Duty-free shopping boom fuels Hainan’s push toward global tourism hub

HAIKOU — Duty-free shopping in Hainan is surging, reinforcing the island province’s drive to become an international tourism and consumption center. The boom has been fueled by new customs operations and policy adjustments that broaden access for both international visitors and local residents.

At the Sanya International Duty Free Shopping Complex, tourists lined up to purchase luxury goods and electronics. Anton, a visitor from Belarus, said he bought an iPhone 17 at a lower price than back home, while enjoying Hainan’s warm winter climate. Similar scenes have played out across the island as duty-free shopping becomes a key part of the travel experience.

The Hainan Free Trade Port launched island-wide special customs operations on Dec. 18, 2025, triggering a sharp rise in duty-free sales. Haikou Customs reported that between Dec. 18 and Jan. 17, sales reached 4.86 billion yuan (about 693.5 million U.S. dollars), up 46.8 percent year on year. Shopper numbers rose 30.2 percent to 745,000 during the same period.

Policy changes have also expanded the scope of duty-free benefits. Since Nov. 1, 2025, the number of eligible product categories has grown from 45 to 47, and outbound travelers have been included in the program. Local residents with departure records can now purchase up to 15 duty-free items annually, encouraging more frequent shopping.

Tourists from Russia and other countries noted the availability of international brands at competitive prices, while residents described the convenience of shopping at duty-free stores without needing to leave the island. The Sanya complex has reported steady increases in daily sales and passenger flow since the new measures took effect.

Liu Kun, deputy general manager of China Tourism Group, said duty-free shopping is a central pillar in building Hainan into a global tourism and consumption hub, helping attract international customers and elevate spending levels.

The broader tourism sector has also seen strong growth. Official data showed Hainan received 106 million tourist visits in 2025, up 9.1 percent year on year, with total spending reaching 225.4 billion yuan, a 10.5 percent increase. Inbound overnight visits surpassed 1.5 million, rising 35.2 percent year on year. China’s long-term plan aims to establish Hainan as a globally influential destination by 2035.