Photo Feature: Global Media Explore Hainan Free Trade Port, Unlocking the New Vitality of the “Ocean Economy”

HAIKOU, CHINA – A diverse group of foreign journalists recently journeyed to China’s Hainan Province to explore its thriving ocean economy and innovative tourism sector. Spanning Haikou, Wanning, Lingshui, and Sanya, the delegation aimed to witness firsthand the island’s marine cultural tourism, ecological conservation, and cutting-edge consumer models.

In their investigation, the global media group focused on the Hainan Free Trade Port, which, in its first year of special customs operations, has marked 2026 as the "Marine Tourism Year." The strategic focus on ocean-themed cultural travel, coupled with visa-free access for citizens of 86 countries, expanded traffic rights, and offshore duty-free shopping, has fueled a surge in cultural tourism demand.

During their visit, the journalists encountered a thriving coastal sports industry in Wanning’s Riyue Bay, a world-class surfing destination attracting over 500,000 annual visitors from around the globe, including Australia and Southeast Asia. A standout feature was the Olympic-standard artificial surf pool, utilizing advanced wave-making technology to simulate 23 wave types year-round.

The media delegation also praised Hainan’s eco-empowered tourism, citing the Hainan Ocean Paradise Resort’s commitment to protecting marine life. The resort’s rescue center has rehabilitated and released over 200 rare marine creatures, including sea turtles and hawksbills. Meanwhile, Wuzhizhou Island has pioneered an innovative eco-tourism model, collaborating with universities to create a tropical marine ranch.

The island’s artificial reefs and coral transplantation efforts offer visitors hands-on experiences in ecological conservation, garnering high praise from the media.

In a broader effort to integrate culture and tourism, Danjia fishing rafts continue to showcase authentic marine-ethnic cultural offerings, while Tianya Town, built around a historic fishing village, has transformed into a coastal leisure destination with numerous boutique homestays and specialty cafés. The Sanya International Duty-Free Shopping Complex, housing over 1,000 international brands, has introduced innovative "duty-free + technology" consumption experiences.

The Sanya Yacht Tourism Center, with a comprehensive industrial chain, recorded over 220,000 yacht outings in 2025, solidifying its position as a premier high-end coastal tourism destination.

Through these initiatives, Hainan’s FTP has transcended the traditional seaside tourism model, presenting a compelling vision of high-quality development underpinned by policy, ecology, and culture. The first full year of the island-wide special customs operations has proven a successful catalyst for Hainan’s blue economy, offering a new perspective on sustainable and vibrant development to the world.