While Sanya’s sun-kissed beaches and tropical charm have long attracted tourists, this Hainan Province city is now making waves as a pioneer in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)-infused wellness. As of December 2025, over 60% of the region’s luxury resorts now integrate TCM therapies like acupuncture and herbal treatments into their wellness programs, according to recent industry reports.
International visitors are increasingly drawn to Sanya’s unique blend of ancient healing practices and modern spa innovations. A German tourist recently told KhabarAsia: "I came for the beaches but stayed for the cupping therapy – it resolved my chronic back pain in three sessions." This sentiment reflects a 45% year-on-year increase in medical tourism bookings to Sanya since 2023.
The local government has capitalized on this trend through its 2025 "Health Silk Road" initiative, establishing partnerships with wellness centers across Asia and Europe. Meanwhile, Sanya’s TCM research institutes are collaborating with Singaporean and Swiss universities to validate traditional therapies through clinical trials.
For business investors, the wellness tourism boom presents new opportunities. Hotel construction permits in Sanya’s medical zones increased by 32% this year, while local TCM pharmacies report a 28% rise in overseas orders for customized herbal formulas since January 2025.
