Foreign arrivals to China's tropical island province of Hainan jumped by nearly 60 percent in the first quarter of 2025, driven by expanded visa-free entry policies, authorities said on Friday.

More than 289,000 foreign travelers entered or exited Hainan from January to March, marking a 59.3 percent increase compared to the same period last year, according to border inspection data. Total cross-border travel rose 10.4 percent to 634,000, while international flights and ships climbed 23.4 percent to 5,397.

Zhang Sheng, political commissar of the Haikou General Station of Exit and Entry Frontier Inspection, said at a news conference held in Haikou on Thursday, that nearly 90 percent of inbound foreigners - over 129,000 - entered without visas, up 69.3 percent from 2024 and 21.7 percent from pre-COVID-19 2019 levels. Foreign nationals now make up 45.6 percent of Hainan's cross-border travelers, the highest proportion among China's provinces.

The rebound comes as Hainan, a key testing ground for China's high-standard opening-up, prepares for independent customs operations this year. The province has restored 63 international flight routes, with travelers arriving from 142 countries in Q1. Russia, Kazakhstan, South Korea and Singapore accounted for more than 70 percent of arrivals, while Mongolia, Vietnam and Uzbekistan saw nearly 70 percent growth as emerging markets, according to Luo Zhengyu, deputy director of the Haikou General Station of Exit and Entry Frontier Inspection.

Tourism remained the dominant reason for visits, with over 122,000 foreigners - 84 percent of the total - coming for sightseeing. But business, exhibition and sports-related travel surged 95 percent compared to last year, signaling broader demand under relaxed entry rules.

Hainan currently offers visa-free access to visitors from 59 countries for up to 30 days, along with regional and bilateral exemptions.

Border authorities have also set up on-the-spot visa counters at major ports for urgent arrivals.

"We will push for more favorable immigration policies to enhance Hainan's global competitiveness," Zhang said, vowing to streamline inspections and coordinate with national policymakers to support the free trade port's development.