Top global brands dock at Sanya's boat festival

As of 2025, China had 9,850 registered yachts, with Sanya alone accounting for 1,415 — earning its "City of a Thousand Yachts" title. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The 6th China International Consumer Products Expo's Sanya Boat Festival, spanning 166,800 square meters with 200 vessels on display, opened on March 15. More than 70 percent of the exhibiting brands are international, including top names from France, Italy, the United Kingdom, Germany and the United States.

The venue featured 24 global or domestic debuts, including 15 yachts and nine water sports products, with five superyachts over 80 feet. Princess S72 and Azimut 68 made their Chinese debuts. On opening day, Dalian World Boat and Princess S72 secured purchase intention, with Princess S72 setting a new sales speed record for the expo.

The event introduced a "three-zone, land-water synergy" model, integrating the main venue with Hongzhou International Yacht Club and Banshan Peninsula Sailboat Port. It combined yacht exhibitions with food, camping and lure fishing, linking duty-free shopping areas to boost consumer engagement.

As of 2025, China had 9,850 registered yachts, with Sanya alone accounting for 1,415 — earning its "City of a Thousand Yachts" title. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

JD.com founder Liu Qiangdong announced his new yacht brand, Sea Expandary, would be based in Sanya and include a global sailing boat manufacturing hub and a landmark service center.

Industry development also took center stage. The Sanya Yacht Import and Export Trade Association led a partnership signing with domestic and international yacht associations from Thailand, Hong Kong, Ningbo, Shenzhen, Qingdao and Xiamen. The China Tourism Automobile and Cruise Ship Association released its 2025 China Yacht Industry Development Report, highlighting green and smart trends. The third Hainan International Yacht Design Awards drew 110 entries.

As of 2025, China had 9,850 registered yachts, with Sanya alone accounting for 1,415 — earning its "City of a Thousand Yachts" title. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

As of 2025, China had 9,850 registered yachts, with Sanya alone accounting for 1,415 — earning its "City of a Thousand Yachts" title. In 2025, Sanya logged 225,600 yacht trips carrying 1.27 million passengers. The Ministry of Commerce said it is accelerating measures to expand yacht consumption, leveraging the Hainan Free Trade Port's zero-tariff policy. The Ministry of Transport is improving yacht management systems and safety governance.

Sanya Central Business District now hosts 124 yacht industry companies, covering design, manufacturing, sales and leasing. The city aims to become the Asia-Pacific's leading yacht tourism and service hub, evolving from "City of a Thousand Yachts" toward "Asia-Pacific Yacht Capital".

As of 2025, China had 9,850 registered yachts, with Sanya alone accounting for 1,415 — earning its "City of a Thousand Yachts" title. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

As of 2025, China had 9,850 registered yachts, with Sanya alone accounting for 1,415 — earning its "City of a Thousand Yachts" title. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

As of 2025, China had 9,850 registered yachts, with Sanya alone accounting for 1,415 — earning its "City of a Thousand Yachts" title. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]