A YTO Express cargo charter flight carrying live aquatic animals landed at the Sanya Phoenix International Airport on December 24th, 2018.

Sanya has been named on a list of national logistics hubs in a planning document issued by the National Development and Reform Commission and the Ministry of Transport. The list was issued on December 21st, 2018.

The term "logistics hub" refers to logistics complexes and logistics activities organization centers that engage in the distribution, storage, allocation, and transfer of cargo. National-level hubs are key parts of the logistics system and have a broader reach, stronger influence, superior service functions, and higher operational efficiency. Logistics hubs are approved by the State Council.

Sanya is one of three places in Hainan named on the list. The other two are Haikou and the Yangpu Economic Development Zone.

Sanya was chosen for its strategically-located airport. It will provide fast and efficient express services for international and domestic logistics, transfers and cargo distribution.

Haikou was selected for its strength in commercial services. It will rely on commercial agglomeration areas, large-scale specialized markets and metropolitan consumer markets to serve international, domestic and regional commercial activities and satisfy urban consumption demands.

The Yangpu Economic Development Zone will rely on coastal and inland harbors to carry out cargo distribution, international transfers, trade, bonded supervision, and some value-added services.

A total of 127 cities were selected for the development of 212 national logistics hubs, including land ports (41), harbors (30), airports (23), production service areas (47), business service areas (55), and land border ports (16).