Editor's Note:

The launch of the island-wide special customs operation of the Hainan Free Trade Port is imminent. This initiative is not only a crucial step in policy advancement but also a new voyage towards the world. As the tides of the times surge, the Hainan FTP is attracting young talents from across the globe. They dedicate themselves to various industries, weaving their personal dreams into the open blueprint of this vibrant land. The "Decoding the Hainan FTP: Chasing Dreams" series captures the stories of these dynamic individuals—their choices, struggles, and achievements all serving as a vivid testament to Hainan's vitality and opportunities.

Here, behind every step they take towards realizing their dreams lies a future that the world will embrace.

Amidst the blue seas and skies of Hainan, you might have once caught a passionate strand of Latin melody—that belongs to Tania Varona Alfonso, a singer who comes from Cuba. Two years ago, an audition brought her to China’s southernmost province, Hainan, quietly altering the course of her life.

“Hainan chose me,” Tania says of her bond with Hainan. Coming from a family of engineers, she had harbored a dream of singing since childhood. In Cuba, she worked as an IT whizz by day and performed as a hotel singer by night. Juggling multiple roles left her feeling lost and weary. So, when an audition for a singer position in Hainan came her way, she resolutely embarked on her dream-chasing journey. To her delight, her family fully supported her decision.

Tania, who had never traveled abroad before, dedicated her first long-distance trip to Hainan and to her musical aspirations. The tropical climate and island vibe here felt so similar to her hometown in Cuba, allowing her to quickly settle into life in a foreign land. She began devoting herself full-time to music and met like-minded bandmates. Her distinctive Latin musical style also won the hearts of many audiences. “I feel like an ambassador of both my country and my culture. I think Hainan is taking all my ‘products’,” she says with a smile.

This year, Tania also collaborated with local musician CrazyBull on Southern Island Love, a song praising Hainan. To her surprise, it was well-received and performed on various local stages, big and small.

In Hainan, Tania has found a more relaxed pace of life. Here, she has more time to focus on singing, savor life, and reflect deeply. “It is creative here. Just pick a park or sit down in a café; you can write a song.”

Looking ahead, Tania plans to continue creating more music. She hopes to one day compose a song that closely connects Cuba and Hainan.

Crossing the ocean, pursuing dreams. Tania’s voice soars amidst the breezes and sea rhythms, her dreams quietly blossoming.

This series is funded by the China Internet Development Foundation (CIDF) and co-producted by Hinews and Hainan International Media Center.