South China's tropical island province of Hainan -- a popular tourist destination -- is advancing its opening-up policy as new tourism regulations came into force.

The new regulations are expected to play a role in promoting marine tourism - including sailing, surfing and recreational fishing - alongside wellness and sports tourism, as well as self-driving and recreational vehicle (RV) travel along Hainan's ring road.

A special chapter on "tourism opening and internationalization" in the new regulations outlines gradually easing foreign investment restrictions, expanding duty-free shopping for outbound travelers, developing international cruise routes, and streamlining visa-free entry for qualified foreign tourists.

The new regulations came ahead of the Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP)'s official launch of island-wide independent customs operations on December 18, which will be a milestone in China's opening-up drive.