Global journalists witness FTP duty-free dynamics in Haikou

Haikou Foreign Affairs Office

Updated: 2026-03-02

CDF Haikou International Duty Free Shopping Complex. [Photo/VCG]

On Feb 26, a media delegation participating in the China Travelogue: Hainan FTP Experience for Global Journalists event visited CDF Haikou International Duty Free Complex, the world's largest single-building duty-free shopping mall, to gain firsthand insight into the new trends and renewed dynamism in the offshore duty-free consumption market since the launch of island-wide special customs operations in the Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP) in December.

As they stepped into the mall, the more than 30 Chinese and foreign journalists — from outlets including the Nordic Chinese Times (Sweden), the Vietnam News Agency, MBS (Japan), Yonhap News Agency (South Korea) as well as People's Daily, Xinhua News and China Media Group — were immediately impressed by the dazzling array of products and the vibrant yet orderly shopping environment.

"How many brands are available here?" "How was footfall during the Spring Festival holiday?" "What new adjustments have been made to duty-free policies since special customs operations began?" the journalists asked in quick succession as they toured the complex.

Staff were on hand to answer their questions, providing detailed explanations of business operations, policy implementation, and consumer services.

This year's Spring Festival was the first since special customs operations began in the Hainan FTP. During the holiday, the duty-free complex recorded a strong start to the Year of the Horse, receiving more than 516,000 visits, up 57.9 percent year-on-year. The highest single-day footfall exceeded 70,000, setting a new record and highlighting the continued benefits of the FTP's policy dividends.

CDF Haikou International Duty Free Complex is definitely worth a visit, many journalists said after their tour. The world's largest duty-free store naturally offers a full range of products, including cosmetics, jewelry, electronics, and much more. Special themed activities, such as the immersive "God of Wealth Arrives" interactive experience, further boosted the festive atmosphere. With high-end products from leading international brands and distinctive items that incorporate Chinese cultural elements, the mall caters to the diverse and increasingly sophisticated needs of different consumer groups.

With Hainan expanding visa-free access to nationals of 86 countries, the benefits of the free trade port policies continue to be unleashed. The number of foreign visitors to the duty-free shopping complex has risen markedly, with the bulk coming from Russia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand. The increasingly international profile of the offshore duty-free consumption market has further cemented its role as an important window showcasing the Hainan FTP's opening-up to the world.