Sanya has realized high-quality socioeconomic development and a significant leap in development capacity during its 14th Five-Year Plan period, according to Chen Jingjin, Executive Vice Mayor of Sanya, at a press conference on December 2.

Key economic indicators show steady growth, with the city's GDP surpassing 100 billion yuan for the first time in 2024. In the first three quarters of 2025, GDP reached 72.01 billion yuan, reflecting an average annual growth rate of 5.5% from 2021 to 2024, further strengthening its economic foundation.

As the Hainan Free Trade Port prepares for island-wide customs closure, Sanya has completed seven customs operation projects. Its "second-tier port" inspection facilities passed national review, while eight anti-smuggling law enforcement stations and three coast guard offices became operational. Stress testing for policy implementation is underway, with core policies—such as zero tariffs, low tax rates, simplified tax systems, and the "five freedoms plus orderly flow"—yielding tangible results.

Sanya has deepened reform and opening-up, adopting a streamlined "one-license-for-all-approvals" model to boost administrative efficiency. Cross-border e-commerce and bulk commodity trading have accelerated, driving foreign trade upgrades. The city also expanded fifth-freedom air rights for passenger and cargo flights and hosted multiple international agricultural tech conferences, elevating its global influence.

In innovation, six national-level sci-tech platforms, including the Yazhou Bay National Laboratory, have expanded in Sanya, alongside 53 provincial and ministerial-level platforms. The Deep Sea Sci-Tech Innovation Public Platform and Seed Industry Innovation Center are now operational, while the multifunctional research vessel *Tan Suo 3* was commissioned. Progress continues in building a national seed and deep-sea tech innovation hub.

Sanya is rapidly modernizing its industrial system. Core zones of the international tourism consumption center are advancing, with improved infrastructure and stricter tourism regulations enhancing the visitor experience. Breakthroughs in advanced manufacturing, high-tech industries, modern services, digital economy, and tropical high-efficiency agriculture are reshaping its economic landscape.

Urban-rural integration has balanced regional development, with upgraded city functions and expanded rural revitalization efforts. Air quality remains among China’s best, with PM2.5 levels averaging 11 µg/m³. Livelihood improvements span employment, education, healthcare, housing, and elderly/childcare services.

The city is also advancing infrastructure, public services, tech innovation, and eco-friendly projects to sustain growth.