Travelling south from the deep rainforests of Baoting, the “Hello! China” European Travel Media and Influencers Tour has officially arrived in Sanya for the final chapter of its journey.

Yanoda: Suspended Above a “Diamond-Grade” Tropical Rainforest

The delegation’s exploration of Sanya commenced at the Yanoda Rainforest Cultural Tourism Zone. In the local Hainan dialect, “Yanoda” is an onomatopoeia for “one, two, three”, which has been redefined by the scenic area to signify “welcome” and “hello”.

Located precisely at 18 degrees north latitude, this sanctuary is China’s only tropical rainforest situated on this parallel, earning it the reputation of “China’s Diamond-Grade Rainforest Scenic Area”.

s the cable cars ascended silently over the forest canopy, an endless tapestry of varied green hues blanketed the entire valley, with distant mountains undulating amidst shifting mists. Influencers pressed against the carriage windows, capturing continuous footage of the vast sea of trees and the intricate, spiderweb-like pylons of the cableway system.

The true excitement unfolded upon the glass suspension bridge, where influencers stepped onto a transparent walkway suspended high in mid-air. Beneath their feet lay a sheer drop into the rainforest valley, while colourful seats glided gently along the distant ropeway. A stone carving marked “18°N” stood prominently by the path, reminding visitors of their unique global coordinates.

“I thought I was accustomed to high altitudes, but when there is nothing but rainforest beneath your feet, the sensation is entirely different,” remarked a French influencer after crossing the bridge. “It is a feeling of pure excitement.”

Beyond the bridge, tropical orchids bloomed in the humid air, providing a picturesque backdrop for the influencers’ photographs. In the animal interaction zone, parrots perched freely on visitors’ shoulders, with one bold white parrot landing directly on an influencer’s hat brim.

Nearby orchards were laden with massive jackfruits, prompting light-hearted moments as influencers posed humorously with the heavy fruits. Along the shaded forest paths, curious meerkats peeked out, raccoons basked lazily on timber platforms, and zebras stood quietly beneath their shelters.

A German influencer, while feeding the birds, smiled and noted: “I have experienced so many ‘firsts’ on this trip, but having a parrot stand on my hat is definitely the most unexpected.”

West Island: Maritime Crossings and Authentic Fishing Village Heritage

The itinerary continued with a boat journey to West Island. As the ferry departed the pier, the azure sea sparkled beneath the sunlight, with distant hills and coastal reefs framing an undulating shoreline.

Delegates leaned against the ship’s railings, capturing the brief maritime crossing as the sea breeze swept past.

Upon arrival, the island’s signature beaches, coconut groves, and seafood streets unfolded. Banners highlighting the “Must-Eat Popularity List” lined the streets, accompanied by the rich aromas of bustling open-air seafood stalls.

The influencers navigated the diverse arrays of fresh marine products before venturing into the island’s historic ancient village. Strolling among the traditional coral-and-stone fishermen’s houses, the group experienced a genuine coastal lifestyle vastly different from standard commercial resorts.

A Swiss influencer, noting that they visited countries with a major fishing industry, expressed admiration for the organic integration of local heritage and tourism: “There are no traces of deliberate commercial staging here.

The daily life of the fishermen unfolds naturally right before the visitors, and this level of authenticity is exceptionally rare.”

Nanshan: Cultural Philosophy Beneath the 108-Metre Guanyin Statue

Leaving West Island, the tour proceeded to the Nanshan Cultural Tourism Zone. In China, the widely known blessing, “May your fortune be as vast as the Eastern Sea, and your longevity as long as the Southern Mountain (Nanshan),” refers specifically to this location.

According to legend, the giant turtle (Ao)—the mount of Guanyin—recognised this coastal site as a blessed sanctuary and lay down by the South Sea, transforming into what is now Mount Nanshan.

During the Tang Dynasty, the venerable Monk Muzhen encountered severe storms during his eastward journeys to Japan; on his fifth attempt, he drifted ashore here and stayed for over a year, leaving behind the historic legacy of “Muzhen’s Eastward Journey”. For centuries, Nanshan has been revered as a land of auspicious blessings.

Standing majestically between the sea and the sky, the 108-metre-high South Sea Guanyin statue gleamed brilliantly in the sunlight, rising 16 metres taller than the Statue of Liberty.

Plumes of musical fountains danced in synchronization with melodies, drawing immediate focus from the influencers’ lenses.

A stone inscription reading “What Do You Seek?” (Lai Zhe He Qiu) stood by the mountain path, complemented by lifelike sculptures of soaring dragons in the central flower beds, contrasting elegantly with traditional red walls and yellow roof tiles.

The influencers held incense sticks, participating reverently in the traditional blessing rituals before the large incense burners. Amidst the rising smoke, several female influencers carefully mirrored local customs, bowing and offering incense with focused dedication.

An Italian influencer shared after the experience: “I am not a Buddhist, but standing beneath that immense Guanyin statue brings a profound sense of inner peace. I made a wish for my family, making this one of the most special moments of my journey in China.”

A Spanish influencer added that the idiom regarding longevity and fortune provided his first true understanding of the Chinese perspective on life: “It is not merely a polite greeting; it embodies an entire philosophy regarding the relationship between humanity and nature.”

Luhuitou: Romantic Legends, Sunsets, and Acoustic Melodies

Before dusk, the delegation ascended to Luhuitou Hilltop Park. The park preserves a legendary Li ethnic folklore: an ancient youth hunter pursued a slope deer from Wuzhi Mountain across 99 mountains to the shores of the South Sea. Facing the endless ocean with nowhere left to retreat, the deer turned its head, its eyes clear and moving. The hunter lowered his bow, and at that moment, the deer transformed into a beautiful Li maiden. The two fell in love and settled here permanently. The mountain was thus named “Luhuitou” (The Deer Turning Its Head), and Sanya became known affectionately as the “Deer City”.

From the observation deck, a panoramic vista of Sanya Bay unfolded, revealing winding river channels, dense high-rises, and anchored yachts that showcase the vitality of a modern coastal city. The iconic Luhuitou sculpture stood silently at the summit. A British influencer reflected before the monument: “Hearing the legend completely changes how one perceives this city. Sanya is not just the name of a tourist destination; it is built upon a story of love and pursuit.”

As night fell, a grand long-table banquet commenced on the mountaintop terrace, styled with white tablecloths, fine plating, and fresh floral arrangements. Musicians sat on the ground with acoustic guitars, their melodies drifting on the wind alongside the distant city lights and darkening skies, creating a tender, nostalgic atmosphere.

The sunset dipped beneath the ocean horizon, turning from brilliant gold and red into deep blue, while Sanya Bay’s landmark buildings lit up with vibrant blue and purple hues. The influencers stood side-by-side at the terrace edge, observing the soft evening sky in appreciative silence.

An Italian influencer, gazing over the night scene of Sanya Bay, summarized: “If I had to choose one image to encapsulate the entire Hainan journey, it would be this exact moment—the mountaintop, the bay, the sound of the guitar, and the companions who have shared this path for so many days.”

A Concluded Itinerary, an Unfolding Narrative

The rainforests of Yanoda, the maritime ferries of West Island, the sacred blessings of Nanshan, and the mountaintop sunsets of Luhuitou have collectively written a rich concluding chapter for this tour.

Geographically, the route maps a straight line from Haikou to Sanya; however, for the participants, the journey has filled their memories with ancient rainforest folklore, cultural blessings, and traditional love stories. While the physical journey across six cities has reached its conclusion, for these creators of visual and written media, the narrative has only just begun.

The next chapters of Hainan’s global story will continue to unfold across their respective international channels, broadcasts, and media platforms.