sanya drew a steady stream of visitors during the holiday. The mall offers a wide selection of international brands, attractive duty-free prices, and convenient pickup services. Tourists like Alina, a Russian visitor, enjoyed shopping at the complex, citing the variety of international brands and good prices.
Since Hainan expanded its duty-free shopping access to departing tourists last November, the island has seen a growing number of overseas visitors at its major duty-free shopping centers. Domestic tourists have long been drawn to duty-free shopping in Hainan, with Li Tian, a tourist from Henan Province, purchasing perfumes and cosmetics during her visit. She noted that duty-free shopping is a must-do for her every time she visits Hainan.
Beyond its shopping malls, Hainan offers a glimpse into its rich history and everyday life. Old streets, traditional neighborhoods, and fishing ports provide visitors with a chance to experience a different side of the island. At Qilou Old Street in Haikou, the provincial capital, century-old arcade buildings line the historic streets, where tourists can sample local snacks and soak up the atmosphere.
The Tanka people, or boat dwellers, have traditionally lived on sampans and made their living by fishing in coastal waters. At Xincun Port in Lingshui Li Autonomous County, hundreds of Tanka fish rafts are lined up across the blue waters, forming a unique "village on the sea." Tourists can take shuttle boats to get a close-up look at the traditional culture and way of life of the Tanka people.
Xincun night market comes alive with bustling crowds as people gather around stalls serving grilled seafood, tropical fruits, and local snacks. Sanya's Xidao Island, home to a fishing village with more than 400 years of history, offers another glimpse into the island's traditional coastal life. Visitors can explore its winding lanes on foot or rent electric scooters to get around.
Hainan is at the forefront of a broader national effort to upgrade tourism offerings. The latest five-year tourism development plan aims to build Hainan into a globally influential tourism and consumption destination by 2035. The island's diverse experiences, from duty-free shopping to historic neighborhoods, make it an attractive destination for tourists.
Key points
- Hainan offers diverse tourism experiences beyond beaches and coconut trees.
- The island's duty-free shopping has been a major draw for tourists.
- Hainan aims to become a globally influential tourism destination by 2035.
