“The Free Trade Port Reaches New Heights” Introducing Hainan Free Trade Port

Kathmandu, 14 August  2022 Sunday/This is Hainan, it is situated on the ideal 18th parallel north. As China’s youngest province, Hainan isn’t only the country’s largest special economic zone, largest free trade pilot zone, and only Chinese-style free trade port. It’s also a popular tropical vacation destination due to its abundant tourism resources.

Listen as waves crash against the stretch of coastline, experience sunsets on the beach, or embrace the ocean with yachting, surfing, diving, and other aquatic activities. Walk along a century-old street, immerse yourself in a merchant culture honed by time, or visit a quaint and peaceful village to experience the Li and Miao people’s unique customs. With vibrant skies and waters, and tranquil mountains, passion and romance are this island’s eternal essence.

Rising Tides of Hainan and the Dream of a Free Trade Port

Playing a critical role in the Belt and Road Initiative, Hainan possesses unique location and transportation advantages. Furthermore, transportation layouts for air, rail, water, and road transport have developed. International routes leading to major tourist destinations are also increasing at Haikou Meilan International Airport, Sanya Phoenix International Airport, Qionghai Bo’ao Airport, and more. At Haikou New Port and Xiuying Port, travelers can take ferries to and from Hainan Island. As for transportation within the island itself, Hainan boasts the world’s first high-speed railway loop around an island. The railway efficiently connects Hainan’s interior. Tourists can take the high-speed rail around the entire island.

Since its establishment in 1988, Hainan has stood at the forefront of China’s reform and opening up. The province has become an important component in the reform with its daring spirit, desire to be the best, and diligent work ethic. Today, Hainan boasts more than its coconut-scented breeze, melodic sea, clear waters, and lush mountains. Hainan Free Trade Port’s policy implementation has helped develop global tourism, rural revitalization, offshore duty free, key industrial parks, and more.

Hainan, with its geographic and political advantages, has been at the forefront of China’s reform and opening up. For example, Hainan has taken steps to implement the seventh freedom of the air. The island has also enacted a visa-free policy for inbound tourists from 59 different countries, expanded the list of visa-free countries and stay period. In addition, Hainan relaxed restrictions on the number of visa-free tourists, expediting the travel process for foreign tourists.

The Zero Tariff Policy is also one of Hainan Free Trade Port’s special policies. Ships, aircraft, cars, yachts, and other commercial vehicles imported to Hainan for transportation and tourism are exempt from import duties, value-added taxes, and consumption taxes. The tariff-free imported goods and 15% personal and corporate income tax are powerful expense reduction methods for enterprises and people, showcasing Hainan Free Trade Port’s passion for residents and commerce.

To optimize business, Hainan is establishing a channel for international investments on the island. Providing one-stop, simple services, Hainan endeavors to create a regulated, international, and convenient environment for business. Global investors can mutually benefit from opportunities offered by the Free Trade Port. Presently, Hainan has outlined 11 key areas, including the Yangpu Economic Development Zone, Bo’ao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone, Haikou Jiangdong New District, and more. Acting as pilot project incubators, they are the main locations of the Free Trade Port’s policy implementation.

The continuous implementation of favorable policies has optimized business and revitalized Hainan’s economic development. Various enterprises have arrived successively, and top talents continue gathering in Hainan to enjoy the benefits of free trade!

Hainan has 1,944 km of coastline, with nine established coastal resorts, 68 gorgeous bays, an annual average temperature between 22-27 ˚C, and 62% forest cover. Hainan is a paradise graced by nature. In addition to its famous and romantic coastline, the island has several scenic spots, such as volcanoes, rainforests, and beautiful villages, providing a variety of sightseeing options.

The sea is visible from multiple places in Hainan, including Haikou’s western coast, Wuzhizhou Island, Yalong Bay, Boundary Island in Lingshui, Shenzhou Peninsula and Riyue Bay in Wanning, and countless coastal resorts. Visitors can forget their troubles and enjoy a relaxing vacation with Hainan’s temperate climate, clean air, warm sunshine, azure waters, and delicate sandy beaches.

In addition to ocean sightseeing, aquatic activities play an essential role in Hainan. Marine sports such as diving, surfing, sailing, and boating connect travelers with the ocean. Diving is possible almost year-round, with options such as day and night diving and snorkeling. Don’t miss the limitless fun of yachting, or try surfing at Riyue Bay, a place known as Hainan’s “surf resort.” The waves here are tall, powerful, and frequent. As China’s premier surfing spot, Riyue Bay is popular among surfers at home and abroad. Soar across the sky in a helicopter or paraglider, experience an exciting low-altitude flight, or enjoy the beautiful scenery of the coastline, tropical rainforests, and farmland.

If you’ve had your fill of the blue skies, white clouds, and sandy beaches, take a stroll through Hainan’s tropical rainforests, focus on your health, and explore secrets of the unknown.

National Park of Hainan Tropical Rainforest is located in the central southern portion of Hainan Island. It encompasses nine cities and counties, with a total area of 4,269 km². The park is also the densest, best-preserved, and largest contiguous tropical island rainforest in China. It holds an important spot among rainforests worldwide, representing China on the international stage regarding environment conservation.

Visiting a hot spring is the perfect choice for weary travelers. Hot springs are located all over the island, including the Haikou Mission Hills Hot Spring Resort, Qionghai Guantang Hot Spring Resort, Baoting Qixianling Hot Spring Resort, and more. Each resort offers a variety of physiotherapy and spa treatments for tourists to choose from. Furthermore, Hainan is actively shaping a health-based tourism industry, launching health care services such as hot spring spas and traditional Chinese medicine massages and fumigation. These services are enjoyed by domestic and foreign tourists alike.

The Li and Miao people are ethnic minorities in Hainan. They have created the magnificent culture of the island together with the Han and Hui people. For example, the traditional Li textile techniques, with their long history of 3,000 years, are listed as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO.

In the Hainan Binglanggu Li and Miao Cultural Heritage Park, visitors can view the exquisite craftsmanship of Li brocade, or listen to a wonderful performance featuring Li bamboo and wood instruments. In addition to the ancient and mysterious Li and Miao culture, visitors may also explore the beauty of facial tattoos.

Enjoy Local Cuisine, Luxurious Hotels, and Duty-Free Shopping on this Vibrant Island

No vacation is complete without shopping! Currently, Hainan has ten duty-free shops in Sanya, Haikou, and Qionghai. Among them, the popular Sanya CDF Mall offers several world-class designer brands. With its convenience, variety, and great discounts, Hainan is a shopper’s paradise.

Hainan is home to countless local delicacies. Wenchang Chicken, Jiaji Duck, Dongshan Goat, and Hele Crab are considered the four most famous dishes, and are must-haves when visiting Hainan. The people of Hainan focus on freshness and enhancing the original flavor of their food. Many dishes are simply boiled, like chicken or duck, then paired with special dipping sauces to showcase the food’s original flavor.

Travelers can also try laobacha (lit. Old Dad’s Tea shop). Order a pot of black or green tea, coffee, or milk, then add a few specialty dishes to enjoy the leisurely island life. In the evening, head to Hainan’s lively night market to taste authentic snacks, like rice noodles, zaopo vinegar, ching bo leung sweet soup, and a variety of grains. Each of these delicacies is a manifestation of the diligence and enthusiasm of the Hainanese people.

There are many star-rated hotels in Hainan, including boutique hotels and unique homestays, greatly enriching accommodation options. The Atlantis Hotel is a luxurious hotel along Haitang Bay in Sanya. The hotel features over 1,000 spacious sea-view rooms and suites. Additionally, the hotel also offers entertainment facilities such as the Lost Chambers Aquarium, Water World, Dolphin Bay, and diving club. Visitors can spend days enjoying these facilities in the hotel alone.

In recent years, Hainan has increased outward promotions to attract more exhibition-related tourism. As a result, more conferences and exhibitions are being held in Hainan, with each international event uniquely contributing to the island as a whole. International events like the Bo’ao Forum for Asia and the first China International Consumer Products Expo were held in succession. The Hainan World Leisure Tourism Expo, Hainan International Tourism Food Expo, and the Hainan International Tourism Equipment Expo have risen to prominence.

In 2021, the first China International Consumer Products Expo was successfully held in Haikou. The exhibition brought together high-quality, new, and unique products, in addition to many well-known domestic and foreign brands. The second China International Consumer Goods Expo will be held in Haikou from July 26^th-30^th in 2022. The total exhibition area will grow from 80,000 m² to 100,000 m², providing opportunities and a platform for domestic and foreign brands to feature their products.

Hainan is currently making every effort to promote construction of the Hainan Free Trade Port and International Tourism and Consumption Destination. Through consistent development of its “tourism +” strategy, Hainan has fostered its global tourism.

Hainan is full of life and opportunities. It is a land rich with investment and business possibilities. People from around the world are welcome to experience, invest in, and enjoy Hainan’s charm, and contribute to the free trade port!

Source: China Cultural Center in Nepal