Taiwanese “Old Friends” Return to Sanya a Decade Later: The Mountains and Sea Remain the Same, but the Ways to Enjoy Them Have Changed
Ten years later, when senior representatives from nearly 20 leading travel agencies in Taiwan set foot in Sanya once again, they discovered that the “scenery” here had been completely transformed.
From March 16 to 18, 2026, coinciding with the first year of the Hainan Free Trade Port’s customs-sealed operation, this return to familiar grounds across the strait turned into an in-depth exploration of the new face of tourism on Hainan Island.
Beneath the shadows of the coconut groves lies a comprehensive renewal and upgrade of Sanya’s tourism industry.
🔥From Sightseeing to Immersive Experiences
The Transformation of Sanya’s Tourism Products
Ten years ago, when people thought of Sanya, the first things that came to mind were blue seas and skies, coconut groves and white sandy beaches, relaxing at hotels, and enjoying seafood. Ten years later, visitors remark: “Things are different now—Sanya has so much more to offer!” Tourism combined with culture is becoming the new essence of Sanya’s tourism industry. The sightseeing trips of the past are giving way to in-depth cultural experiences.
From Sanya Yalong Bay Tropical Paradise Forest Park, you can overlook the entire Yalong Bay and take in the breathtaking scenery; Sanya Thousand-Year Romance uses a series of spectacular stage performances to vividly recount Hainan’s millennia-old history; Sanya Nanshan Cultural Tourism Zone is not only a sacred place for Buddhist worship but also attracts countless visitors with its Zen culture and blessings; at the Sanya Tianya Haijiao Scenic Area, the “Tianya Stone” remains unchanged, yet the visitor experience continues to evolve.
Sanya’s tourism has evolved from simple sightseeing and photo-op stops to immersive cultural interactions, and with continuous improvements in the details of its tourism services, Sanya is now embracing the boundless possibilities of travel.
🔢 Data Highlights the Potential:
Cross-Strait cultural and tourism cooperation is entering a new phase of growth.
Market feedback has been the most direct indicator. According to data from Sanya’s tourism market monitoring system, the number of visitors from Taiwan received by Sanya nearly doubled year-over-year between January and February 2026 alone. This robust market potential has instilled strong confidence in deepening cooperation among businesses on both sides of the Strait.
Looking ahead, the blueprint for cooperation between Sanya and Taiwanese businesses has already been drawn up.
Taiwanese residents visiting the mainland for the first time can enjoy two exclusive benefits:
1. Free admission to scenic spots
Effective September 1, 2024, the mainland officially implemented a policy granting free admission to scenic spots for Taiwanese compatriots visiting the mainland for the first time, and has confirmed that the policy will remain in effect until December 31, 2027. During this period, any Taiwanese compatriot who applies for a Taiwan Compatriot Travel Permit (with an entry code of “01”) for the first time and has never visited the mainland before may visit over 3,000 A-level scenic spots nationwide free of charge within one year of the permit’s issuance.
As an international coastal tourism destination, Sanya has actively responded to the national call. Two 5A-rated scenic areas—Sanya Wuzhizhou Island Tourism Area and Sanya Nanshan Cultural Tourism Area—were included in the first batch of sites eligible for free admission. Taiwanese visitors need only present the original valid “01” Taiwan Compatriot Permit upon entry to gain free access.
II. Waiver of Document Fees
From July 1, 2025, through the end of 2027, first-time visitors from Taiwan will be exempt from document processing fees when applying for a single-entry valid Taiwan Compatriot Permit. Combined with Sanya Port’s fast-track clearance services, the entire process—from permit application to arrival on the island—is efficient and convenient.
A Decade in the Blink of an Eye: The Mountains and Seas Remain, but the Experience Has Evolved
From the mountain-and-sea vistas of Yalong Bay
to the cultural immersion of “Eternal Love”
from the spiritual healing of Nanshan Temple
to the romantic upgrade at “End of the Earth and Edge of the Sea”
this classic route now offers a completely new experience
2026: The First Year of the Free Trade Port’s Closed-Border Operation
Sanya is redefining tropical coastal tourism
with richer offerings
more attentive service, and more diverse experiences