Stories from Sanya · China

The Chinese team secured all available medals in the women's speed climbing competition at the Asian Beach Games. He achieved a time of 4.58 seconds in the preliminary heats, surpassing the previous record of 4.64 seconds set by American skater Watson at the 2025 Bali Skateboarding World Cup. Chinese athlete Zhao Yicheng won the men's speed climbing championship at the 6th Asian Beach Games in Sanya. He defeated Indonesian athlete Shurmi to win the gold medal.

A project manager for the Sanya River Estuary Channel project, Xie Jun, announced the use of a pioneering interlocking pipe jacking method for undersea tunnel construction.

The Sanya River Channel Project in Hainan has entered a critical stage of underwater pipe jacking construction. The project is a key component of the Hainan Free Trade Port construction. The Sanya River project has achieved a key breakthrough with the successful breakthrough of the Huangwu Tunnel in the South Trunk Line of the second phase. Once completed, the project is expected to reduce travel time between the two sides of Sanya Bay from 30 minutes to under 5 minutes. The breakthrough occurred 15 days ahead of the original schedule, according to Xie Jun. The Huangwu Tunnel, a critical section of the South Arterial Road Phase II, has achieved a breakthrough 15 days ahead of schedule. This infrastructure development aims to optimize the spatial development pattern of Sanya by improving east-west and north-south connectivity.

Inbound tourism in China is seeing growth driven by visa-free policies and social media recommendations. Data from a travel platform shows foreign tourist bookings in Sanya and Hainan increased by approximately 1.1 times during the May Day holiday period. Other popular destinations including Taiyuan, Changzhou, Kunming, Yanji, Nanning, and Wuhan saw growth exceeding 30%. Tourism experts note that deep cultural experiences and intangible cultural heritage are driving demand for customized travel. This trend is part of a broader movement of Chinese culture reaching overseas audiences. Travel platform data for the upcoming May Day holiday indicates rising demand for customized and deep-immersion cultural tours. Experts suggest rural folk intangible cultural heritage is driving this interest in inbound tourism.

The 6th Asian Beach Games in Sanya are scheduled to close this Thursday, April 30, 2026. The event follows the recent completion of major infrastructure projects throughout March and April. The games serve as the first large-scale international competition following the implementation of the Hainan Free Trade Port's customs clearance and operational protocols. Chinese badminton teams are among the participants preparing for the competition. The team earned a silver medal in the mixed relay event during competition on Saturday. A total of 11 teams participated in the event. Japan rounded out the podium for the competition. China secured a record 55 medals at the Asian Beach Games, consisting of 24 gold, 18 silver, and 13 bronze. The upcoming Asian Beach Games in Hainan will drive demand for sports equipment, beach gear, intelligent timing systems, and broadcasting equipment.

The hospital ship Silu Ark completed a 234-day mission covering approximately 36,000 nautical miles. The mission covered 36,000 nautical miles and is the 11th Harmony Mission since 2010. The hospital ship 'Peace Ark' has completed its 2025 Harmony Mission by docking at a military port in Sanya, Hainan.

A Chinese multinational medical assistance and exchange mission has completed a 234-day voyage. The mission covered approximately 36,000 nautical miles. The team visited Nauru, Fiji, Tonga, Jamaica, Barbados, and Papua New Guinea to provide medical services. The crew also conducted medical exchanges in Brazil and Chile. Crew member Chu Fanhao stated the mission demonstrates the capabilities of the Chinese army. The mission aimed to demonstrate China's commitment to peace and a shared future for humanity.

The PLA Navy's hospital ship Silk Road Ark has returned to a base in Sanya, Hainan Province. The vessel completed a 234-day multinational medical assistance and exchange mission. The ship covered a total distance of approximately 36,000 kilometers during its voyage. The mission focused on providing medical support and conducting international exchanges.

Chinese swimmer Li Xingxuan secured a career-high victory in the 5km open water swimming competition in Sanya.

High jumper Leonard Grospe secured a gold medal for the Philippines during the 6th Asian Beach Games held in Sanya, China. The achievement marks the country's second gold medal of the competition as of Friday morning. The event highlights the growing competitiveness of Filipino athletes in regional multi-sport competitions. Iran defeated Kazakhstan in a men's water polo final to secure the gold medal.