For Sanya, 'S + A + N + Y + A' equals opens and growth

It's now been six months since the island-wide special customs operations began in the Hainan Free Trade Port.

For Sanya, the equation "S + A + N + Y + A = ?" poses a tough question about the city's openness and development.

From blending ecology with urban life to nurturing talent, and from boosting tourism to driving tech innovation, this unique tropical coastal city in China is on the move. It's crafting its response to the call for high-quality development in the Hainan FTP, embodied in the five letters of "SANYA".

[Photo/Sanya Daily]

S — Sea

Sanya, located at 18 degrees north latitude, is part of the world's prime tourism belt — offering a mild and pleasant climate throughout the year.

With its long stretches of coastline, crystal-clear bays and expansive tropical rainforests, Sanya's natural beauty is truly one of a kind.

It's earned a spot on Lonely Planet's list of the "Discover 25 of the world's best beaches" — and all six of its major bays have been recognized as beautiful bays at the provincial level.

In particular, Sanya Bay, Haitang Bay and Yalong Bay have been highlighted as national examples of stunning bays.

Committed to sustainable development, Sanya ensures a harmonious balance between its mountains and seas — striving to become a world-renowned modern coastal city that is perfect for living, visiting and working for people from around the globe.

[Photo/Sanya Daily]

A — Advancement

Sanya is making impressive progress in key sectors like the revitalization of the seed industry, deep-sea exploration, aerospace technology, ecological transformation and digital innovation — fostering a new wave of productivity.

The city hosts the country's largest and most comprehensive bio-breeding innovation platform. In 2025, Sanya's Nanshan port — a national hub for scientific research — handled over 2,000 voyages, becoming the busiest port of its kind globally and a cornerstone for deep-sea research.

From quality seeds to advanced deep-sea equipment, and from digital intelligence to aerospace remote sensing, a variety of emerging industries is flourishing. Sanya is quickly establishing itself as a "tropical Silicon Valley" for tech innovators.

[Photo/Sanya Daily]

N — Nurture

Sanya seamlessly combines its rich historical and cultural heritage with an inviting and open urban vibe — making it an ideal place for talent to thrive.

With the ongoing benefits of the special customs operations policy in the Hainan FTP, the city continues to attract students and researchers from around the planet.

Many young professionals are choosing to stay and develop their careers here, leading to the expansion of industry-academia-research initiatives and establishing Sanya as a key talent hub.

The city also cherishes ancient traditions like Li brocade weaving and Yazhou folk songs, celebrating its millennia-old cultural heritage.

The historic charm of the old city coexists with lively coastal night markets and trendy international shopping areas, creating a vibrant environment where diverse cultures intersect.

In short, Sanya is a dynamic city that offers both fertile ground for nurturing talent and a rich tapestry of cultural experiences.

[Photo/Sanya Daily]

Y — Yield-boost

Six months into the special customs operations, the benefits of zero tariffs, low tax rates and a simplified tax system are becoming increasingly evident.

With a robust platform for international openness, sectors like cross-border finance, duty-free shopping and international trade are booming.

The first batch of zero-tariff yachts has smoothly cleared customs, and 387 new entities have joined the ranks of zero-tariff beneficiaries, bringing the total to nearly 1,500. What's more, several groundbreaking policy innovations have been launched.

Sanya continues to drive high-quality development through enhanced openness — continually refining the business environment and strengthening various market players.

This enables businesses, residents and tourists alike to share in the opportunities and benefits being offered by the growth of the Hainan FTP.

[Photo/Sanya Daily]

A — Air-hub

Sanya has significantly elevated its level of international openness. The city has been continuously refining its policies for entry facilitation, enhancing the quality and efficiency of its customs services, and developing mature infrastructure for cross-border payments.

Comprehensive international service offerings are being upgraded throughout the region. China's first passenger route under the seventh freedom of the air has been established, new international routes are flourishing and "second-line" customs ports are operating smoothly.

Moreover, Sanya is deepening its dual connectivity, coordinating development across the island and accelerating its integration into the national unified market.

The city is fostering a vibrant atmosphere for cross-border trade and international cooperation — creating an efficient and seamless platform for cross-border entrepreneurship and various international exchanges.

After six months of effort, the results are truly impressive. The city is writing a new chapter — with its dynamic development evident in every detail.

Innovation, openness and a drive to excel define Sanya's distinctive development character.

Through data, we see the real strength of innovation.

[Photo/Sanya Daily]

Through results, we see the solid momentum of development.

[Photo/Sanya Daily]

Through foreign trade, we see fresh highlights of growth.

[Photo/Sanya Daily]

Through consumption, we see the vibrancy of openness.

[Photo/Sanya Daily]

Through services, we see the warmth of the city.

[Photo/Sanya Daily]

By taking full advantage of the major opportunity presented by the island-wide special customs operations in the Hainan FTP, Sanya is actively refining its policies to support industries, attract talent, provide housing and enhance its openness.

This is propelling the city's development, industrial growth, and international engagement to a whole new level.

Come and embrace the Hainan FTP era by establishing roots, investing and expanding in Sanya. Join us in creating a vibrant, open and totally sustainable tropical hub.

S + A + N + Y + A = Endless possibilities. Here, opportunities are limitless — and the time for growth is now.