A tourist enjoys paragliding in Lingshui Li Autonomous County, south China's Hainan Province, May 3, 2025. (Xinhua/Guo Cheng)

　　HAIKOU, May 7 (Xinhua) -- A helicopter was slowly ascending, offering a breathtaking view of the vast blue ocean below and the stunning tropical coastal city of Sanya in south China's Hainan.

　　Sat in the cabin of the helicopter was He Jixu, a tourist from southwest China's Sichuan Province. It was the first time he had enjoyed a helicopter ride over the resort city, an unforgettable highlight of his trip.

　　“Seeing the ocean from the sky is an entirely different experience. The view is incredibly expansive, the scenery is more breathtaking, and it feels so unique,“ he said.

　　For tourists, the charm of the island now extends beyond its signature sea and beaches. From helicopter tours and paragliding, to skydiving and hot air balloon rides, a thrilling array of aerial adventures has enriched tourists' experiences.

　　At Sanya Tarhe skydiving base, the largest of its kind in Hainan, the lobby bustled with visitors from across the country. Some awaited their turn with eager anticipation, while others returned excitedly after their skydiving.

　　“The moment I jumped out, my heart raced. But when calm returned, I enjoyed the sight of the glittering sea and the endless blue sky, and felt completely at peace,“ said Wang Xiaoling, a tourist from north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. For Wang, skydiving is not just a thrilling adventure, but also a gateway to a whole new world.

　　“I love exploring different places and having diverse experiences. This skydiving attempt is also about challenging myself to become braver,“ she added.