Surfing Hainan Open 2011: Riding the waves in China's Hawaii

While Shanghai is bracing for a bone-chilling winter, residents on China's Hainan Island are warming up for another beach party. 

China’s biggest annual surf competition, Surfing Hainan Open, is set to take place for the fourth year at Riyuewan (日月湾), a tropical bay on the southeast coast of Hainan.

Previously expat-dominated, this annual surfing competition is seeing a growing number of local competitors. The first Surfing Hainan Open only had one registered Chinese national. But this year, the event is expecting 15 Chinese nationals to ride the waves in Riyuewan.

The two-day surf contest will feature three disciplines of surfing -- shortboard, longboard and stand-up paddleboard.

Spectators can watch the surfing competition for free.

Competitors and attendees are eligible for a special rate of RMB 300 per night at the 21 Century Hotel, located right next to the competition site. 

Registration for surfers is open until December 1. The race will be capped at 40 entrants. Download the application form here.

More on CNNGo: 

• China surf champs crowned at the Hainan Open
• Surfing Hainan Open 2010: Where were the locals?

December 3-4, starts 8 a.m., Riyuewan Bay, on the main left-hand point break. Booking and more information through +86 135 1980 0103, more info at Brendan@surfinghainan.com and online 

By Clarissa Wei