Global Flair Meets Chinese Tradition: A New Year in Hainan

By / HIMC / Updated:19:36,23-February-2026

The world is shrinking, and the flavor of Chinese New Year is evolving. This year, Hainan Island is blending traditional festivities with a distinct international flair.

Global Goods at the Doorstep

For local residents, the "New Year shopping list" has gone global. Thanks to the opening of the first five duty-free shops for daily consumer goods, islanders can now buy international treats—from Vietnamese coffee to German candies—right in their neighborhood.

Retail Boom: In the first week of these shops' opening (Feb 11–17), nearly 15,000 customers visited.

Sales: Total spending exceeded 2.76 million yuan in just seven days.

Convenience: This "at-the-doorstep" duty-free model is transforming Hainan into a cosmopolitan shopping hub.

Global Visitors in Hainan

Hainan’s beaches are currently bustling with international tourists soaking up the sun. Data shows a surge in openness:

Travel Surge: Inbound and outbound passengers at Hainan’s three major airports rose by over 24% year-on-year.

Sanya Spotlight: The number of international travelers flying into Sanya has tripled compared to last year.

Why is Hainan so popular?

The answer lies in policy dividends. With visa-free access for citizens of 86 countries and 15-day visa-free stays for cruise passengers, a trip to Hainan is now easier than ever. Combined with smart customs clearance and the widespread availability of international card payment terminals, the travel experience has never been smoother.

A Window to the World

As the first Spring Festival since the Hainan Free Trade Port moved toward special customs operations, the island is becoming a bridge between cultures. While locals enjoy global products, international visitors are trying Chinese cupping therapy and learning bamboo pole dances.

Hainan’s door is opening wider—and the world is embracing it with open arms. This isn’t just a holiday peak; it’s a glimpse into a more open and vibrant future.

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