Sanya, a tropical seaside city on China's Hainan Island, is quietly becoming a new favorite among Russian middle-class families. According to Phoenix WEEKLY, Russian tourists can now be seen everywhere in Sanya's major scenic spots, restaurants, and commercial districts. They come with their families to enjoy the perfect blend of sunshine, beaches, and exotic charm, making Sanya their "second home."
Russians "Occupy" Sanya's Beaches
Walking through Sanya's Dadonghai, Luhuitou Park, and Coconut Dream Corridor, it’s clear that these spots have become gathering places for Russian tourists. They frolic on the beaches, leisurely sunbathe, and bask in the tropical warmth, their skin turning a rosy red. Social media is filled with stories from visitors amused by being "surrounded" by Russians, highlighting Sanya's increasingly international atmosphere.
Bilingual Signs Blossom Everywhere
To cater to the growing number of Russian tourists, Sanya's businesses have taken action. From pharmacies to home goods stores, restaurants to tea houses, many shops have replaced their signs with bilingual Chinese-Russian subtitles. Product labels on shelves also feature Russian annotations, making the shopping experience smoother for Russian tourists, as if they were in a familiar market in a foreign land.
Traditional Chinese Medicine: A New Favorite
Notably, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is quite popular among Russian tourists. Surveys show that over 80% of Russian visitors have tried TCM treatments and wellness projects in Sanya. The similarity between Siberian natural therapies and TCM concepts has led many Russians to view Sanya as a journey of physical and mental healing. Social media is rife with heartwarming scenes of Russian families experiencing foot massages and acupuncture, showcasing the allure of TCM even to children from St. Petersburg.
Sanya: A New Window for Sino-Russian Cultural Exchange
As the number of Russian tourists continues to grow, Sanya has not only become a popular tourist destination but also a new window for Sino-Russian cultural exchange. Here, people from both countries learn about and from each other, writing new chapters in cross-cultural communication. In the future, as Sino-Russian relations deepen, Sanya's unique charm will undoubtedly attract more Russian visitors, contributing more to the friendly exchange between the two nations.
