Hainan province launched its 2026 Marine Tourism Year with a ceremony in Wanning city, highlighting the island's coastal culture and growing marine tourism sector.
The event was held at Riyue Bay, a world-renowned surfing destination, and featured international surfers showcasing Hainan's beaches and water sports.
The initiative aims to strengthen Hainan's marine economy and shift the province's tourism model from traditional coastal sightseeing to immersive, activity-based experiences.
Under the theme "Coasts in Hainan, Joys of Journey", the 2026 program will offer 60 high-quality marine tourism products, spanning tourism projects, water sports, and festivals. Ten core island-wide itineraries, including coastal relaxation tours and six immersive ocean experiences, are also planned.
Hainan already boasts a strong coastal infrastructure, with three national-level and three provincial-level resorts, 19 marine-themed scenic areas, 137 seaview lodgings, nine marine culture streets, five nighttime cultural zones, and 14 water sports bases.
The campaign aims to attract 18 million marine tourism visitors and generate over 40 billion yuan in revenue by 2027. A "Hainan Marine Tourism Guide (2026)" was released to help visitors explore the offerings.
The launch ceremony took place at the China Tourism Group Riyue Bay Surf Resort, the country's first surfing-themed destination. Located along the Hainan Coastal Scenic Highway, the resort integrates a surf park, theme hotels, and a commercial district for an all-weather, immersive experience.
The resort features China's first Olympic-standard artificial wave pool, capable of producing 23 different wave types to cater to beginners and professional surfers alike.
Its development aligns with Hainan's strategic shift toward multidimensional and deep-experience marine tourism, upgrading the product offering from simple sightseeing to a composite format focused on attracting international younger visitors.
