Diverse summer activities ignite Sanya's seasonal economy

Visitors enjoy splashing around with water to upbeat music, relishing the coolness of summer at the Sanya Romance of the Ages cultural theme park on June 27. [Photo/Sanya Daily]

With the summer vacation of 2026 on the horizon, Sanya's major tourist spots are now in full swing, preparing a range of cultural and tourism activities.

New themed festivals, upgraded performances and immersive experiences are being rolled out to energize the summer economy.

Sanya Romance of the Ages, a cultural theme park, is a go-to spot for cultural tourism during the summer, kicking off a summer carnival.

On June 27-28, a sneak peek of the summer-themed events was held to set the stage for the carnival season, which runs from July 10 to August 23.

Moving away from traditional sightseeing, these events emphasize a laid-back vacation vibe — blending ethnic Li traditions, Chinese opera, trendy electronic music and interactive fun to create a summer playground for all ages.

Red tourism offerings are also getting a big boost. On the evening of June 26, Sanya Red Detachment of Women Performing Arts Park was packed for the premiere of the revamped eighth-anniversary edition of the big live show called the Red Detachment of Women.

An audience of over 2,000 gathered at the theater to enjoy this enhanced cultural gem.

A representative from Shaanxi Travel (Sanya) Tourism Investment Co Ltd said the revamp focuses on five key areas: storyline, stage design, technology, details and the audience experience.

The show uses an entire coconut grove as a natural stage, leveraging modern technology to enhance the audiovisual experience. The multi-layered narrative vividly brings to life the storied history of the Red Detachment of Women.

The updated Red Detachment of Women will be a regular feature at the theme park throughout the summer.

The park is also introducing several community-friendly policies — covering performances, amusement and shopping areas — to meet the diverse needs of visitors.

Elsewhere, international vacation products are equally impressive. From July 1 to August 31, Wuzhizhou Island in Sanya is hosting the International Island Life Festival and French Riviera Festival — creating a new cross-border immersive vacation experience at the Hainan Free Trade Port.

The event replicates the charms of seven southern French coastal cities including Marseille, Nice and Grasse — allowing visitors to explore them with a stamp-collecting passport.

The French-themed market features over 60 vendors, including international luxury brands like Agatha. It offers French cheese, premium fragrances and coastal-inspired creations — all capturing the essence of Mediterranean cuisine and style.

An official from the Sanya municipal bureau of tourism, culture, radio, television and sports said the city was continuing to enrich and innovate its cultural and tourism offerings, constantly enhancing the overall summer vacation experience.

Adding to the fun, upcoming events will include top-tier sports competitions, sailing and large-scale concerts. Major attractions are also offering exclusive discounts for graduates, significantly boosting the value for travelers and warmly inviting visitors from all over to enjoy a cool summer in Sanya.