On November 18, at an event to celebrate the inaugural flight of the new Sanya–Cheongju air route, “Yaya,” the mascot of the 6th Asian Beach Games (ABG) Sanya 2026, made a surprise appearance, stealing the show.  

The lively and adorable Yaya had great fun with the popular Korean IP characters, creating a vibrant cross-cultural moment that delighted the audience, who eagerly raised their phones to capture the heartwarming moment.

The touchdown of the T’way Airlines aircraft at Sanya Phoenix International Airport marked the successful launch of the new direct air link between China’s Sanya and Cheongju in South Korea, the city’s latest Korean destination following Incheon and Busan. The inaugural flight represents a significant step forward in strengthening tourism and cultural exchanges between the two countries.

Hosted by the Hainan Provincial Department of Tourism, Culture, Radio, Television, and Sports, and co-organized by the Sanya Tourism Board, Sanya Phoenix International Airport, and T’way Airlines, the event leveraged the new route to promote Hainan’s tourism resources to South Korea’s emerging traveler market, while deepening bilateral cultural and tourism cooperation. 

“I felt an immediate sense of warmth upon arriving in Sanya. The pleasant climate and premium experiences will surely attract more Koreans to visit, live, and work here,” said Lee Jae-myung, a traveler from South Korea.

Song Heng, Executive Deputy General Manager of Hainan Gaoli Holiday International Travel Service, noted in an interview, “The opening of this route will greatly enhance cultural, tourism, and business exchanges between both sides. With the impending Asian Beach Games, we look forward to welcoming more visitors from South Korea and around the world to Sanya to experience the unique charm of beach sports.”