Sanya is more than just beaches—it's a place of culture and heritage.

Continuing my "56 Ethnic Costumes Challenge" series, I visited the Hilton Garden Inn Sanya to learn pottery making from a Li ethnic group inheritor. As you may know, the Li people are the largest minority group on Hainan Island. I loved the hotel's Hainanese design elements, from the coconut tree backdrop to the fishbone decorations. The Li-style bamboo-tube rice, roast suckling pig, and Spanish mackerel were incredibly delicious. The staff in traditional Li clothing added to the immersive cultural experience. During my stay, I participated in an intangible cultural heritage project. Dressed in traditional Li attire, I learned pottery and coconut carving from a Li inheritor, experiencing the beauty of thousands of years of tradition. Li pottery differs from common pottery techniques. It uses a "coil building" method. The inheritor instructed me to flatten a portion of clay on a wooden board to form the base. Then, I rolled the remaining clay into long coils and stacked them on the base. Finally, I used a wooden tool and seashells to smooth the seams, creating the pottery's initial form. During the process, I couldn't help but admire the ancient artisans. Without blueprints or standardized tools, they relied on experience and a pursuit of excellence, passing down their art through generations. Coconut carving is an exquisite art form. Words often fail to capture the beauty of these intricate pieces. Up close, the smooth lines and varying depths of the carvings provide both visual and tactile satisfaction. Pigments and inks add patterns and inscriptions, enhancing the coconut carvings with creativity and surprise. I was deeply impressed by the craftsmanship and innovative spirit of the Li ancestors. Beyond culture, the hotel's location offers popular attractions. The Sanya Coconut Dream Corridor is nearby, where the blue sea and sky meet the coconut trees—a perfect photo spot. My stay at the Hilton Garden Inn was truly rewarding. Besides the comfortable accommodations, I gained valuable knowledge. Come to Hilton and discover intangible cultural heritage!