Immersing oneself in the ocean and getting up close and personal with marine life are popular activities in the tropics as people yearn to connect with nature. So it's only natural that Hainan province is emerging as a go-to destination for intimate marine adventures — whether it's beachcombing along the shore or snorkeling in the depths.

During a visit to Hainan, a balmy island in the South China Sea, visitors can make warm memories — visiting pristine beaches and exclusive beachcombing spots. It's a delightful battle of wits to find some of the many treasures hidden in the sand.

The picturesque mud flats of Beigang Island in Haikou are a bustling hub of activity for beachcombing enthusiasts, both locals and tourists alike. As the sun rises and falls, thousands of oysters, razor clams and mantis shrimps can be harvested by those with the requisite skills, providing a unique and lucrative source of income for the community.

One of the local beachcombers, Weng Qiongyu, has been honing her craft since the tender age of 6. Now 62, she not only gathers shellfish for sale but also serves as a "beachcombing aunt", guiding small groups of tourists on thrilling natural treasure hunts.

Under the guidance of experienced beachcombing practitioners, visitors from near and far are treated to an unforgettable experience, losing themselves in the rich biodiversity of Beigang Island's mud flats.

Weng said understanding the tidal patterns is crucial when beachcombing in Hainan. The tide shifts in a rhythmic, repetitive cycle, and visitors must plan their trips with the tidal clock in mind to ensure they go out to dig in the sand at optimal times.

The first to 15th day of the Chinese lunar calendar is the spring tide period. High tides are followed by low tides, when water recedes significantly to reveal a larger seabed for beachcombing. The so-called low-tide season occurs from the sixth to 12th day of the lunar calendar.

Essential tools for beachcombing include a shovel, tongs, a headlamp or flashlight, gloves, nonslip shoes and a bucket.

Yang Chen, a visitor from central China's Hubei province, expressed his admiration for the lifestyle of beachcombing: You work at sunrise and rest at sunset, a stark contrast to nonstop urban hustle and bustle. But there's a catch. The seemingly idyllic life on the beach is filled with uncertainties.

Beachcombers never know what they will catch each day, whether will return empty-handed or with a bountiful harvest. An element of luck is part of the charm of nature, offering a sense of the primitive and facing the unknown.

"While modern times have reduced our survival pressures, life has become increasingly mundane and routine, like lines of code running smoothly day after day, lacking excitement. The activity of beachcombing brings us the element of surprise," Chen said.

"This is where the allure of the sea lies — in the thrill of exploration, with a mix of awe and curiosity. Humans will always belong to nature and will constantly seek to reconnect with it. Only nature can fulfill our deepest inner needs."

To bridge the dialect barrier and enhance the tourist experience, local guesthouse owner Zhu Weidong provides Mandarin training to the beachcombing aunts, who are used to speaking the Hainan dialect in their daily life. Visitors are not only accommodated in his cozy establishment but are also treated to informative beachcombing tutorials, guaranteeing a fruitful and delightful experience on the island.

The charm of Beigang Island has not gone unnoticed by outsiders. More than 50,000 visitors flocked to its shores last year. The island's popularity has continued to soar, with hundreds of tourists and vehicles arriving during peak travel times this year. As the area thrives with fun activities, visitors are drawn to the allure of beachcombing and the warm hospitality of locals like Zhu, creating lasting memories of their time on Beigang Island.

Chen Fengliang, Party secretary of the Shayutang village in Changjiang Li autonomous county, said that with the increase of visitors who come to comb the beaches, accommodations have grown to four local homestays with 42 rooms available. Two more homestays are under construction, and it is believed that they can meet the tourist demand for a while, providing guidance on beachcombing activities and assisting with seafood cooking.

While beachcombing is simple labor for local commercial workers, it captures the imagination of thousands of tourists every year. But there's more: Hainan province invites people to participate in many other marine adventures. Each year people from around the world flock to the sun-kissed shores of Sanya for a thrilling snorkeling adventure in which they immerse themselves in a vibrant underwater world teeming with life.

A visitor from Chongqing surnamed Shen, accompanied by her daughter, likened the experience to "disturbing a hermit crab's sanctuary". As they dived, they were astounded at the array of fish, crabs, mantis shrimps and coral reefs.

Equipped with basic snorkeling gear — masks, snorkels, wet suits and fins — the Shen family made their first foray into snorkeling at a beach in Sanya recommended by online reviewers. Despite her initial fear of snorkeling because she never learned to swim, Shen decided to give it a try. To her surprise, she discovered the underwater world to be a tranquil expanse of emerald and sapphire, a delightful surprise that enchanted the entire family.

Another visitor, surnamed Wu, from Henan province embarked on a snorkeling adventure with her family and a seasoned diving instructor. They explored an underwater realm filled with zebra fish and various fry. Despite some challenges — water clarity, for example — the group reveled in the experience, with Wu's mother enjoying the activity with the aid of a life jacket.

"Even if one cannot swim, they can still try snorkeling," said diving instructor Bao Zhongli, a veteran in the industry in Sanya.

Snorkeling is a surface activity typically done when the water is calm. For first-timers, it's important to choose a location with gentle currents and swim under the guidance and supervision of an instructor to enhance safety.

For tourists, it is necessary to undergo basic training to learn breathing techniques, how to use the equipment and stay safe while enjoying the underwater beauty, Bao said. He emphasized the importance of health checks before going out, particularly for individuals with underlying health conditions.

As a Level 1 diving instructor, Bao ensures that guests are well-prepared with essential gear and safety instructions. He guides up to 25 snorkelers daily.

Shu Kai, an executive at Dadonghai Bay Scenic Area, highlighted the safety measures implemented in Sanya, including the "one person, one code" initiative for diving instructors. This approach allows tourists to access detailed profiles of instructors, which enhances safety and provides a positive experience for visitors seeking to explore the underwater wonders of Sanya, he said.

Sanya has assigned codes to more than 500 diving instructors, according to the Sanya municipal bureau of tourism. If any diving instructor is found to engage in illegal or irregular activities, their individual code is promptly disabled to prevent tourists from hiring them. "This approach helps to better regulate the behavior of diving instructors and ensure service quality," an official from the bureau said.

Jiang Chengshan, 21, traveled from Hebei to Sanya to experience snorkeling at Sunny Bay in April. On this trip, he ventured out alone, confident in his swimming and diving skills. Jiang said that his passion for snorkeling began after he learned to swim, as he found pure delight in exploring natural aquatic environments.

He said he is captivated by the thrill of discovering the underwater world and the sense of venturing into the unknown.

"The snorkeling experience at Sunny Bay totally surpassed my expectations," he said, noting that it rivals even the renowned diving sites of Hawaii.