Typhoon Maysak has made landfall in China’s southern island province of Hainan, triggering widespread transport suspensions, airport disruption and temporary restrictions across several of the country’s most popular tropical tourism destinations.
The storm reached the coast at approximately 6:20 PM on Friday in Yelin Township, part of Lingshui Li Autonomous County. It carried maximum winds of around 23 metres per second near its centre at landfall, making it the first typhoon to strike China in 2026.
The arrival of the storm has created significant challenges for travellers visiting Sanya, Lingshui and other resort areas across southern Hainan. Authorities have suspended rail, ferry and some flight operations while warning of intense rainfall, powerful winds, flooding and dangerous coastal conditions.
Visitors have been advised to remain indoors where possible, postpone non-essential journeys and closely follow updates from airlines, hotels, railway operators and local emergency authorities.
Sanya Airport Suspends Flights as Storm Reaches Coast
Sanya Phoenix International Airport suspended flight operations from 5 PM on Friday as weather conditions deteriorated across the southern part of the island.
The shutdown is expected to affect both arriving and departing passengers, including tourists travelling between Hainan and major Chinese cities or international destinations.
Travellers with scheduled flights should confirm their latest departure status before travelling to the airport. Airlines may introduce cancellations, delays or revised departure times depending on runway conditions, wind speeds and the movement of the storm.
Passengers should also remain prepared for congestion once operations resume because delayed flights and displaced travellers may take time to clear.
Hotels may need to extend stays for stranded visitors, while tour operators and airport-transfer companies are expected to revise transport arrangements.
Train Services Halted Across Hainan
All train services entering and leaving Hainan were suspended for Friday and Saturday as authorities moved to protect passengers and transport infrastructure.
Rail disruption affects travellers using services connecting Hainan with mainland China as well as those depending on the island’s wider railway network.
The suspension could create delays for visitors travelling between Haikou, Sanya and other cities, particularly during the weekend travel period.
Passengers should not travel to railway stations without confirmed reservations or official notice that services have resumed. Refunds, ticket changes and rebooking procedures should be handled through authorised railway platforms and station channels.
Tourists travelling on fixed itineraries may need to adjust hotel bookings, attraction reservations and onward flights.
Qiongzhou Strait Ferry Operations Suspended
Passenger and vehicle ferries across the Qiongzhou Strait were suspended from 2 AM on Friday.
The suspension is expected to remain in place for one to two days, although the exact reopening time will depend on wind, wave and visibility conditions.
The ferry link is a critical transport corridor between Hainan and Guangdong Province. Its closure affects private vehicles, coaches, commercial transport and passengers travelling between the island and mainland China.
Visitors planning road trips should avoid approaching ferry terminals until authorities confirm that operations have restarted.
Marine tourism has also been restricted, with boats, offshore platforms and fishing vessels ordered to seek shelter.
Heavy Rain Raises Flooding and Landslide Risks
Typhoon Maysak is forecast to bring widespread heavy rainfall across Hainan.
Eleven cities and counties may receive accumulated rainfall of between 150 and 250 millimetres, while isolated areas could record more than 350 millimetres.
These conditions significantly increase the threat of urban flooding, waterlogged roads, landslides and sudden disruption to ground transport.
Mountain attractions, forest parks and rural sightseeing routes may face temporary closures. Visitors should avoid riverbanks, steep slopes, underpasses and low-lying coastal roads.
Rental-car users should not attempt to drive through floodwater, even where the depth appears manageable.
Beaches and Coastal Attractions Face Closures
Hainan is one of China’s leading beach and resort destinations, with Sanya, Lingshui and surrounding coastal districts attracting travellers for luxury hotels, water sports, cruises and island excursions.
These tourism activities are expected to remain heavily restricted while the storm passes.
Beaches, marinas, sightseeing cruises and water-sports operations may remain closed until local authorities complete safety inspections. Strong waves and coastal winds can continue after the typhoon centre has moved away.
Hotels in exposed coastal areas may limit access to swimming pools, gardens, private beaches and outdoor facilities.
Visitors Urged to Remain Flexible
Travellers should maintain direct contact with airlines, hotels and tour operators rather than relying on unofficial social-media updates.
Those holding travel insurance should review coverage for weather-related cancellations, delayed departures and additional accommodation costs.
Typhoon Maysak is expected to continue northwest across Hainan before entering the Beibu Gulf. Further disruption may therefore extend beyond the initial landfall period.
Hainan remains a major tourism destination, but immediate travel plans require flexibility. Until transport networks and attractions reopen, visitor safety will depend on following official instructions, avoiding coastal areas and allowing additional time for revised journeys.
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