In Hainan, there are so many different ways to vacation, and people from all around the world are all finding out what island vacation activities suit them best - some relax under the shifting shadows of the palm trees lining the shore, some nap in the tropical sun, some eagerly swing for the green on the golf course, and some seek the ancient wisdom of TCM treatments such as cupping or acupuncture... the cultures of the East and West blend in seamless harmony here, and each traveler is able to discover their own unique bliss.

A traveler enjoys a traditional Li musical performance. Photo: Huang Qingwen, special correspondent for Hainan Daily

Visit on a Whim with Hainan’s Visa-Free Policy

"In the past, getting a visa was crucial when planning a trip to China. Now, Hainan's visa-free policy has made everything so simple that we can really just 'pack our bags and go'". The Ivanov family from Moscow was enjoying the sunshine on the soft sands of Yalong Bay.

Convenient entry policies have opened the door for travelers from around the world to explore Hainan. According to the Haikou Entry-Exit Bureau, Hainan currently boasts the most inclusive visa-free entry policy system in the country, combining multiple visa-free entry formats such as bilateral mutual exemption, unilateral visa-free entry, 144-hour group visa-free entry, 240-hour transit visa-free entry, and 15-day visa-free entry for cruise ship passengers.

These policies have significantly increased Hainan's inbound tourism market. From Jan. - Sept. 2025, Hainan welcomed 973,900 overnight inbound travelers, a year-on-year increase of 29%, including 822,600 international travelers, a year-on-year increase of 27.7%. Visa-free entry was the most popular choice for these visitors.

"We have three charter flights per week between Sanya and Kazakhstan and other destinations. Russian and Central Asian tourists especially favor products related to traditional Chinese medicine and tropical rainforest experiences," said Zhou Lijing, Director of Ground Services at Selfie Travel China.

International visitors shop at Joy City in Sanya. Photo: Wang Chenglong, Hainan Daily

TCM Therapy: Mystical Healing from the East

"Sanya's climate is so comfortable, especially during Russia's cold season - it's the perfect place to escape the cold," Ivanov remarked.

In Dadonghai and Yalong Bay, travelers from Russian-speaking regions can be seen enjoying the sun and beaches everywhere. To better serve international travelers, local businesses have added Russian-language signs, and many hotel staff members can also communicate in basic Russian.

TCM therapies have become a major draw for international travelers. Igor, from Russia, experienced significant relief from his long-standing neck pain after three acupuncture treatments. "Acupuncture and cupping are like magic, giving me renewed energy," he said, pointing to the cupping marks on his back.

New Tropical Island Vacation Experiences for South Korean Golfers

"Playing golf in Hainan costs only half the price of playing in South Korea, and the scenery of the courses is absolutely stunning, making it a paradise for golf enthusiasts," said South Korean golfer Kim Min-woo after completing 18 holes at the Yalong Bay Golf Club.

In recent years, the integrated development of sports with tourism has made Hainan the top choice for South Korean golf vacationers. According to a report from a Korean economics publication, In 2024, South Korean international travel bookings to China saw the most significant increase, with Hainan emerging as a major destination thanks to the island province's natural advantages and high cost-effectiveness.

South Korean travelers are not only coming to hit a few golf balls, but also to enjoy the wide variety of entertainment options in Hainan. Earlier this year, a South Korean tour group of nearly 200 people not only played golf in Sanya but also visited attractions such as Tianya Haijiao and West Island, went out yachting, and enjoyed relaxing health and wellness treatments.

Refined Services Meet Different Needs

"Today's international travelers are no longer satisfied with a superficial visit. They crave an in-depth experience of local culture and seek holistic well-being," said an official from the Sanya Tourism Development Bureau. "This requires us to provide more refined and differentiated products."

In Hainan, international tourism is shifting from simple sightseeing to in-depth experiences. This tropical island is creating an ideal vacation paradise for travelers from across the globe thanks to its open policies, unique culture, and continuously improving services.