Typhoon Bavi and the Rise of Russian Tourist Flow to Hainan: What Changed and What to Expect

Typhoon Bavi: massive disruptions in the transport system

During the night of July 11‑12 a strong cyclone – Typhoon Bavi – swept across China's east coast. The national meteorological agency raised the alert to red and almost two million people were evacuated. The storm hit Zhejiang, Fujian, Jiangxi and Anhui hardest, and it also knocked out major transport hubs.

Air travel

Russian news agencies reported that on July 12 Chinese airlines scrapped more than 2 800 domestic flights. Shanghai felt the pinch: at Pudong Airport roughly 40 % of all departures were cancelled – over 900 flights – and at Hongqiao almost 400. Those numbers show a near‑total halt of air traffic in the area.

Rail transport

At the same time high‑speed trains along the coast were suspended or run on a reduced schedule. On Sunday morning Shanghai stations were almost empty; most services never left the platform. The cuts affected the key Shanghai‑Hangzhou, Shanghai‑Nanjing and other coastal lines.

How it affected Russian tourists

Organized groups

Tour operators serving the Russian market reacted quickly. According to the Association of Russian Tour Operators (ATOR), every Russian traveler who was in China when the storm hit is safe. In Fujian – where the impact was strongest – no organized groups are scheduled at the moment.

One operator, China Travel, rerouted a group that was supposed to go Shanghai → Hangzhou → Xi'an. The travelers are now staying in a hotel in Hangzhou, the excursions have been cancelled and the tour price will be refunded. Another large player, PAX, announced the cancellation of internal flights to Shanghai, including a flight from Zhangjiajie, but trains are still running. Tourists have been spread across hotels in several cities and are waiting for flights to resume.

Independent travelers

For those who travel without an agency the picture was messier. A Russian tourist recounted that her family had booked a train from Shanghai to Beijing, only to see the service cancelled while all tickets were already sold out. They ended up taking a plane to Beijing on the following Monday. Stories like this underline the value of a backup plan and flexible tickets.

Short‑term outlook

Meteorologists expect the peak of Bavi’s impact on July 14‑15. During those days Shanghai airports are likely to see massive delays and cancellations, and rail links on the Shanghai‑Hangzhou, Shanghai‑Nanjing and coastal routes may stay limited. By July 16 the wind should ease, and by the 17th the mainland’s transport network is expected to be back to normal.

Hainan: the island that escaped the storm

While the east coast wrestled with the typhoon, Hainan remained relatively calm. The local operator reported that on July 12 there was no rain or strong wind on the island, tours ran on schedule, beaches stayed open and transport worked as usual.

Record flow of Russian visitors

Hainan has been popular with Russians for years, and in the first half of 2024 the island welcomed almost 380 000 Russian guests – a jump of roughly 70 % over the previous year. In June the number of Russian tourists even surpassed Thailand, which usually leads the region.

Why more Russians choose Hainan?

• Climate – warm weather and little summer rain make the island ideal for beach holidays.
• Infrastructure – a wide range of hotels, restaurants and entertainment options tailored to Russian speakers.
• Flight convenience – most flights from Russia land directly in Hainan, simplifying travel planning.

Recommendations from tour operators

1. Monitor weather updates – even if your itinerary avoids the affected provinces, schedule changes in Shanghai can ripple through connections.
2. Keep flexible tickets – refundable conditions and the ability to shift dates will save you from unpleasant surprises.
3. Book Hainan trips early – high demand means hotel rooms and popular excursions sell out quickly.
4. Stay in touch with your operator – when a flight or train is cancelled, the operator usually offers alternative accommodation and transport.

Outlook for Russian tourism to China

According to ATOR’s analytics, by August 2026 about 650 000 Russians could visit China. Temporary disruptions caused by the typhoon do not dampen overall interest, and islands like Hainan continue to strengthen their position in the tourism rankings.

Take‑away for travelers

Typhoon Bavi reminded us how important flexibility is when planning a trip across China. Flights and trains can be sharply curtailed, especially at major hubs. Yet Hainan, with its steady weather and well‑developed tourist infrastructure, remains a reliable choice for a carefree seaside break. If you’re eyeing a summer holiday in China, keep an eye on the latest weather reports, check ticket statuses and consider Hainan as a safe and popular option.

Based on materials from: trn-news.ru, atorus.ru.