During the 2026 Chinese New Year holiday, Hainan’s tourism boom exceeded all expectations. At Yalong Bay, children built sandcastles and chased the waves, filling the coastline with laughter. Inside duty-free shopping malls, visitors queued to browse and buy. At night markets, the rich aroma of coconut chicken filled the air. In fact, since Hainan officially implemented special customs operations on December 18, 2025, the island’s tourism sector has remained exceptionally vibrant, establishing Hainan as one of China’s most popular destinations among foreign travelers. For visitors, this is a land of “super openness”, delivering unprecedented convenience and smoother journeys.
 

Beautiful beaches in Sanya, Hainan

Previously, visa-free entry to Hainan was limited to 59 countries, restricted to tourism purposes. Today, citizens of 86 countries can enter Hainan visa-free for a wide range of purposes, including travel, family visits, business, medical treatment, and exhibitions, with a stay of up to 30 days. Coupled with streamlined port clearance procedures, waiting times have been drastically reduced. International visitors now benefit from highly efficient border clearance, making trips to Hainan more flexible than ever.
 

You may like: China Visa-free Policy
 

Under the new special customs regime, shopping in Hainan has become both more convenient and more economical. The catalogue of zero-tariff goods has expanded from 1,900 types to roughly 6,600 categories, covering approximately 74% of all taxable items. The selection of duty-free products has also grown significantly, with new additions including electrical appliances, home medical devices, micro drones, ceramic products, silk scarves, and tea. The annual duty-free shopping quota per person has been raised from CNY 16,000 to CNY 100,000, with relaxed purchase limits: four mobile phones, two mini drones, and no restrictions on tablets or video game consoles.
 

In the past, tourists had to collect duty-free items only at the airport before leaving the island, often causing inconvenience with heavy luggage. Now, most products in Hainan’s duty-free stores are available for immediate takeaway, greatly enhancing the shopping experience.

A dazzling array of goods

Tourists selecting goods

 

Hainan’s airports currently operate 92 international passenger routes, connecting key regions including Northeast Asia, Southeast Asia, Europe, and Oceania. Flights from Bangkok or Kuala Lumpur to Hainan take as short as two hours.

Sanya Phoenix International Airport

Following the implementation of special customs operations, Hainan’s airports, duty-free stores, and major tourist attractions now support international payment methods and multilingual services. Hotels employ English-proficient staff, and even street-side food stalls offer multilingual menus, creating a welcoming environment for overseas guests.
 

Hainan’s coastline is its iconic attraction. Unwinding on the soft, fine sands of Yalong Bay or walking along the vibrant Dadonghai Bay in Sanya offers perfect relaxation. Hainan is also a premier destination for aquatic adventures: surfing, jet skiing, paragliding, snorkeling, and more deliver an exhilarating rush of adrenaline.
 

Sunbathing on the beach

Tourists enjoying jet skiing

 

Tropical rainforests cover more than half of Hainan Island. Trekking through the rainforest feels like entering a pristine wilderness. As a natural oxygen bar, the area boasts negative ion levels more than 100 times higher than in urban areas, helping to relieve stress and revitalize the body and mind. It is home to over 4,000 plant species and more than 500 animal species, with unique wildlife often spotted along the trails. 
 

For a truly unforgettable experience, visit Wenchang - site of China’s most advanced and modern space launch center. Join crowds of spectators to watch a rocket launch as the countdown begins. The thunderous roar of engines and the spectacular sight of a spacecraft ascending into the sky create awe-inspiring moments of human achievement. Visitors can also experience life in a simulated “space cabin” and get a taste of an astronaut’s daily routine.
 

Beyond natural scenery, the Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone draws many international visitors seeking medical and wellness care. As China’s sole “medical care special zone”, Boao Lecheng provides access to the world’s latest pharmaceuticals and medical equipment. It also offers traditional Chinese medicine treatments such as acupuncture and cupping. Many travelers combine sightseeing with health care, enjoying a truly restorative journey.
 

 

Hainan's cuisine is renowned for its fresh seafood and tropical fruits, offering a true feast of tropical flavors. Strolling through the streets of Hainan, the aroma from seafood stalls mingles with the sweet scent of coconuts in the air. The seafood, freshly caught, still carries the salty freshness of the sea. The beauty of Hainan’s food lies in its simplicity - fresh ingredients that speak for themselves. In addition, Hainan is abundant in tropical fruits, juicy and sweet. Tasting them during your journey is sure to be a delightful experience.