HAIKOU /China/, February 27. /TASS/. The administration of South China's Hainan Province has announced the launch of tour buses along a new circular tourist highway that skirts the island along the coast, the Haikou Daily newspaper reported.
"This will allow us to effectively connect the transportation network of highways used by tourists, unite promising tourist destinations along the route," the newspaper quotes Li Zhongguan, deputy head of the local Department of Culture and Tourism. According to the official, those coming to Hainan will now be able to have an even richer travel experience through a "balanced and coordinated" experience.
The first tour buses have started running from Haikou (the province's administrative center) to Wenchang city in the east of the island, home to Hainan's spaceport, as well as to Wanning, a favorite destination for surfers. The routes along the ring road are expected to become more and more diverse and stimulate sustainable development of consumer tourism. Now, Hainan's guests can easily visit not only such well-known places as the beaches of Sanya and Lingshui Li Autonomous County, but also visit places of interest that previously did not attract due attention because of limited transportation options.
A Hainan Haiqi Yunshu spokesperson noted that tourists can take advantage of significant discounts in the first phase after the buses are launched. They will also be offered free snacks and drinks during the trip.
Hainan Coastal Scenic Highway
There are reportedly hundreds of rural tourist attractions along the ring highway including more than 60 traditional villages, 7 marine sports bases, as well as more than 20 resorts, about 30 prehistoric cultural heritage sites, dozens of lighthouses and many places with magnificent natural scenery.
Hainan Coastal Scenic Highway is about 1,000 kilometers long. The investment in its construction amounted to 16.35 billion yuan ($2.3 billion). The highway was completed in December, 2023. It allows to organize engaging tours around the island and attracts tourists from all over China, as well as from other countries.