Various offerings fuel Sanya's 88% pre-holiday booking surge

The enchanting underwater world of Sanya West Island. [Photo/Sanya Daily]

Many tourists experience water entertainment at Atlantis Sanya. [Photo/Sanya Daily]

Sanya is experiencing a tourism boom ahead of the National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival, with cultural travel bookings up 88 percent year-on-year. Upscale hotels are becoming primary entertainment venues, with bookings soaring over 130 percent.

While popular attractions like classic sites still draw visitors, there is increasing interest in culturally immersive experiences such as West Island and helicopter tours. Younger travelers are especially attracted to ethnic cultural activities in Yanoda Rainforest Cultural Tourism Zone and Hainan Betel Nut Valley.

From September to December, Sanya will host 28 large-scale cultural and sports events, such as international concerts and carnivals, keeping tourist interest alive beyond the holiday week. Moreover, museum visits and special art exhibitions provide fresh opportunities to experience local culture.

Upscale hotels play a key role in this shift. For example, Haitang Bay Grand Hyatt showcases intangible cultural heritage performances, while Atlantis Sanya offers themed underwater shows and gourmet dining, establishing themselves as all-in-one destinations.

The night economy is booming, evidenced by a sharp increase in searches for popular night markets. Many visitors choose accommodations close to these lively areas for added convenience. To meet this growing demand, Sanya's tourism bureau has partnered with Meituan to offer significant discounts on a range of travel services, making holidays both appealing and affordable for all travelers.