The “Hello! China” European Travel Media and Influencers Tour recently concluded its third leg in Hainan Province, exploring the coastal hub of Wanning and the rainforest sanctuary of Baoting. Organised by the China National Tourists Office (CNTO) London and local partners, the delegation—comprising prominent media representatives and high-profile social media influencers from the UK, France, Italy, Spain, and Germany—immersed themselves in a journey that seamlessly blended modern sports, ecological wonders, and ancient intangible cultural heritage.

Setting off from the glowing fishing lights of Qionghai, the convoy headed south, capturing the contrast between Hainan’s dynamic modern lifestyle and its deeply rooted cultural traditions.

Wanning: The Confluence of Tropical Surfing and Youth Lifestyle

The delegation’s first stop was Riyue Bay in Wanning, widely regarded as a cradle of Chinese surfing.

Known for its exceptional year-round wave conditions and pristine coastal vistas, Riyue Bay offers a vibrant window into China’s contemporary youth and leisure culture.

The influencers strolled along the scenic coastal path, capturing content at popular landmarks such as the trendy “Missing You in Riyue Bay” road sign.

A French influencer remarked that Riyue Bay offers a distinct aesthetic: “It is not an over-commercialised beach; it possesses a raw, natural breeze combined with a youthful vitality. Standing here, I truly understand why young Chinese are drawn to this lifestyle.”

The group subsequently visited the CTS Surfing Resort, China’s premier surfing-themed destination, which boasts the nation’s first Olympic-grade artificial wave pool. Utilising state-of-the-art pneumatic wave-generating technology, the facility provides consistent, tailored waves regardless of weather or tides.

Under the guidance of professional instructors, many of the European influencers experienced surfing for the first time.

“I previously believed that surfing was entirely dependent on the elements, but Hainan has revolutionised this experience,” noted a British influencer. “It is safe, engaging, and highly accessible for beginners.”

Industry observers note that this integration of advanced technology and sports tourism exemplifies Hainan’s broader transition from traditional sightseeing to experiential lifestyle tourism.

Simultaneously, other delegates explored the serene environment of the Xinglong Tropical Garden. Travelling by sightseeing carts through lush canopies of bougainvillea, red-leafed cordylines, and towering tropical ferns, the group paused to photograph unique botanical specimens and the historic “Guobinyuan Garden” stone carving.

A French influencer reflected on the contrast: “My initial perception of Hainan was limited to sun and sand. However, Xinglong reveals a profound ecological depth. This lush greenery is not just a backdrop; it is an active component of the local lifestyle that naturally encourages you to slow down.”

As evening fell, the delegation gathered on a coconut-grove terrace for a relaxed, open-air banquet. Against a backdrop of acoustic guitar melodies, guests sampled local barbecue and seasonal fruits while sharing content from their day.

An Italian influencer commented: “This informal setting felt incredibly intimate. The fusion of music, the sea breeze, local food, and shared laughter creates a far more enduring emotional connection to Hainan than a formal dinner ever could.”

Baoting: Rainforest Heritage and Immersive Cultural Dialogue

Transitioning from the coast to the interior, the delegation journeyed into Baoting Li and Miao Autonomous County to explore the region’s ancient rainforest heritage.

At the Hainan Binglanggu Li & Miao Cultural Tourism Zone, nestled within tens of thousands of acres of betel nut groves and tropical rainforest, the visitors were greeted by imposing totem gates and the iconic “Centuries-Old Li Village” plaque set against a natural waterfall.

A Spanish influencer remarked: “Baoting reveals an ancient, profound facet of Hainan. Beyond the waves, there is a rich tapestry of people living in the rainforest with stories preserved across generations.”

The delegation was hosted at a traditional Li “Long-Table Banquet,” a cornerstone of local hospitality ritual. Elderly Li women in vibrant traditional attire performed welcoming toasting songs, serving local specialties such as glutinous rice wine, roast chicken, and bamboo-cooked rice.

The influencers enthusiastically engaged with their hosts, attempting phrases in the local Li dialect and Mandarin. A German influencer expressed her appreciation: “Though we speak different languages, the warmth of their hospitality is universal. In that moment, I felt like an honoured guest rather than a mere observer.”

Deepening their cultural immersion, the influencers donned exquisite traditional Li and Miao attire—featuring intricate silver headdresses, woven brocade skirts, and embroidered vests—to participate in a simulated traditional Li village wedding ceremony.

A British influencer was selected to play the role of the groom, navigating time-honoured rituals including antiphonal singing, ceremonial toasting, and stepping over a brazier.

“I was initially nervous, but the encouragement and laughter from everyone made it incredibly welcoming,” he shared. “Actively participating in the ceremony allowed me to truly connect with the blessings behind these ancient customs. It is undoubtedly one of the highlights of my journey in China.”

Passing through an archway formed by the roots of the historic “Husband and Wife Tree,” the delegation entered the Intangible Cultural Heritage Village.

Here, they observed elderly Li artisans demonstrating the precise art of bamboo and rattan weaving. Several influencers took part in a hands-on workshop, discovering firsthand the skill required to shape the raw materials.

A Spanish influencer noted: “Attempting this craft made me realise the immense patience and skill it demands. It is a living heritage that relies entirely on generational transmission.”

The cultural exploration culminated at an open-air theatre with a performance of Binglang·Gujun (The Ancient Rhythm of Binglanggu), a live-action production set against the natural mountain landscape.

The performance vividly re-enacted Li wedding customs, Miao silver craftsmanship, and energetic bamboo pole dances, ending with a multi-generational ensemble dance.

A French influencer praised the production’s visual scale: “It feels less like a standard performance and more like a community sharing its collective memory within its natural habitat. Every frame is visually stunning and deeply layered.”

A Symphony of Waves and Rainforests: Redefining Hainan’s International Profile

The day concluded at the Hainan Qixianling Longwan Juntang Hotel, nestled within the Qixianling Hot Spring National Forest Park.

Built seamlessly into the mountain contours among betel nut trees, the hotel provided a stunning setting for a Baoting tourism promotion event held on its open terrace.

Against the silhouette of misty mountains, a promotional film showcased the region’s premium ecological assets, complemented by Miao women in traditional red dress playing ethnic instruments and hosting a sincere toasting ceremony.

Reflecting on the multi-day experience, a British influencer concluded: “This journey has completely reshaped my perception of Southern China’s islands. Hainan is far more than a conventional beach resort; it is a dynamic destination rich in sports culture, biodiversity, deep ethnic heritage, and immense human warmth. This multifaceted character is precisely what will resonate with international travellers.”

The transition from Wanning’s trendsetting coastal scene to Baoting’s deep rainforest traditions underscores the diversity of Hainan’s tourism portfolio.

By transforming their first-hand experiences into compelling personal narratives on global social media platforms, the European media and influencers have created a vital bridge for bilateral cultural exchange, offering international audiences a fresh, contemporary perspective on China’s vibrant tourism landscape.

As the delegation prepares for its final destination, Sanya, the journey continues to unfold, promising a spectacular conclusion to this comprehensive exploration of Hainan.