Editor's notes:

In the past decade, especially since the construction of the Free Trade Port began, Hainan has gradually developed into one of China's most open and dynamic regions. Dreamchasers from around the world have rushed to this beautiful island, the heart of China's reform and opening up in the new era, in the pursuit of their dreams and giving their lives value.

HIMC is launching the bilingual micro-documentary series "Hainan in the past decade: This is the FTP". In the series, HIMC's team of presenters and "overseas communication officers" interview ten ordinary young people about their extraordinary journeys working in different fields within the Hainan Free Trade Port as they recount the youthful dreams that motivated them along the way. ——Wu Bing, a Chinese-American who came back from the United States to start a business and introduced dozens of overseas projects to Hainan; Huang Yingying, a surfing supreme who chases dreams on the cusp of every wave; and Pan Dailin, whose masterful performances of Hainan Opera have given Hainan a voice on the global stage... The story behind the struggles of each of these young hopefuls is the story of Hainan, and it in turn gives hope to other young people looking to chase their dreams in the Hainan Free Trade Port.

We hope that through this series, you will learn more about the Hainan Free Trade Port and the power of youth.

Qiongju, also known as ‘Hainan Opera', is a designated part of China's Intangible Cultural Heritage. During high days and holidays, the melodies and lyrics of Hainan Opera can be heard on stages in villages across the island of Hainan. Qiongju, an artform that has survived to this day, has become an indispensable cultural carrier of Hainan's memories and emotions, allowing Hainanese both near and far to feel at once close to their ancestral home.

Pan Dailin, born in 2000, became enamored by Qiongju at a young age thanks to his maternal grandparents. He enjoyed watching performances from as young as 2 years old, and he would often drape a bedsheet over his shoulders and pretend he himself was a performer with flowing sleeves. His love for Hainan Opera remained strong, and at the age of 13, he was accepted into the Arts and Culture School of Hainan Province to commence his formal studies of Qiongju. During his time at the institute, he won award after award, and in 2017, he was accepted into the Qiongju Theater Troupe of Hainan Province, starting his career as a professional performer.

This turn-of-the-millennium Xiaosheng (a character in Qiongju that is portrayed as a young man) will continue honing his craft, carrying the flame and conveying the charm of Qiongju to wider audiences, especially young audiences, who he hopes can become more familiar with this traditional artform. He also hopes that Qiongju can be spread beyond China's border and become a unique voice for Hainan.

In this installment of “Hainan Through My Eyes”, learn more about Pan Dailin, a gen-Z Hainan Opera performer.