දකුණු චීනයේ සර්ෆින් කෙළිබිම

Surfing industry catches wave of growth in Hainan

The growing popularity of surfing with young Chinese people is encouraging enterprises in Wanning, a city in south China's island province of Hainan, to develop the industry in a bid to drive rapid economic growth.

At Riyue Bay in Wanning, the long coastline is bustling with activity, with the beach adorned with colorful surfboards.

Since surfing became an Olympic sport, interest has surged, particularly among young people. The local government is leveraging its resources to enhance the sports and tourism industry, capitalizing on this growing trend.

Riyue Bay has become a magnet for surfing enthusiasts worldwide, thanks to its clear waters, tropical temperatures, and long, powerful waves.

"We go surfing at 07:00 every morning. And I'm a good surfer," said Michele, a young tourist from Italy.

"I came here to learn surfing, and I'm very happy to be here. I've also made many new friends," said Li Yuxia, a tourist from Beijing.

This influx of surfers is expected to bolster the local economy, attracting both domestic and international visitors to the scenic coastal city.

During this year's Spring Festival holiday, Wanning attracted more than 1 million tourist trips, a year-on-year increase of over 39 percent.

The growth of the sector is also fueling the emergence of new business opportunities.

"The first time I came to Riyue Bay was on a trip. And after seeing the surfing scene, I decided to open a bar here," said Lian An, manager of Savannah, a beach restaurant and bar.

"Our club has been promoting surfing culture. We often hold surfing events and cultural exchanges on surfing," said Zhang Wei, manager of Shaka Surf Club.

In the future, the local government plans to expand the surfing industry by introducing surfing equipment manufacturers and opening stores selling duty-free sports products, leveraging the policy advantages of the Hainan Free Trade Port.

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