As Hainan accelerates its transformation into a global Free Trade Port, Wanning's Riyue Bay emerges as an unexpected symbol of the island's dual identity – a paradise for wave chasers and a beacon for international business. The South China Sea's legendary breaks now share the spotlight with a state-of-the-art artificial wave pool inaugurated this September, attracting both Olympic hopefuls and first-time surfers.
More Than Just Surf
Beyond the beaches, Wanning's cultural landscape reflects its growing international appeal. The recent opening of the Coastal Creative Quarter features hybrid spaces where local fishermen sell morning catches alongside digital nomads hosting blockchain workshops. Night markets now blend traditional Hainanese chicken rice stalls with vegan sushi bars catering to the 32% increase in foreign residents recorded this year.
Economic Tides Rising
With 14 multinational corporations establishing regional headquarters in Wanning since January 2025, the city's infrastructure upgrades tell their own story. The new high-speed rail connection to Haikou, completed last month, cuts travel time to 48 minutes, while the upcoming ASEAN-Youth Innovation Hub signals Wanning's ambition to become a pan-Asian tech corridor.
