Across China: Russian visitors drawn to south China's Sanya by sun, sea, medicine

SANYA, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) -- As Russia's chilly winter sets in, a growing number of Russians are flocking to the tropical shores of Sanya, a coastal city in south China's island province of Hainan, where sun-drenched beaches meet holistic wellness.

In the first half of 2025, Sanya witnessed a staggering 266.2 percent year-on-year surge in Russian tourists, who accounted for over 40 percent of its international arrivals.

The city has become a hub for Russians seeking not just leisure but also cultural immersion, with this trend further fueled by China's visa-free policy trial for Russians launched in September 2025.

To ease their stay, Sanya has rolled out tailored services -- frontline staff undergo Russian language training for hotel check-ins and tour guidance, government hotlines offer Russian-language assistance, and 76 bus stops add Russian to its signs.

Accommodation registration has been streamlined through online platforms, with Russians constituting the majority of foreign guests using these services. Payment barriers are also fading, as high-end hotels and key attractions install POS machines accepting foreign bank cards, while over 479 ATMs support withdrawals using Russian cards.

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) stands out as a key attraction. Many Russians travel specifically for therapies such as acupuncture and moxibustion, a traditional Chinese medical therapy that involves burning dried mugwort to stimulate specific acupoints on the body.

"TCM is miraculous! The techniques combined with Sanya's warm climate greatly alleviate neck and lumbar pain," Konstantin, an engineer from Moscow, shared after visiting Sanya Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

The hospital's international department, partnering with global insurers for direct payments, has seen rising demand. According to Yuan Ailin, deputy director of the hospital, medical tourism is becoming popular, and Sanya's TCM wellness programs are perfectly positioned to capitalize on this trend.

Beyond healthcare, Sanya's business-friendly environment encourages entrepreneurship. Andrey, a Russian restaurateur in Sanya, recalled how smoothly he managed to obtain his business license: "I expected red tape, but officials provided translation and guidance throughout."

His experience reflects Sanya's efforts to align with Hainan Free Trade Port's openness. "Sanya feels like a second home -- it embodies inclusivity," he added. ■