In Sanya's sun-drenched harbor, centuries of nautical tradition converge with 21st-century innovation as the city cements its status as Asia's yachting capital. The newly expanded Sanya Ship Model Museum, housing over 300 meticulously crafted vessels from Ming Dynasty junks to modern racing yachts, serves as a living bridge between past and present.
This year, maritime enthusiasts can trace the evolution of seafaring through interactive exhibits before stepping directly into Sanya's thriving marina district. The Hainan Free Trade Port's progressive policies have accelerated development, with yacht registrations increasing 34% year-on-year through November 2025.
"Our museum isn't just about preservation – it's inspiration for maritime innovation," says curator Li Wei, standing beside a 3D-printed scale model of Sanya's latest solar-powered catamaran. Along the 12-kilometer marina stretch, visitors now find hybrid electric yacht showrooms alongside traditional boat-building workshops.
With 16 international sailing events scheduled through 2026 and new maritime tech incubators launching in Q1 2026, Sanya demonstrates how cultural stewardship and economic modernization can chart parallel courses. As the December winds fill sails across Hainan's southern coast, this tropical port continues rewriting its maritime narrative for the global stage.
