China News Service, Sanya, November 7th. Title: Falling in love with Sanya: N reasons for foreigners
Author Chen Yingqing Li Yufan
When walking around Sanya, foreigners can be seen everywhere, whether in duty-free shops, large shopping malls, or in various scenic spots such as Luhuitou and Dadonghai.
Official statistics show that in the first 10 months of this year, Sanya received more than 1 million inbound tourists. At the same time, Sanya's international passenger sources have become increasingly diversified. Currently, 38 international passenger routes including seventh freedom rights and fifth freedom rights have been opened. The route network covers core tourist source areas in Southeast Asia, Central Asia, and Russian-speaking areas. The inbound foreigners mainly come from Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus and other countries.
“It is now very convenient to come to Sanya without a visa. I can stay here for 30 days and explore Sanya in depth.” Alan, a Mexican tourist, bought a plane ticket with his friends to start an on-the-go trip.
Thanks to the expansion of the visa-free policy, citizens of 88 countries can come to Joan without a visa. Since the Hainan Free Trade Port was closed, more than 420,000 foreign tourists have entered Sanya visa-free, a year-on-year increase of 40%. The visa-free policy has become a major attraction for overseas tourists to come to Sanya.
As a tropical resort, Sanya has a pleasant climate and picturesque mountains and seas, which also attracts many foreign tourists to choose to slow down and enjoy a relaxing time here.
Anna, a Russian who has lived in Sanya for 20 years, has long regarded this place as her second hometown. She said that the sunshine here is abundant and the scenery is beautiful. "It is especially suitable for health care. I will stay here and never leave."
The inclusive and friendly city atmosphere and the warm kindness of local residents also impress foreigners.
"When I come to Sanya, I feel like I'm going home." Moroccan tourist Kaissi Btissam and her friends walked into a shopping mall in Sanya for shopping. The store staff were enthusiastic and patient, and the signboards were multilingual. "There was no barrier to communication between me and the staff, which I liked very much."
Md Rafiul Islam, an international student from Bangladesh, said frankly that when he first arrived in China, he felt uneasy every time he went out because he was not familiar with Chinese. However, the locals in Sanya were willing to lend a helping hand to him anytime and anywhere.
"I am very grateful to every Chinese, and I want to pass on this goodwill." Md Rafiul Islam has now joined a foreign volunteer service team in Sanya to provide publicity, cleaning, translation and other volunteer activities for local residents and foreign tourists.
Convenient digital services have also become a plus point for Sanya to attract foreign tourists.
"Show the QR code on your mobile phone and you can get what you want to buy right away." Mongolian tourist Battogtokh Unubat took a mobile phone to visit Sanya. He said that in his country, people have to carry a wallet or bank card when going out; in Sanya, there is no need to carry a lot of things with you. "I really enjoy this convenience."
The rich and diverse cultural and sports experiences and local folk customs also allow foreign tourists to immerse themselves in the unique charm of Sanya.
"Tai Chi movements are soothing and require precision and control of the rhythm of the breath. I enjoy it very much." Oksana Petrenko, a Ukrainian tourist, experienced Tai Chi in Sanya and fell in love with it. She plans to have the opportunity to further understand the culture contained in Tai Chi.
Walking in the streets of Yazhou Ancient City, Bangladeshi tourist Mohammad Saiyedul Islam experienced the Li ethnic minority's firewood-collecting dance, visited ancient dwellings, and experienced the thousand-year-old culture of Sanya.
"The local folk songs have long melody, which seems to bring people's thoughts back to the past. I also tried to dance the Li firewood dance, which was very interesting." Mohammad Saiyedul Islam said that the ancient city has a strong cultural flavor and the local villagers are very enthusiastic. “I would recommend friends to come to Sanya and experience everything here.”
