Why are tours to China so popular and is it worth going there in 2025?

Hainan is not just an island in the South China Sea, but China’s answer to Bali and the Maldives. Here it’s warm all year round, the sand is white, the mangoes are juicier than those of the neighbors, and the hotel service has long exceeded all expectations. But to ensure that your vacation in China doesn’t turn into a lottery, it’s worth understanding in advance where exactly you want to wake up to the sound of the waves. Let’s consider the top 10 hotels on the island of Hainan, which consistently receive good reviews, impress with quality, and delight even the most demanding tourists.

Pullman Sanya Yalong Bay Villas & Resort

A paradise in Yalong Bay, where every guest gets personal space and tranquility. Villas are hidden in greenery, almost like in a botanical garden. Here you have everything: a private pool, jacuzzi, a bathtub the size of a boat, and a service that makes it hard to live without a butler again. Suitable for couples, honeymooners, and those who value privacy.

Atlantis Sanya

An underwater restaurant, a water park on an American scale, panoramic rooms, and shows happening right on the premises. Neither a child nor an adult will get bored here. Comfort lives side by side with entertainment in this complex.

Hilton Sanya Yalong Bay Resort & Spa

The golden mean between classic and modern. Beachfront location, well-kept grounds, and cozy rooms where every detail is well thought out. Here you’ll find a splendid breakfast, a quiet pool, and a spa that you’ll want to return to. The hotel is often chosen by families with children – convenient, delicious, and peaceful.

MGM Grand Sanya

For those who don’t mind relaxing to a DJ set and then going for an exquisite dinner in the evening. The atmosphere is premium without being pretentious. The interiors resemble glossy magazine covers, and the staff operates as if following a script of “guess from three notes.” There’s a casino, night bars, but also tranquility for those who just want to sleep.

Sofitel Sanya Leeman Resort

French style in the tropics. Snow-white bed linens, high ceilings, a restaurant with a cheese buffet, and a panoramic elevator. Not just stylish, but also comfortable. It will appeal to those accustomed to European quality but open to Asian sun and fruits.

Resort Intime Sanya

Yalongwan is a district where life doesn’t quiet down even after sunset. The location is its worthy representative. The location is one of the best: shops, cafes, and the beach are within walking distance. The staff speaks English, and the rooms are cleaned without complaints. Families with children often choose this resort for its entertainment and pool with a slide.

Pullman Oceanview Sanya Bay Resort & Spa

The second Pullman brand location on the island – equally stylish but a bit closer to the airport. Here you’ll enjoy luxurious views of the bay, and the pools cascade down to the sea. An extensive breakfast menu, polite staff, and modern rooms make it ideal for those who want to relax without unnecessary hustle.

The Sanya EDITION

The most designer hotel on the list. Black-and-white aesthetics, minimalism, natural materials, and a feeling as if you’ve stepped into an Instagram gallery. Adored by fashionistas and millennials. Inside, there are unique lounges, an eco-pond, and fire pits right by the water. People come here for the aesthetics and photogenic spots, and no one leaves disappointed.

Yalong Bay Villas & Spa

A quiet corner in the heart of Yalong Bay. Villas with gardens, separate entrances, private terraces, and in-room massages. Everything is designed so that you won’t want to leave the resort at all. Especially popular with those who came for a week – and stayed for two. An ideal choice for digital detox.

InterContinental Sanya Haitang Bay Resort, an IHG hotel

The final participant in the list – premium with a capital “P.” Modern architecture, a huge SPA complex, and cuisine to suit every taste – from Chinese to Mediterranean. The brand speaks for itself, but the resort is even more delightful in person: it’s truly worth every yuan.

What to consider when booking a resort?

When choosing a place to stay in China, especially if you’re considering the top 10 hotels in Hainan, it’s important to pay attention not only to beautiful photos and stars on the facade. The comfort of your trip is made up of many details, and they determine how pleasant and hassle-free your stay will be. An option with excellent ratings may not be suitable if you don’t consider several key points at the booking stage.

Pay attention to:

• convenience of transfer to the airport and the beach;
• availability of Russian-speaking staff;
• private beach or partner beach – the difference will be in privacy;
• quality of food and drinks, especially if all-inclusive is planned;
• proximity to attractions or shopping areas.

Also, inquire in advance about what services are included in the price: use of pools, fitness center, sauna, SPA complex. In some hotels, amenities are paid for separately, and without preparation, you may encounter unpleasant surprises on the final bill.

What to expect from the top 10 hotels in Hainan

Hainan has long established itself as a warm and accessible destination for beach vacations, but in 2025, the island is taking it to a whole new level. In addition to a stable climate, gentle sea, and picturesque landscapes, the region is actively developing as a wellness destination with a focus on health, recovery, and inner balance.

More and more hotels are transitioning from the “just accommodation” format to full-fledged wellness programs, including traditional Chinese medicine, yoga sessions on the beach, organic food, and even farms with natural products.

Hotels with good reviews are expanding their spa complexes, adapting their cuisine, and training staff in English, which greatly facilitates communication.

Thus, a vacation in China is no longer just about the beach and accommodation, but a comprehensive experience where self-care becomes a central part of the journey.

Conclusion: Quality Determines Everything

Choosing a place to stay is not trivial. It affects your mood, impressions, and even the photos in your phone. That’s why the top 10 hotels in Hainan are a guide, not just a rating.

They gather locations that truly deserve attention and help make your vacation in China not just good, but memorable!

China’s resorts cover all climatic zones, allowing travelers to choose any type of vacation. Mountain ranges in the southwest, a sea coast in the south, desert landscapes in the west, and subtropics in the southeast—each zone offers its own climate specifics, services, and entertainment. Seasonality is unevenly distributed: coastal areas operate year-round, while ski resorts open from November to March.

China’s resorts in the south: tropical paradise and mild climate

The south of the country creates ideal conditions for beach holidays. China’s resorts on the coast of the South China Sea offer warm water, a mild climate, and developed infrastructure:

1. Hainan is the most famous island resort, known as the “Eastern Hawaii.” The temperature never drops below +20°C even in winter. The tourism hub is the city of Sanya, where hotels, water parks, diving centers, and thermal springs are concentrated. Sanya is actively developing as an international resort area with a focus on family and medical tourism.
2. Beihai—a less popular but promising destination on the southwest coast. Its features include white sandy beaches and national parks near turtle bays. The location offers a peaceful retreat with the opportunity to combine it with health programs based on seaweed and sandy terraces.

Mountains, ice, and altitude: northern and western locations

China’s resorts in the northern part provide a strong alternative to the Alps. Winter seasons bring consistent snow, subzero temperatures, and a variety of slopes. Popular destinations include:

1. Yabuli—the country’s largest ski resort located in Heilongjiang Province. It operates from November to March. The resort features Olympic slopes, European-level equipment, and schools for beginners. The main slope is 3.2 km long with a vertical drop of 540 m. Yabuli actively hosts athletes and tourists, providing comfort and high-quality service.
2. Changchun Wanda—one of the newest winter resorts with an artificial snow system. Suitable for family skiing, especially for beginners. In addition to ski slopes, there is a focus on entertainment: ice rink, bath complex, hot springs, and winter festivals.

Mineral springs and therapeutic zones: relaxation as recovery

China’s resorts are developing a health segment that combines ancient knowledge with modern technologies. These zones focus not on relaxation for pleasure, but on results—improving the body’s condition, reducing stress, normalizing blood pressure, cleansing the skin, and strengthening the immune system. The geography includes high-altitude regions as well as plains with volcanic activity.

Most health resorts have traditional medicine centers. They offer acupuncture sessions, meridian massage, bath rituals with rice steam and aromatic infusions. Local herbs, oils, and minerals are used. Each complex provides a full diagnosis, including pulse and tongue analysis, and creates an individual recovery plan. Resorts in this segment of China essentially replace full-fledged sanatoriums—with an emphasis on Eastern practices rather than medicinal therapy.

Anyang and Tanshan

Anyang has become the main point of a health route. Ancient practices of the Shang dynasty are maintained here, including joint warming, liver and lung cleansing, and blood circulation improvement. The water contains fluoride, sulfur, and magnesium, suitable for preventing osteochondrosis, varicose veins, and chronic fatigue. The complex integrates water procedures with therapeutic nutrition—included are lotus root broths, braised roots, and gluten-free dishes.

Tanshan offers a completely different scenario: active recovery after stress and long flights. Water from volcanic layers warms the body to the bones. The complexes are divided into “quiet” and “social” zones. The former feature silence, dim lighting, salt on the walls, and eucalyptus scents. The latter include open pools with waterfalls, places for meditation, breathing practices, and yoga. Hotels integrate wellness and digital detox concepts: no TV, limited Wi-Fi, rooms with audio systems playing natural sounds. Resorts of this type in China utilize not only nature’s resources but also philosophy—hence the sustained interest in them from domestic and international tourism.

Eastern charm and cultural routes: not just relaxation, but reboot

China’s resorts go beyond the format of beach or mountain zones. They offer living in rhythm with the region, combined with immersion in national culture, aesthetics, and way of life. A tourist here does not just relax—they absorb the context, from tea leaves to the Great Wall. Eastern locations are based on the slow concept: less speed, more depth. Attention shifts from physical activity to internal contemplation, participation in crafts, and immersion in rituals.

Hangzhou—a city where natural harmony and urbanism merge into a single entity. The complexes here form an ecosystem: walks over bridges across ponds, participation in traditional oolong tea gatherings, mesmerizing tea ceremonies in bamboo pavilions. In the evening, guests immerse themselves in theatrical performances on water—dance, light, and poetry against the backdrop of West Lake. Programs include studying the philosophy of tea, tai chi practices at dawn, and musical sessions with Chinese instruments.

Suzhou takes a different path—cultural tourism through craftsmanship. China’s resorts in this city are cozy guesthouses in garden quarters built in the style of the Ming dynasty. They do not offer standard tours. The entire day revolves around creation: ink painting, folding paper cranes, making street noodles under the careful guidance of a master. Canals, bridges, miniature gardens are not decorations but part of the daily route. Transport is almost entirely replaced by boats. The atmosphere resembles a movie: the slow flow of life, soft lantern light, transparent cups of jasmine tea.

Infrastructure and transport accessibility of China’s resorts

China’s resorts actively integrate tourism and transportation networks. High-speed trains connect Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou with key areas. Travel time from the capital to Hangzhou is 4 hours, to Yabuli—about 6 hours. Hainan has a Duty-Free system, and Sanya Haikou Airport serves over 25 international destinations. Resort complexes include medical centers, entertainment areas, golf courses, diving clubs, and martial arts schools. The eco-hotels and boutique hotels market is actively developing. Attention is paid to language support—English interfaces are appearing in terminals.

Conclusion

By 2025, China’s resorts offer a rare combination of nature, infrastructure, and cultural richness. Tourists receive not just relaxation but a wonderful experience involving climate, architecture, traditions, and medicine. The Celestial Empire is creating a new format resort market: flexible, seasonal, multifunctional. Demand for vacations in China will continue to grow due to investments in logistics, innovations in health improvement, and sustainable regional development.