Riyue Bay Surf Resort officially opened its doors on November 11, marking a significant moment for China’s burgeoning surf tourism industry. Located in Wanning, Hainan province, the resort is the nation’s first dedicated surfing destination, aiming to blend athletic spectacle with a vibrant coastal lifestyle and cutting-edge wave technology.
Key Takeaways
- China’s first surfing-themed resort, Riyue Bay Surf Resort, has opened in Wanning, Hainan.
- It features an Olympic-grade surf lagoon with advanced pneumatic wave technology, offering customizable waves for all skill levels.
- The resort integrates sport, hospitality, retail, and culture to create a unique coastal lifestyle experience.
- Its opening coincides with the kickoff of the 2026 Hainan Marine Tourism Year.
A New Wave of Surfing Technology
Riyue Bay Surf Resort boasts China’s first Olympic-grade surf lagoon, powered by advanced pneumatic wave technology. This system can generate 23 distinct wave settings, from large, powerful waves suitable for professional surfers to smaller, gentler ones perfect for beginners. The technology ensures consistent, year-round surfing conditions, unaffected by natural weather patterns or tides. The resort offers "Four Wave Levels"—Large, Medium, Small, and Micro—catering to every surfer’s ability.
Redefining Coastal Living
Beyond its state-of-the-art surf facilities, Riyue Bay Surf Resort aims to redefine the coastal getaway. It seamlessly integrates sport, hospitality, retail, and culture. Accommodation includes the UECHAO Hotel, featuring 132 uniquely styled rooms inspired by the surrounding natural landscape. The resort also houses X-Livin High Street, a lifestyle retail district developed with young entrepreneurs. This hub includes a live music venue (LIVEHOUSE), a beach club, bistros, specialty coffee shops, and outlets for outdoor lifestyle brands, fostering a dynamic environment where sport, art, and contemporary culture converge.
A Hub for Culture and Events
The resort is set to become a vibrant center for cultural and lifestyle events. Planned activities include an island life festival and market, group fitness runs, skateboarding sessions, drone light shows over the sea, floating cinema screenings, and fire dance performances. These events are designed to enhance the visitor experience and promote a lively, engaging atmosphere, embodying the resort’s philosophy of "creating waves, not just waiting for them."
Boosting Hainan’s Tourism Impact
The opening of Riyue Bay Surf Resort is a significant development for Hainan’s tourism sector, aiming to boost tourism flows and diversify the island’s offerings. By positioning Wanning as a premier surf destination, the resort is expected to attract both domestic and international travelers, contributing to the local economy and reinforcing Hainan’s status as a key tourist hub in China. The resort’s unique blend of advanced sports facilities and a modern coastal lifestyle sets a new benchmark for oceanfront living and tourism.
Sources
- Riyue Bay Surf Resort Opens to Kick Off 2026 Hainan Marine Tourism Year, PR Newswire.
- Riyue Bay Surf Resort in Wanning, Hainan: A First-of-Its-Kind Surfing Destination with Cutting-Edge Wave
Technology and Unique Coastal Culture, Travel And Tour World. - China Tourism Group Unveils Riyue Bay Surf Resort, Combining its Surfing and New Coastal Living to Boost
Hainan’s Tourism Impact, Travel And Tour World.
