Winter Hainan: why now is the best time to plan your holiday early

How interest in winter holidays in Hainan has changed

In the past six months Hainan has shifted from a seasonal beach spot to a popular winter resort. According to the ATOR analytics service, by the end of July the number of tours booked for December‑February 2026‑2027 was almost twice the figure from the previous season. In other words, far more Russians are now looking to spend the cold months under the sun.

Growth of flights and route expansion

Tour operators and airlines responded to the surge by adding more direct flights. Today you can fly from ten major Russian cities to Hainan without a layover, and from Moscow there are two final destinations – Sanya and Haikou airports. Cheaper connecting options via the big Chinese hubs (Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu) are still available, and no visa is required for transit.

Why early booking pays off

Demand is rising, but competition among tour operators stays strong. That lets them offer packages that are on average 30‑40 % cheaper than buying at the last minute. Current figures show a tour with flight starting at 117 000 rubles for two people, while connecting itineraries cost roughly one‑and‑a‑half times less than the direct flights.

Tourist flow: numbers and forecasts

In the first half of 2026 the island welcomed almost 380 000 Russian visitors – a jump of about 70 % compared with the previous year. In June Hainan even overtook Thailand in the number of Russian tourists. Local authorities aim to receive around 700 000 Russians by year‑end, well above the record 505 000 in 2025.

What to expect from winter Hainan

• Weather – mild, sunny, without the frosts typical for Russia.
• Infrastructure – hotels and resorts that used to cater only to summer now operate year‑round, offering spa treatments, golf courses and winter‑time activities.
• Prices – thanks to a broader offer and heightened competition, costs stay affordable even with the higher demand.

How to plan the trip without hassle

1. Choose your departure airport – if you live in one of the ten cities with direct flights, that’s the simplest choice. For everyone else, connecting through Beijing, Shanghai or Chengdu works well.
2. Set the dates – booking before the end of the year lets you save money and lock in a hotel room.
3. Compare offers – look at combined packages that include flight, transfer and accommodation; they often turn out cheaper than booking each piece separately.
4. Mind the visa rules – flying through any Chinese airport in transit mode does not require a visa, which simplifies the process.
5. Watch for promotions – tour operators refresh their inventory regularly, so checking new deals every few weeks can bring extra savings.

Bottom line

Winter Hainan is no longer just a "escape from the cold"; it’s a full‑blown tourism product that draws more and more Russians. More direct flights, flexible connecting options and the chance to save by booking early make the island reachable even in peak season. Planning your trip now gives you the best prices and the certainty that your sunny winter break will be secured.

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