China's island province to open waters for foreign yachts

South China's Hainan province will open eight coastal waters for temporary entry and exit of foreign yachts from July 16 to January 15, 2020, local authorities said on July 11.

The provincial government approved the opening of the waters near eight coastal areas including Boao and Nanshan according to Chinese regulations.

The government also required the provincial port office to urge related departments to ensure yachts strictly comply with the laws and regulations on temporarily entering and leaving the waters.

Hainan is the first pilot province to carry out the policy of temporary waters opening for foreign yachts in China.

China aims to build the island province into a globally influential tourism and consumption destination by 2035, with plans to ease restrictions on its offshore duty-free policy and develop cross-border cruise tourism.