Chinese-Style Tropical Happiness: Welcoming the Year Of The Red Fire Horse in Sanya
China, 21 January, 2026 – The Gregorian New Year holiday has come to an end, but the East is preparing for the biggest celebration of the year—China is buzzing with pre-holiday excitement as the Lunar New Year approaches on February 17, 2026. It’s the perfect time for a unique journey that combines escaping the winter chill for the sun and beaches of Sanya with a deep immersion into the heart of vibrant Chinese tradition.
2025 elevated Sanya to new heights: the official launch of Hainan’s special customs operations regime and a record influx of international tourists cemented the city’s status as an open, dynamic, world-class resort. Now, on the cusp of 2026, Sanya, with its tropical hospitality, invites visitors to celebrate the most important holiday in East Asia.
Even a simple stroll through the city feels like stepping into a fairy tale. Every district is adorned with traditional Chinese flair: scarlet lanterns glow along the roads, doorways are decorated with paired calligraphic couplets conveying blessings and the inverted character for “happiness.” Instead of familiar fir trees, elegant bamboo—bringing good fortune—and kumquat trees, symbols of wealth and prosperity, grace the streets.
A packed program ensures something for everyone:
Music and Shows:
Concerts by Chinese pop stars Wang Leehom and Angela Zhang, the “Second Hainan Island International Music Festival,” and the “Crossover Party” featuring Guo Degang and Yu Qian.
Culture and Art:
The “Third Yazhou Bay Illustration Exhibition,” the “Ancient Charm of Yazhou” event series, the “Free Trade Port Starting Point Art Season,” and “Sanya Light and Shadow Art 2026.”
Sports:
The “2026 Hainan Open International Beach Taekwondo Tournament”—a thrilling prelude to the grand Sixth Asian Beach Games, set to take place in Sanya this April.
Cuisine and Entertainment:
The “Yazhou Home Banquet Festival,” the &”Haitang Story” Gourmet Festival featuring Michelin-starred restaurants, the captivating light installation “Silk Road: Sanya,” and much more.
Festivities will continue until the Lantern Festival, celebrated on March 3.
To make travel as comfortable and affordable as possible, the large-scale online campaign "Go China In Sanya" on the Trip.com platform offers exclusive coupons, weekly airplane and hotel discounts of up to 50%, and carefully curated tours and excursions. This simplifies decision-making and turns dream vacations into concrete plans.
Sanya in 2026 is a unique fusion of tropical relaxation ancient traditions, world-class modern events, and exceptional travel opportunities. It’s the perfect place to embrace the energy of the Year of the Red Fire Horse and embark on new adventures.