Sanya’s tourism industry will get a boost thanks to the Qingming festival weekend on April 3 and 4.
According to seven popular Chinese booking platforms, part of the Ivma Tourism Network, Sanya was named the top domestic destination for travel for Qingming. Wuxi, Hangzhou, Suzhou, and Huzhou were in the top five after Sanya, reports Sanya Daily.
Expats who have lived in Sanya for multiple years have noticed and felt the downturn in tourism since the COVID-19 outbreak.
One particular area of emptiness is Dadonghai, a popular destination for Russian travelers due to the area’s inexpensive hotels and convenience. Prior to COVID-19, Hainan’s visa-free-entry extended to Russian nationals attracted many winter vacationers; Russian signs, menus and Chinese vendors speaking Russian are all remnants of Sanya’s heyday prior to the outbreak.
This has affected many industries in Sanya, but the uptick in domestic travel has brought both excitement for businesses and dismay for relatively new local expats who hate crowds.
READ MORE: Family Fun: Sea Monsters and Play Art on May 1 & 2 at Strawberry Music Festival
Sanya-based expats should expect much longer queues for hailing cars and seating at restaurants. For those wishing to avoid crowds altogether, make sure to head to the grocery store before Friday. Additionally, avoid popular beaches, such as Dadonghai and Yalong Bay, instead opting for smaller or more remote beaches. Free attractions such as public parks will also be packed.
Image via 海南日报
Scooter Safety during Qingming
A reminder for both tourists and locals is the scooter driving laws in Sanya. Do not drive on the sidewalks, drive with the flow of traffic in the scooter lane, wear a helmet, stop at red lights if not turning right and do not drink and drive.
Sanya police check for helmets of both scooter drivers and passengers. If you are stopped, do not resist. Sanya police will place their bodies in front of the moped, additionally taking out the moped keys and confiscating the keys. If you resist with force you could be placed under arrest.
Sanya Release reports that the fine for being caught without a helmet is RMB100 for drivers, RMB50 for passengers, or immediate community service for either upon confrontation.
Recently, Sanya police have set up drunk-driving stings throughout the city in moped lanes where previous visibility is low and drivers are hemmed in on either side by trees, buildings, or metal gates.
If you are stopped to be checked with a breathalyzer, do not resist or try to escape, as this could escalate the consequences. If caught driving under the influence, the fine is RMB50 and possible detention until blood alcohol levels return to safe levels, reports Hainan Daily.
Explainer: Everything You Need to Know About Qingming
[Cover image via Ryan McLaughlin/Flickr]
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