By strolling through the century-old Qilou Historical and Cultural Quarter and savoring local tea culture, a group of Italian teenagers is gaining a firsthand understanding of Hainan through an immersive two-week cultural exchange program.

The Italian students, their teachers and volunteer guides pose for a group photo at Haikou's Qilou Historical and Cultural Quarter.

The 2026 Hainan International (Italy) Youth Exchange Program, organized by the Hainan Provincial Foreign Affairs Office (FAO) in partnership with the Sanya Foreign Language School Affiliated with Shanghai International Studies University, has brought 27 Italian students and accompanying teachers to Hainan for an itinerary combining language learning, cultural immersion and educational exchanges.

The students, aged between 13 and 18, come from schools across Italy. While some have studied Chinese before, for many it is their first visit to China.

Despite their different backgrounds and levels of Chinese proficiency, they share a common goal: experiencing Chinese culture beyond the classroom and gaining a deeper understanding of contemporary China through the Hainan Free Trade Port.

Discovering Hainan's Cultural Heritage

The exchange began in Sanya, where the students visited some of Hainan's best-known attractions, including Tianya Haijiao Scenic Area, Luhuitou Scenic Area and the Luhuitou Li Story Cultural Park.

There, they learned about the traditions of the indigenous Li people of the island province, tried on traditional silver ornaments, explored the centuries-old craft of Li brocade weaving and joined in the lively bamboo pole dance, gaining firsthand experience of one of Hainan's distinctive cultural traditions.

Two students experience a traditional Li ethnic dance. Photo by China News.

The group's journey then continued in Haikou, where history and local customs took center stage.

Walking through the century-old Qilou Historical and Cultural Quarter with volunteer guides, the students explored the arcade buildings that reflect Hainan's long-standing connections with overseas Chinese communities in Southeast Asia. They browsed cafés and cultural shops while learning about the district's history and architectural heritage.

One of the highlights of the visit was experiencing "Laobacha" or "Old Dad's Tea", Haikou's beloved tea-and-snacks tradition. Over locally brewed tea accompanied by an assortment of pastries and snacks influenced by Hainanese, Cantonese and Southeast Asian culinary traditions, the students discovered an important part of the city's everyday social life.

Students explore a tea shop in Haikou.

Chiara, an accompanying teacher from the Confucius Institute, said Hainan's tropical fruits and local desserts had become some of her favorite discoveries.

"I love Qingbuliang, and I had never tasted pineapples so fragrant and flavorful before," she said.

The cultural experience continued with a live performance of Qiong Opera, one of Hainan's best-known forms of intangible cultural heritage. Fascinated by the elaborate costumes, expressive singing and stylized movements, many students recorded the performance before stepping onto the stage themselves to learn basic gestures and sleeve techniques under the guidance of professional performers.

Learning About Hainan's Development

Beyond its traditional culture, the program also introduced students to another side of Hainan—its growing role as China's Free Trade Port.

During a visit to the Haikou branch of Consinee Group, which maintains close cooperation with Italian partners, the students toured textile production facilities and learned how traditional cultural elements can be incorporated into modern manufacturing and high-end textile design.

Students explore an enterprise in Haikou.

The visit offered a practical example of the expanding cooperation between China and Italy in areas including textiles, design and innovation.

Giulia, an accompanying teacher, said she was pleased that the students had the opportunity to experience a different side of China.

"Hainan offers an environment that is very different from the cities many Europeans already know, such as Beijing or Shanghai," she said. "The students have been incredibly open-minded and are making the most of this experience."

A Journey Beyond the Classroom

For many participants, the exchange has already left a lasting impression.

Emma, one of the youngest members of the group at 13 years old, said she had especially enjoyed discovering Hainan's historic architecture and local traditions. Interested in urban history and culture, she said the experience had strengthened her confidence in pursuing language studies in high school.

The students listen to a lecture.

The students' journey across Hainan is far from over. In the coming days, they will continue their cultural exploration with visits to destinations including the Binglanggu Li and Miao Cultural Heritage Park, where they will further experience the customs, architecture and traditions of the island's ethnic communities.

Building Bridges Through Youth Exchanges

Beyond sightseeing, the program reflects the growing role of youth exchanges in strengthening ties between China and Italy.

By bringing young people together through shared experiences, language learning and cultural immersion, such initiatives encourage lasting friendships while fostering a deeper understanding of each other's societies.

The students enjoy Laobacha in Haikou.

Deng Yingying, director of the Hainan Foreign Affairs and Development Service Center, said Hainan plans to continue expanding international youth exchange programs as the province advances the development of the Free Trade Port.

"Recently we have organized exchange programs for both American and Italian students," Deng said. "With 2026 being the first full year of the island-wide special customs operations for the Hainan Free Trade Port, the province is becoming increasingly connected with the world. International youth exchanges are bringing new vitality to Hainan's opening-up and helping young people gain a deeper understanding of contemporary China."