Typhoon Bavi: How It Swept Hainan and What Travelers Should Know

What happened on Hainan in early July

At the start of summer a ninth tropical cyclone of the year formed in the South China Sea – Typhoon Bavi. Within a few days the system gathered strength, turning into a storm with gusts around 50 m/s. Chinese meteorological services raised the alert to the yellow level, and the central weather bureau recorded peak gusts exceeding 200 km/h, with some areas seeing more than half a metre of rain.

The storm’s track and its double impact

Bavi hit Hainan first, then, still powerful, moved onto the mainland and affected Guangxi province. Forecasts showed the strongest winds and downpours in Zhejiang, Fujian and neighbouring regions. This kind of “double‑hit” is rare, but this year the typhoon managed to cause noticeable damage both on the island and on the continent.

How local authorities prepared

Anticipating the danger, beach‑area administrations started clearing the sites: lounge chairs and umbrellas were taken away from Yalong Bay, and access to the sea at Dadun Bay was closed by midday on July 2. Hotels with balconies moved furniture inside to avoid injuries from falling objects. The fishing fleet and ferry services were suspended, reducing the risk for navigation.

Situation of Russian tourists

Around twenty thousand Russians were on Hainan during the storm, travelling in organised groups. Tour operators report zero incidents involving Russian guests. Excursions and boat trips were cancelled, and airlines adjusted their flight schedules. Visitors whose return tickets were from Sanya stayed in their hotels, while those flying through Haikou were re‑routed to the island’s capital in advance.

What’s happening now

After Bavi passed, the island entered a recovery phase. Transport links are gradually being restored, though some routes may still run with delays. Tour operators continue to offer support: insurance included in the tour price covers delays and force‑majeure events, and company representatives are on hand to help resolve issues locally.

Practical tips for those planning a trip to Hainan

• Watch the forecast. Check your flight status in the airline’s official app the day before departure. If a typhoon is announced, be ready for a possible change in departure time.
• Pack the basics. For potential delays keep some cash in yuan, a fully charged power bank and a bottle of water handy.
• Stay in the hotel if a storm is declared. Local hotels usually close balconies and remove outdoor furniture – it cuts the risk of injury.
• Contact your tour operator. If you have questions about rescheduling a flight or altering the tour programme, reach out to the company’s representative – they often can suggest alternatives.
• Mind the seasonality. Hainan’s typhoon peak runs from July to October. On average the island experiences one to two such systems a year, so when you book a holiday in those months, be prepared for possible disruptions.

Why Hainan stays popular

Despite the typhoon risk, the island draws visitors with its tropical climate, beaches and well‑developed infrastructure. Most hotels and resorts have their own emergency plans for extreme weather, which makes the stay relatively safe. Moreover, seasonal storms usually pass quickly, and clear skies often follow, perfect for beach time.

How to minimise inconvenience during a typhoon

1. Prepare a “typhoon kit” – flashlight, spare batteries, a small first‑aid kit and a bag with essential documents.
2. Skip sea excursions during the active season. If you want to explore the underwater world, choose the dry months instead.
3. Stay connected. Download local messengers and follow official channels of the authorities.
4. Be flexible. Sometimes it’s wiser to shift a beach day to a calmer period rather than risk a storm.

Bottom line

Typhoon Bavi showed that even with strong weather events Hainan can bounce back quickly, and tourists can stay safe if they follow the guidance of local officials and tour operators. When planning a summer visit, factor in the possibility of typhoons, but don’t let them completely deter you from this picturesque corner of China.

Based on materials from: trn-news.ru.