As the 2026 Spring Festival approaches, travelers to Hainan are discovering a fresh way to celebrate: sunset-to-starlight barbecue feasts that merge culinary traditions with tropical island charm. This year’s festivities see families and visitors gathering on moonlit beaches, grilling freshly caught seafood and marinated skewers against a backdrop of lapping waves and swaying palm trees.
Local night markets have amplified the trend, offering specialty items like coconut-glazed prawns and lemongrass-infused pork alongside live folk music. "It’s about warmth in every sense – the climate, the food, and the community," explains Haikou resident Lin Wei, who hosts annual beach banquets for returning relatives.
The phenomenon reflects Hainan’s growing role as a winter holiday hub, blending cultural preservation with modern tourism. Environmental initiatives ensure beaches remain pristine despite increased foot traffic, while food safety campaigns maintain quality at pop-up grilling stations.
For diaspora communities planning homecoming trips, these open-air feasts provide both nostalgia and novelty. Tourism officials report a 40% surge in December-January bookings compared to last year, with barbecue-centric itineraries particularly popular among Southeast Asian and European visitors.
