— This summer, as extreme heat waves baked much of Europe and East Asia, a growing number of international travelers added Hainan to their summer itineraries. The island, located off the southern coast of China, is drawing visitors with visa‑free access for travelers from 88 countries, a humid tropical monsoon climate, and dense rainforests in its interior.
On August 24, more than 30 foreign residents and media representatives from a dozen countries gathered at Changying Fantasy Park in Haikou, Hainan for the second session of the LET’S HAINAN Media Salon. The event, themed “Summer’s Stage. Ocean’s Echo,” brought together participants from both local and international backgrounds to discuss Hainan’s summer appeal. The 160‑acre park, with its amusement rides, daily parades and evening water‑and‑light shows, served as a fitting backdrop for a conversation about Hainan’s evolving identity as a summer destination.
A Summer That Defies Expectations
With average summer temperatures between 23 and 27 degrees Celsius, Hainan’s climate is tempered by sea breezes, frequent cloud cover and tropical showers. The island saw very few extreme heat days this August. Its central rainforests, streams and wetlands function as a natural cooling system. The rainforest area stays at around 22 degrees Celsius year‑round and is rich in negative oxygen ions — a combination that makes it a summer retreat unusual for a tropical location.
Rainforests Within Driving Distance
The Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park spans 4,269 square kilometers — larger than the state of Rhode Island — and accounts for much of the province’s 62 percent forest cover. More than 80 peaks rise above 1,000 meters. At Jianfengling, a three‑hour drive from Haikou, visitors hike through primary rainforest where the canopy provides deep shade even at midday. At Wuzhishan and Diaoluoshan, trails pass century‑old trees and waterfalls that cascade into clear pools. The park has opened five core areas — Limu Mountain, Jianfengling, Bawangling, Diaoluoshan and Wuzhishan — with boardwalks, viewing platforms and visitor centers. Entrance fees range from 50 to 70 yuan (approximately 7 to 10 U.S. dollars), depending on the season and the specific park area, and guided tours are available in several languages.
Coastline and Water Sports
Hainan’s coastline runs 1,944 kilometers and takes in 68 natural bays and 21 seaside resorts. Seven professional water sports facilities operate along the coast. At Riyue Bay in Wanning, on the eastern shore, surfers ride waves often compared to those in Bali or along Australia’s Gold Coast. Off Sanya, Wuzhizhou Island offers diving with underwater visibility up to 27 meters. Inland, the province has developed activities on rivers and lakes: Hong Canyon in Wuzhishan offers white‑water rafting and paddleboarding, while Nanli Lake in Ding’an offers cycling and kayaking.
Museums and Cultural Experiences
For travelers interested in culture and handicrafts, Hainan has launched six museum‑themed routes that pair exhibition halls with local craft workshops. At the media salon, Huang Yaosen, head of the Haikou Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection and Inheritance Association, showed how traditional Li embroidery and Miao silverwork are being turned into hands on tourist activities. Visitors can complete a small craft project in a short time. A format that fits easily into a summer itinerary without taking up a full day.
Life in Hainan
Two foreign residents shared their impressions at the event. Alex, a Russian video creator, regularly rides his motorcycle around the island, documenting its mountains and coastline on social media. Rather than rushing between sights, he suggested, visitors should slow down and embrace the island’s easygoing rhythm. Beyond the well known beaches of Sanya, he recommended the colonial era arcades of Haikou’s Qilou Old Street, the lively local teahouse culture, and the rainforests of Wuzhishan as experiences not to be missed.
Jay, a Canadian executive based in Haikou, said that many people overseas think of China mainly in terms of its big industrial cities. A visit to Hainan, he said, often comes as a surprise — the island’s natural landscape, where mountains and ocean coexist, is unlike what most international visitors expect. In just a few days, travelers can go from beach to rainforest, and that kind of variety leaves a lasting impression.
The numbers back that up. In the first half of 2026, inbound arrivals to Hainan rose 50 percent year‑on‑year, with spending up 70 percent. In 2025, the island recorded 106 million domestic and international visits, up 9.1 percent from 2024. The province now offers visa‑free entry to travelers from 88 countries and has direct flights to major cities across Southeast Asia, Europe and the Middle East.
As the salon wrapped up, the consensus was clear. For travelers weary of scorching summers, Hainan offers a cooler alternative: rainforest trails, coastal winds, local traditions and night markets full of life. It is a destination that rewards those who look beyond its shoreline.
Contact Info:
Name: Shuaichen Lin
Email: Send Email
Organization: Hainan International Media Center (HIMC)
Website: https://www.hicn.cn/
Release ID: 89201912
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