Hainan, China’s tropical island province, has unveiled its ‘Hainan Tourism & Cultural Excellence Top 10’ for 2024, showcasing the best of its diverse tourism offerings to the world. The selection process, launched in spring 2024, attracted global attention, with extensive media coverage and enthusiastic participation from international travelers.
The top 10 list highlights some of Hainan’s most iconic destinations, including Ling Shui’s Boundary Island, Sanya’s Yalong Bay, and Danzhou’s Daner Zhuiguang Station. The selection event, which garnered significant attention on social media, showcased the island’s vibrant tourism offerings, from its stunning coastal scenic highway and thrilling marine adventures to luxurious duty-free shopping, wellness retreats, and experiences steeped in Hainan’s rich intangible cultural heritage. The event resonated particularly well in 59 visa-free countries, receiving positive engagement from users in nations such as the U.S., France, and Spain.
After six months of recommendations and voting, the final ‘Hainan Tourism & Cultural Excellence Top 10’ list was announced.
Beyond the top 10, Hainan also offers a wealth of unique regional experiences that have captured international interest. These include the annual China International Consumer Products Expo, showcasing top global products; the Nanhai Museum, dedicated to the ancient Maritime Silk Road; and Hainan’s famous local dishes, such as Wenchang Chicken, Hainan Rice Noodles, Hainan-style Mooncakes, and Ling Shui Sour Rice Noodles. The wellness destination of Seven Fairy-Lady Mountain in Baoting, known for its tropical rainforest and natural hot springs, also earned a special mention.
As China’s largest free trade port and its only tropical island province, Hainan boasts an abundance of unique attractions. With 68 distinctive bays, over 4,400 square kilometers of tropical rainforest national parks, and a rich cultural heritage spanning over 3,000 years, Hainan stands out as a top global destination. The province’s tourism is further enhanced by dozens of international flights, visa-free entry for visitors from 59 countries, and a well-developed infrastructure, including a coastal scenic highway and high-speed rail. Hainan is also home to one of the world’s largest duty-free shopping malls, making it a premier destination for duty-free shopping in Asia.
