China Tourism Group Unveils Riyue Bay Surf Resort, Combining its Surfing and New Coastal Living to Boost Hainan’s Tourism Impact

Published on November 25, 2025

On November 11, China Tourism Group officially opened Riyue Bay Surf Resort, marking the debut of China’s first surfing-themed resort in Wanning, Hainan province. The grand opening ceremony perfectly combined an athletic spectacle, artistic performances, and an introduction to next-gen surfing culture at Riyue Bay, a destination that is quickly becoming known for its vibrant coastal lifestyle and growing appeal to both tourists and surfers alike.

The resort is not only a major milestone in the development of surf tourism in China, but it also cements Wanning as a major tourism hub in its own right. With world-class surfing on tap via cutting-edge wave technology, it is envisioned that this new resort will further improve tourism flows into Hainan, underpin the local economy, and reinforce the region’s tourism sector.

A Spectacular Opening Event Featuring Global Surfing Talent

The grand opening ceremony kicked off with a stunning performance titled “Ocean Breeze in Blue”, presented by the Hainan Provincial Song and Dance troupe, celebrating the region’s cultural and natural beauty. The event also featured top surfers from China, Brazil, and Australia, who demonstrated their skills on the custom 6MCFLY aerial wave pool, showcasing the advanced surf technology that powers the resort’s wave systems.

This high-profile event garnered global attention, positioning the Riyue Bay Surf Resort as a world-class destination for surfers and tourists. The tourism impact of this event is significant, as it introduces Wanning as a new surf destination to international travelers, contributing to the growth of Hainan’s tourism industry and diversifying its tourism offerings beyond traditional beach resorts.

Engineered Waves: A New Professional Surfing Destination

The Riyue Bay Surf Resort is home to China’s first Olympic-grade surf lagoon, powered by pneumatic wave technology. This state-of-the-art system creates 23 dialed-in wave settings, offering consistent, high-quality waves year-round, irrespective of weather conditions. This advanced technology allows for both high-performance surfing and beginner lessons, making it a unique destination that caters to surfing professionals and amateurs alike.

The resort’s Four Wave Levels, featuring Large, Medium, Small, and Micro waves, cater to all skill levels, allowing surfers to learn, practice, and compete in a controlled, ideal environment. This addition to the tourism infrastructure in Hainan boosts the region’s surfing tourism, drawing both domestic and international tourists looking for high-quality surf experiences.

The resort is set to become a major player in the surf tourism industry, attracting surfers from all over the world, and its sustainability-focused approach to surf experiences is expected to make a lasting economic impact on local tourism businesses, including surf schools, rental shops, and hospitality services.

Redefining Coastal Lifestyle: A Seamless Integration of Surfing, Hospitality, and Culture

Beyond just a place to surf, the Riyue Bay Surf Resort aims to redefine coastal lifestyle tourism. It integrates sport, hospitality, retail, and cultural experiences into a seamless resort experience that promotes modern coastal living.

The resort offers 132 uniquely styled rooms at the UECHAO Hotel, designed to reflect the natural beauty of the region, from reef rock formations to the rhythmic movement of the ocean. These accommodation options appeal to travelers seeking both comfort and a deep connection to the coastal environment, enhancing the tourism experience by offering guests a holistic, immersive stay.

The inclusion of X-Livin High Street, a lifestyle district that brings together live-music stages, beach clubs, specialty coffee outlets, and Southeast Asian cuisine, transforms the resort into a social and cultural hub. This district encourages a mix of surfing, art, and modern entertainment, attracting young travelers, local communities, and cultural enthusiasts, enhancing the cultural tourism impact on the region.

Curated Events and Activities Drive Tourism Engagement

In addition to its core surf offerings, the Riyue Bay Surf Resort has curated a series of lifestyle events designed to increase visitor engagement and tourism impact. These include the Island Life Festival, market stalls, fitness runs, skateboarding sessions, and a drone light show over the ocean. Additionally, guests will be able to enjoy unique experiences like a floating cinema, fire dance performances, and other cultural displays.

These events not only enhance the visitor experience but also stimulate tourism spending in the local economy. As the resort hosts events year-round, it is expected to increase hotel bookings, restaurant visits, and shopping activity, benefiting local businesses and supporting sustainable economic growth.

Tourism Impact on Hainan: A Key Growth Area for China’s Surfing and Coastal Tourism

The launch of Riyue Bay Surf Resort comes at a time when Hainan is aggressively pursuing the development of its tourism sector, focusing on a mix of beach tourism, cultural experiences, and sports tourism. The resort’s opening will likely drive increased international arrivals to Wanning and surrounding areas, positioning the region as a global hub for surf tourism and a premier destination for coastal lifestyles.

By bringing a world-class surfing experience to China, Riyue Bay Surf Resort has the potential to reshape Hainan’s tourism landscape. The resort’s state-of-the-art facilities and high-profile events will attract not only surf enthusiasts but also families, adventure tourists, and cultural explorers, generating broad tourism impact across the island. The region’s local businesses will benefit from the influx of tourists, and Wanning’s coastal economy will likely see long-term growth driven by increased tourism activity.

Looking Ahead: A New Model for Surf-Centric Coastal Tourism

At the center of this surf tourism growth, Riyue Bay Surf Resort is setting the bar with regard to surfing-inspired living on the coastline. The particular stress put on surfing and lifestyle at the resort piques the interest of visitors in search of an adventure and those seeking a more leisurely atmosphere. Equipped with the latest wave technology, integrated lifestyle options, and cultural events, it is sure to be a leading destination for surf enthusiasts, adventurous tourists, and those looking for an immersive experience by the sea.

Beyond its immediate success, Riyue Bay Surf Resort is poised for long-term tourism impact, boosting the profile not only of Wanning and Hainan but also contributing to the greater cause of developing China’s tourism as a whole. This resort offers a look into the future of surf tourism, combining active adventure with luxury relaxation, adding to the economic and cultural development of the region as a whole.