The 6th Asian Beach Games Sanya 2026 (The Games) will be held in Sanya, Hainan, from April 22 to 30, 2026, marking the first international multi-sport event ever hosted by Hainan Province. On the morning of January 12, the State Council Information Office held a press conference to brief the media on the progress of Games preparations, competition highlights, service arrangements, and activities for the 100-day countdown to the Games.

Venue layout finalised; eight competition venue teams formed

The Games will feature 14 sports, 15 disciplines, and 63 events, including established Olympic and Asian Games sports such as swimming and sailing, as well as emerging events like teqball and beach kabaddi. Currently, eight competition venue teams have been established, bringing together experienced professionals selected from the General Administration of Sport of China and Hainan Province to jointly oversee venue operations.

Five venues are located along the Coconut Dream Corridor of Sanya Bay, with one adjacent to the Sanya River and two situated at the Sanya Sports Centre, forming a spatial pattern that integrates the coastline and the city. Venue construction strictly adheres to the international competition standards while fully embracing Hainan’s tropical island character, achieving a coordinated development between competitive sports and ecological protection. All venues are now being completed in an orderly manner and on schedule.

In terms of athlete entries, 3,798 athletes from 45 Asian countries and regions have completed the first round of registration, with the second round scheduled to run from January 10 to February 10. The Chinese sports delegation is expected to field 190 athletes, competing in 13 sports and 61 events, excluding beach kabaddi.

For media accreditation, over 1,000 journalists from around the world have registered to cover the Games. From January 16, test events in sailing, beach volleyball, teqball and aquathlon will be staged successively, providing a comprehensive test of venue operations, equipment and facilities, local support services, and command and dispatch systems.

Opening and Closing Ceremonies to deliver a distinctive coastal live-scene experience

The Opening Ceremony on April 22 and the Closing Ceremony on April 30 will both be held at the Yasha (Asian Beach Games) Park in the Tianya Haijiao Scenic Area.

The main ceremony venue, created through immersive on-site design, will take the sky as its backdrop, the sea as its curtain and the beach as its stage, integrating natural island elements into the artistic fabric of the performances and forming a unique “sea and sky” coastal live-scene experience.

The cultural and artistic programs of the Opening and Closing Ceremonies will combine beach sports with Hainan’s distinctive culture, drawing inspiration from the beauty of Tianya Haijiao and the moving legend of Luhuitou, and featuring the theme song “See Ya in Sanya.” They will also highlight youth exchanges across Asia, people-to-people connectivity, and the achievements of the Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP). Through scenario-based ceremony and innovative artistic expressions, they will depict a vivid panorama of “Connecting Asia, Engaging the World.”

During the Games, a wide range of cultural activities will be staged at key areas, including the Athletes’ Village and Yasha Park. These activities will feature interactive experiences showcasing Hainan’s intangible cultural heritage, including Li and Miao ethnic folk performances, as well as beach concerts. Media representatives covering the Games will also be invited to tour Sanya and surrounding cities and counties to experience Hainan’s natural scenery and cultural traditions, and to witness the openness, vitality and development opportunities of the Hainan FTP.

Reception venues to provide diversified services and personalised care

In terms of accommodation, the 6th Asian Beach Games Sanya 2026 Organising Committee (SABGOC) has selected 24 official reception hotels, which are capable of accommodating approximately 4,000 athletes and team officials. Hotel locations have been scientifically planned, with travel times to competition venues and Sanya Phoenix International Airport controlled within 30 minutes, minimising travel time.

For catering, a diverse range of dining options will be provided, encompassing Chinese cuisine, light Western fare, and Hainan specialities, to cater to the dietary preferences of participants from different countries and regions. A comprehensive food safety and anti-doping control system will be established, with strict supervision throughout the procurement, storage, processing, and supply chain, ensuring safe, compliant food from source to table.

In terms of transport, 1,021 Games service vehicles will be deployed during the event. An intelligent traffic management platform has been built to enable real-time monitoring and dynamic dispatch, precisely matching passenger flows and meeting the mobility needs of all Games participants.

Embodied intelligent robots to deliver innovative services

To facilitate the movement of participants, Sanya Phoenix International Airport will serve as the official port of entry and exit, while Sanya Railway Station will be the official reception point. Dedicated Asian Beach Games channels will be set up at Haikou Meilan International Airport, Sanya Phoenix International Airport, and Qionghai Boao International Airport, providing clearance assistance, process guidance, and transport connections to further enhance convenience and the overall experience.

For the clearance of goods, customs authorities will establish special service windows for Games equipment, apparatus, and technical devices, adopting a model of advance declaration, appointment-based clearance, and immediate release upon arrival, to ensure efficient importation, transit, and post-games handling.

The SABGOC has developed a series of intelligent systems covering registration management, sport entries, and arrivals and departures. It has upgraded smart inspection facilities at customs and border checkpoints to streamline procedures and provide efficient, convenient clearance services for athletes and international guests.

During the Games, newly introduced embodied intelligent robots will provide innovative services in areas such as event operations, catering support, accommodation services and beach cleaning. The application of drones will also be expanded, creating an “aerial information platform” for the event.

Promoting shared participation and greater public engagement

To build a strong festive atmosphere, Hainan is organising themed activities across the province to promote the concept of “Everyone Is a Host.” A vibrant sense of anticipation for the Games has taken shape throughout the island, particularly in Sanya.

From January to March, Sanya will roll out programs such as “Asian Beach Games culture entering communities, scenic areas and commercial districts,” featuring cultural performances and interactive experiences that will bring the spirit of unity, cooperation and striving into everyday life.

Through initiatives such as the “Asian Beach Games on Campus” and the recruitment of young volunteers to participate directly in Games services, young people are being encouraged to share in and contribute to the major sporting event taking place on their doorstep.

Island-wide “Games Watching + Island Exploring” premium itineraries to be launched

Using the Games as a bridge, Hainan will link its signature tourism resources and roll out island-wide premium “Games Watching + Island Exploring” itineraries, enabling spectators and athletes to immerse themselves in the beauty of coastal scenery, the wonders of tropical rainforests, the charm of Li and Miao ethnic culture, and the pleasures of duty-free shopping.

Sanya will design itineraries with themes such as “Passionate Beaches,” “Water Sports,” and “Family Fun,” and plan a series of activities that include intangible cultural heritage experiences and Li and Miao folk performances. By integrating resources such as the Hainan Coastal Scenic Highway and the Tropical Rainforest National Park Tourist Highway, a range of tourism products and routes will be developed, covering coastal islands, tropical rainforests, Li and Miao culture, ancient Qiongya heritage, aerospace science education, and medical wellness.

Spectators holding valid tickets will not only enjoy the competitions but also receive preferential offers at designated partner attractions, as well as exclusive discounts at contracted hotels and featured restaurants.