“A week here in Hainan has enabled me to witness the gentle calm of its seas and the super strength of its aerospace industry.” Loo Jing Yuan, a second-year undergraduate at the University of Malaya in Malaysia, reflected on her time in Hainan, echoing the sentiments of the more than 40 international students who were in China’s only tropical island province alongside her to experience a different side of the Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP). From November 24 to 30, young scholars, students, and content creators from countries and regions with schools within the League of Tropical Universities gathered in Hainan to witness the development of the FTP and document its intangible cultural heritage ahead of the launch of island-wide special customs operations on December 18.

Young, international cultural perspectives on the eve of special customs operations

The year 2025 is a pivotal one for the vibrant island province of Hainan, as it prepares to launch island-wide special customs operations and open its doors wider to the world. Hainan University (HNU), the organizer of the Hainan Cultural Exchange Event for Chinese and International Youths, reached out through the League of Tropical Universities, which boasts 106 member institutions across 44 countries, to invite international youths to visit Hainan. During their visit, the delegation toured landmark locations, including the Wenchang Space Launch Center, the South China Sea Museum in Qionghai, and the Tanka floating villages in Lingshui, sharing their experiences with the world through videos, live streams, photos, and blog posts.

According to Dr. Zheng Libo, Dean of HNU’s School of International Communication and Arts, the visit “isn’t merely for sightseeing; these young people are civilian ambassadors for the Hainan FTP.” All in all, coverage of the event touched a global audience of 50 million through online interactions on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, breaking the mold of traditional international communication approaches.

Immersive experiences reveal Hainan’s multifaceted charm

“Whitewater rafting was everyone’s favorite activity!” exclaimed Lim Yan Joo, a second-year undergraduate studying law at the University of Malaya. This was confirmed by other members of the delegation, including Mohamed, a designer from Egypt, and Tan Kie Tong, a student studying Chinese at Malaysia’s Southern University College, who all wished they could have just one more try at rafting in Red Canyon in Wuzhishan. “As we worked together to row through the rapids, water splashing on our faces and shouting out encouragement to each other in different languages, the tacit cross-cultural understanding was palpable,” added Lim.

The visit to the Space Launch Center in Wenchang was the realization of a dream for Lee Jia Xin, a student studying design at UCSI University in Malaysia: “Every detail, from the models of the Long March rockets to the immersive launch simulations, brought the technological research of countless individuals to life. As we came out of the exhibition hall and the sea breeze caressed our faces, I suddenly realized that Hainan is not just culturally open, but also technologically.”

At the Tanka floating village in Lingshui, Lee Jia Xin got to experience another side to Hainan culture: “Walking along the boardwalks with the smell of the sea filling our nostrils, we got to witness how the sea has shaped the lives of the Tanka people. Their livelihoods and family traditions are deeply rooted in the sea. It's more than something to see; it’s something to feel at a spiritual level.”

While the delegation was in Hainan to experience the local culture, its members were impressed by how well their needs were catered to. Latifa, a design student from Oman at UCSI University, was particularly moved by how well dietary requirements and language barriers were addressed: “We were treated more like family than guests.” Tan Kie Tong, meanwhile, was impressed by the dedication of Hainan University’s volunteers: “They were there every day helping us to take photos and videos. Their passion really reflects the sincerity of the Hainanese people.”

Youths laud cultural resonance and future cooperation

Mohamed Yousry Mohamed Shahenn, a teaching assistant in Egypt’s Benha University design department, discovered a common thread linking Egypt’s cultural revival to the Tanka Museum, noting that the museum's initiatives mirror efforts in Egypt to revive local culture through digital storytelling. “I see the potential for a documentary project that explores the cultural commonalities across tropical regions, where students talk about shared stories in their own languages.”

At a mock UN activity, Meryl Woo-show-wing, a law student at the University of Mauritius, expanded her academic vision: “Discussing global topics with students from HNU allowed me to see how young people in different countries think. The dialogue was more than cultural, it was philosophical.”

Many delegation members expressed their desire to spend more time in Hainan in the future. “I’d like to undertake my doctorate at HNU if I have the chance. The academic environment and attention to personal needs are appealing,” stated Latifa. Echoing her sentiments, Lee Jia Xin said, “Hainan has a gorgeous natural environment and lively academic atmosphere. I would love to come here to study and live.”

Global youth become FTP’s “international brand ambassadors”

The delegation’s visit to Hainan was not only an opportunity to deepen cross-cultural exchanges but also a chance to showcase Hainan’s vitality to the world. Every video and photo posted by young people from around the world to social media brought Hainan’s culture, scientific and technological strengths, and daily life further into the global spotlight. In the words of Chen Sirui, who works at HNU’s International Cooperation and Exchange Office, “Young people are bridges for cross-cultural dialogue. Their stories hold far more sway than official narratives.”