"Russian Corner" at a hotel's breakfast hall in Sanya, South China's Hainan Province Photo: Chen Xi/GT

Looking around the Dadonghai beach, one of the most popular beaches in Sanya, South China's Hainan Province, one would be immediately caught by a noticeable number of Russian tourists chatting and enjoying the sun. 

Inside a nearby hotel's breakfast hall, the aroma of freshly baked blinis and buckwheat kasha mingles with the tropical scent of frangipani. At a dedicated "Russian Corner" with signage in both Chinese and Russian, guests are helping themselves to pickled herring, syrniki (cheese pancakes), and a selection of cured meats. 

"Since the visa-free policy, we have welcomed more Russian guests," said Cherry, the hotel manager, with a smile. "Based on their feedback, we set up this special breakfast area. It's a small touch to make them feel more at home," she told the Global Times. 

Such little tweaks are just one reason the tropical coastal city has become a top pick for Russians seeking winter warmth and relaxation.

The catalyst is clear and powerful. Since the implementation of China's visa-free policy to the Russians in September, traveling for leisure has transformed from a planned expedition into an impulsive getaway for many Russians. 

The Hainan Free Trade Port officially launched island-wide special customs operations on Thursday, a landmark step underscoring the country's unwavering commitment to implementing high-standard opening-up and helping promoting an open world economy.

Travel data from Trip.com highlighted on Wednesday that the top five most popular Chinese cities for the Russian visitors: Beijing, Shanghai, Sanya, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. The data shows a significant surge in travel to Sanya, with the total number of Russian tourist arrivals from September to the present showing a year-on-year increase of 152.07 percent.

For Kseniya and Anton, a couple from Novosibirsk region, Russia, this policy was the final nudge. "Yes, we are here for this exact reason... because now we can enjoy the free-visa policy," Kseniya said while enjoying her breakfast.

They had just spent four days in Sanya before heading to Beijing. Their reason for choosing Sanya was simple, because they wanted to find "a family resort in China nearby the sea," Kseniya said.

For Alena and Nikita from Moscow, the policy was a happy surprise. "We wanted to come here months ago... We had already booked the flight, and then the policy was implemented so we didn't need a visa!" Alena told the Global Times. Their discovery of Sanya was typical for the digital-age: Alena saw some captivating pictures of Hainan on WeChat, Googled about the island, finding it appealing and reasonably priced, and decided to go.  

Tourists stroll along Dadonghai beach in Sanya, South China's Hainan Province, on December 7, 2025. Photos: VCG

Sun, sea, and service 

While the visa waiver opened the door, Sanya itself is what keeps visitors coming and recommending it to friends. The primary draw is, unsurprisingly, its quintessential tropical escape offering. 

For those from Siberia or from western Russia, Sanya's guaranteed warmth, palm-fringed beaches, and vibrant blue seas are a potent antidote to long, grey winters. 

"It's a colorful place with a beautiful sea," Anton summarized its appeal. 

However, the experience is evolving beyond simple sun-bathing. Alena and Nikita have planned a packed itinerary for their two-week stay, to visit multiple beaches, parks featuring dramatic glass bridges, and scenic hiking trails. 

"We're going to visit a forest park with a glass bridge and another very beautiful one where the view is said to be amazing," shared Alena. 

For Kseniya and Anton, Sanya was part of a larger Chinese adventure, that includes a visit to Beijing's Universal Studios, a must-see for Harry Potter fans like them.

The warmth of Sanya extends beyond its climate to its people. Service quality deserves strong praise. "The service here in Sanya is very good," said Kseniya. 

A heartwarming story from Alena and Nikita underscores this. When their luggage was delayed, a Russian-speaking staff member at their hotel went above and beyond. "He helped us to call the airport... If it wasn't for him, we could be without clothes right now," Nikita said, adding that the staff helped them completely selflessly, without asking for anything back. "I think in Türkiye or some other countries they would ask for a tip or charge for service." This genuine helpfulness left a deep impression on the couple.

Chinese and overseas visitors unwind on the sands of Dadonghai Beach in Sanya, South China's Hainan Province, basking in the pleasant winter sunshine on December 7, 2025.

Cultural connection

A recurring theme in conversations with Russian visitors is a sense of cultural affinity that enhances the travel experience. When asked about how they are enjoying the local culture, Kseniya didn't hesitate to say, "This culture is very close to ours. This friendship makes the environment feel more familiar and welcoming."

Modern connections bridge the gap too. Both couples readily mentioned Chinese brands as a way to connect economically and culturally. 

With the influx of international visitors, Sanya is adapting in real-time. The Russian breakfast corner is just one example. However, the tourists themselves offer insightful, constructive feedback for Sanya's aspiration to be a top destination for them.

The main suggestions orbit around enhancing accessibility for non-Chinese speakers. "More foreign-language explanations and signage would facilitate things for us," Anton noted, specifically pointing to food. "You see Chinese food, but you don't understand what you need to do to order it. It would better if they add some explanations in Russian."

Language barriers extend to services. "I think it would be better if the local people spoke a little more English," Nikita echoed, acknowledging the challenge but highlighting the need. Yet these minor problems are overshadowed by the positive experience. "I think I'm going to recommend it to my family and friends," Alena stated decisively. 

The visa-free policy is the key that unlocks a door, behind it, Sanya has delivered an affordable, beautiful, and friendly tropical resort experience, amplified by the deep friendship between two close neighbors.