When Russian Blogger Tina Steps into the Li People’s “Chinese New Year”

On the eve of the 2026 Spring Festival, while many people were still planning how to spend their holiday, Russian blogger Tina was already moving through the coconut groves of Sanya and the mountains of Baoting, embarking on a New Year adventure she called “Where Mountains Meet the Sea.”

On this tropical island, she discovered that the festive spirit of Hainan goes far beyond seafood and beaches.

Cybersanya: A “Light and Shadow Party” Over the Bay

The story begins with a scene full of modern energy. In Sanya’s coastal bay, Tina witnessed a spectacular encounter between technology and tradition. Thousands of drones rose into the sky like stars, forming the image of a soaring dragon.

Yet the music that filled the air was not just electronic beats—it was a creative fusion of traditional Hainan bamboo and wooden instruments with modern arrangements.

“At that moment, I felt like I was at a party from the future,” Tina said to the camera. “But within the melody, you could still hear the breath of ancient forests from thousands of years ago.”

Firelight in the Li Village: A Thousand-Year Secret Inside Bamboo Rice

Leaving behind the neon lights, Tina headed into a Li ethnic village in Baoting. Here, the scent of the New Year is the scent of firewood.

There are no rehearsed celebrations here—only genuine work and joyful traditions. Tina joined the Li villagers to experience authentic New Year customs:

•Scalding the New Year Pig — a steaming ritual symbolizing abundance in the year ahead.
Pounding Rice Cakes — wooden pestles rising and falling in rhythm, reflecting the spirit of community cooperation.

Bamboo Tube Rice — fragrant bamboo wrapping sweet glutinous rice, roasting over a fire to release its irresistible aroma.

At night, the village’s “Spring Festival Gala” brought the celebration to its peak. There was no glamorous stage—just singing and dancing beneath the stars.

For Tina, this was more than a trip. It was a deep cultural immersion across borders.

The Chinese New Year Has Never Had Just One Face

Tina’s story reflects countless international visitors who have come to Hainan. The Spring Festival here welcomes travelers from around the world with remarkable openness.

Along the coast, there are vibrant seaside celebrations; in the mountains, there are heartfelt rituals passed down through generations.

When Tina received a steaming bowl of festive food beside the Li family firepit, she completed a cultural relay that had crossed thousands of miles.

This journey became more than travel—it turned into a reflection on the meaning of home.

Because the Li people continue to preserve their traditions, Hainan’s cultural roots remain alive. And because travelers like Tina are willing to explore deeply, Hainan’s stories are able to reach the world.

In this encounter, everyone becomes a curator of cultural exchange.