The 2024 Hainan Island Carnival will commence on June 16th, offering a week-long celebration that blends tourism, culture, art, and entertainment. Here’s a guide to the key events and attractions.
Key Events at the Opening Ceremony
From June 16 to 22, Haikou Century Park will host a variety of events, including the “Haikou is Fun” Lawn Concert, the “Haikou is Fun, Kokoda Arrives” 3rd Hainan Chicken Rice Promotion and Summer Food Festival, and the “Haikou is Fun, Look Up for a Show” Drone Performance. Whether you’re a music fan, a foodie, or a culture enthusiast, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
1. Grand Opening Celebration
- Time: June 16, 20:00-20:15
- Highlights: This event will feature a mix of traditional high-altitude acrobatics and contemporary pop music, with performances including martial arts and KPOP dance routines. An open-stage format will ensure a dynamic experience, with a pet-friendly viewing area for animal lovers.
2. Treasure Hunt
- Time: June 16, 17:00-19:00
- Highlights: Hidden eggs around the event site will contain prizes such as flight tickets, hotel vouchers, attraction tickets, and cultural products. It’s an engaging activity that combines fun with a chance to win some cool prizes.
3. “Haikou is Fun” Lawn Concert
- Time: June 16-22, 19:30-21:30
- Highlights: A series of seven themed concerts, each featuring different musical genres and local Hainan fruit themes. There’s a Special graduation season concert, where attendees can vote for the top concert songs via the “Haikou Tourism” WeChat account.
4. Drone Show
- Time: June 16, 20:15-20:30; June 17-22, 21:00-21:15
- Highlights: A thousand drones will create intricate patterns and messages in the night sky over Haikou Bay, combining technology and art for a stunning visual display.
5. Joyful Parade
- Time: June 15-22, 18:00-22:00
- Highlights: The parade will feature children’s theatre, classical performances, mascot interactions, and showcases of Hainan’s intangible cultural heritage.
6. Monthly Themes Through till December
This is a comprehensive exhibition area integrating tourism and culture. You can learn about Hainan’s rich tourism resources and special products in the monthly theme exhibition area.
- Time: June 15-22, 18:00-22:00
- Highlights: Exhibitions will highlight Hainan’s tourism and cultural resources, with tech showcases from brands like Huawei, NIO, and DJI. Interactive games and prizes from travel brands will also be available.
7. Pet Party
- Time: June 15-22, 18:00-22:00
- Highlights: Pet-friendly activities such as tug-of-war, races, and board games. Visitors can shop from top pet brands and enjoy special offers.
8. Hainan Chicken Rice Feast
- Time: June 15-22, 18:00-22:00
- Highlights: The annual feast includes a speed-eating contest and unique themed products. Various summer food stalls will offer a wide range of delicacies.
9. Haikou BUS
- Time: June 16-22
- Highlights: The double-decker sightseeing bus will take passengers through Haikou’s scenic spots, providing a relaxing way to explore the city.
10. Building Light Show
- Time: June 16-22
- Highlights: Nightly light shows will illuminate the city’s buildings, adding a touch of magic to Haikou’s skyline, turning the whole city into a huge stage.
Carnival Activities
The carnival will feature three main themes around the island: “Happy Sports Season,” “Happy Performing Arts Season,” and “Happy Cultural Season,” each designed to offer unique experiences.
1. Happy Sports Season
- Highlights: Activities will include a coastal cycling event, an international water carnival, and various sports competitions, offering both participants and spectators exciting experiences.
2. Happy Performing Arts Season
- Highlights: A diverse lineup of music and theatrical performances, including plays like “Perfect Strangers” and “Journey to the West Part 2,” as well as children’s theatre and other cultural presentations.
3. Happy Cultural Season
- Highlights: This segment will feature exhibitions and performances showcasing Hainan’s rich cultural heritage, including Li and Miao cultures, Dongpo culture, and maritime culture. Noteworthy events include the Sanya West Island Ecological Art Event and the Monkey Gratitude Festival in Baoting.
Throughout the carnival, visitors will have opportunities to purchase traditional Hainan products, providing a meaningful connection to the island’s cultural heritage.
At the stations and check-in points along the Ring Island Tourism Highway, tourists can enjoy thematic exhibitions and art performances such as Li and Miao culture, Dongpo culture, red culture and marine culture.
Related article: Click here for more events
