Yachting sails to forefront of development in Sanya

Resort city looks to capitalize on growing trend among vacationers

The typical calm, balmy bays of Hainan province's Sanya have been bustling this winter. There have even been the occasional yacht traffic jams, as more and more travelers make their way to the tropical island to enjoy its increasingly diversified entertainment offerings.

"All our yachts were booked in advance between Jan 31 and Feb 6, the traditional Chinese Spring Festival. Even now, tourists have to line up for about an hour to take a cruise or do wake surfing at some of the more beautiful bays, like Queen's Bay and Lover's Bay, which are popular areas for water sports," said Zuo Zhiyong, deputy secretary-general of the Sanya Yachting Association.

The coastal resort city at the southern tip of Hainan island saw 87,200 people take 12,345 yacht cruises during the two-week Spring Festival period, with many trying wake surfing for the first time, Zuo said.

"Tourists are keeping the trend alive after the festival," said Huang Weidong, marketing director of the Wuzhizhou Island Scenic Spot in Sanya, adding that wake surfing was fully booked every day in the popular zone.