With the arrival of the ChongYang Festival, also known as the Double Ninth Festival, which celebrates seniors, travel platform Qunar has reported that Hainan is a popular destination for older travelers from across China seeking a warm refuge from chilly weather.

International travelers visit Haikou’s historic Qilou street. Photo: Liu Sunmou, Nanhai Net, Nanguo Metropolis Daily

Around the time of the Double Ninth Festival, which falls on the 9th day of the 9th lunar month, Haikou and Sanya both appeared on the list of the top 10 most popular flight destinations for Chinese travelers aged 60 and older. Meanwhile, Hainan counties such as Lingshui, Chengmai, and Ledong were featured on a list of popular wellness and health oriented county-level destinations in China. Haikou also ranked among the top 10 destinations nationwide for senior travelers from other countries, and the number of inbound travelers aged 60 and older visiting Sanya went up by 66% over last year’s figures.

Why do senors love Hainan so much?

Warm Climate

A view of the natural scenery along the Sanya section of the Hainan Coastal Scenic Highway. Photo: Wang Chenglong, Hainan Daily

Hainan enjoys warm weather year round, with an annual average temperature of approximately 25° Celsius and a winter average ranging from 18° to 22° Celsius. In the central tropical rainforest regions, the average summer temperature is between 25° and 28° Celsius, with abundant sunshine and a warm, humid environment. This mild climate can help alleviate common age-related ailments such as joint pain.

Excellent Ecological Environment

Flamingos forage along the beach at Maniao Port in Lingao County. Photo: Liu Sunmou, Nanhai Net, Nanguo Metropolis Daily

Hainan’s ecological quality consistently ranks among the best in China, with the island province boasting a forest coverage rate of 62.1%. An average of 99.4% of days annually are rated as good air quality days, and Hainan’s water quality remains among the best in the country, with over 99% of marine waters meeting high-quality standards. Fresh air promotes respiratory health, and an abundance of negative oxygen ions provides significant benefits for cardiovascular and pulmonary function.

Health & Wellness Resources

Water sports enthusiasts enjoy the waves and go surfing in Riyue Bay, Wanning. Photo: Liu Sunmou, Nanhai Net, Nanguo Metropolis Daily

East Hainan offers medical treatment and wellness programs, south Hainan provides TCM health services, central Hainan has climate and forest based wellness retreats, north Hainan specializes in community-based wellness, and west Hainan focuses on eco-wellness, with different specialties in each town and country across the island, all of which can be tailored to each traveler’s individual needs.

Nordic wellness group members perform morning exercises on a beach in Sanya. Photo: Hainan Daily

To accommodate the growing demand for long-term travel among the senior population, Hainan has set up over 30 health and wellness-focused travel itineraries including the Bo’ao Lecheng: Health, Longevety, and Well-Being tours. In addition, the province has also launched eight premium tours this year under three key themes: Health & Wellness for Seniors, Relaxation for Seniors, and Educational Travel for Seniors, adding to Hainan’s wide range of senior-friendly tours.

International travelers learn about and try out traditional Li Water Buffalo Horn Cupping therapy in Sanya. Photo: Wang Chenglong, Hainan Daily

The positioning of senior tourism in Hainan is shifting from the traditional model of ‘retirement destination’ toward becoming an international medical, health, and wellness destination. The island’s excellent climate and supportive policies are key factors driving Hainan’s popularity with older travelers and long-term seasonal residents.