As November 2025 brings chilly weather to much of the Northern Hemisphere, Sanya's palm-fringed beaches and balmy 28°C days are drawing record numbers of visitors. The tropical city in China's Hainan Province has seen hotel occupancy rates surpass 85% this month, with resorts reporting strong bookings from domestic travelers and international guests from Russia, Europe, and Southeast Asia.
Local authorities attribute the surge to Hainan's enhanced visa-free policies and new luxury resort openings. "Our winter tourism strategy focuses on sustainable ecotourism and cultural experiences," said Hainan Tourism Development Committee spokesperson Li Wei. "This year's new underwater hotel near Wuzhizhou Island and expanded duty-free shopping complex have been particularly popular."
With direct flights now connecting Sanya to 38 international cities, the island is positioning itself as Asia's premier winter destination. Industry analysts predict Hainan could welcome over 12 million visitors during the 2025-2026 winter season, bolstering China's tourism recovery.
