With the smooth conclusion of Gaokao (the national college entrance examination), graduation trips have quickly become a new bright spot in the cultural and tourism market. As one of China’s leading coastal leisure destinations, Sanya is leveraging its natural resources and aligning with the consumption preferences of young travellers. Sanya has introduced a range of new cultural and tourism products, sports events and special benefits targeted at fresh graduates, while enriching its summer tourism offerings to capture both the graduation travel season and the peak summer holiday market.
This graduation season, Sanya is rolling out new products focused on three areas: marine leisure, cultural study tours and intangible cultural heritage experiences. In the marine leisure sector, offshore recreational activities have been continuously upgraded. Wuzhizhou Island has launched a brand-new flight inflatable boat experience, combining aerial sightseeing with sea travel to further enhance coastal sports.
In the cultural study tour sector, Sanya has tapped into its distinctive local resources such as Sanya Yazhou Bay Science and Technology City and the Nanfan industry. The Yazhou “Nanfan + Deep-Sea” study tour route has been created, integrating scientific research and popular science, coastal scenery and regional folk customs to meet the demand for deeper travel experiences among young people. Meanwhile, Sanya continues to bring intangible cultural heritage to life through regular interactive activities such as coconut shell carving workshops and Li & Miao traditional craft classes. These efforts take traditional culture out of exhibition halls and embed it into real travel scenarios, enriching the cultural dimension of tourism.
Large-scale events are also plentiful. From 18 to 20 June 2026, the China U18 Women National Team Basketball Friendly Series (International Basketball Tournament) will take place, with young athletes from four countries competing on the same stage, igniting the atmosphere of sports tourism. The Formula E Sanya returns on 20 June 2026, featuring a coastal circuit, a trendy market and guest interactions, creating an urban event that combines speed and trend. From 24 to 28 June 2026, the China Family Sailing Regatta Sanya leg will set sail, offering visitors an immersive experience on the water. The performing arts market is also a highlight, with a concert by singer Chen Chusheng on 25 July 2026 in Sanya, where coconut breezes accompany a memory-filled “graduation soundtrack” tailored for graduates.
In addition, Sanya is launching special offers for the graduating class of 2026. Major scenic spots across Sanya will roll out a wide range of promotions, featuring generous benefits, broad coverage and a long validity period. Different attractions will offer varied discount schemes tailored to their unique characteristics, catering to both solo travellers and group trips. Beyond scenic-spot discounts, the Sanya Tourism Board has launched a dedicated hotel lucky-draw campaign for graduates. Candidates whose exam registration numbers contain consecutive digits “18” can enter a draw for free room vouchers. Various cultural, sports and leisure venues will also offer exclusive discounts, delivering tangible benefits to cultural and tourism consumers.
Moving forward, Sanya will seize the opportunities presented by both the graduation and summer travel seasons. The city will continue to attract visitors through product innovation, stimulate consumption with favourable policies, and enhance its reputation through high-quality services.
Issued by Sanya Tourism Board
