Our regular feature, brought to you in association with Duty Free Global from Ireland, celebrates memorable scenes, moments, launches and campaigns related to the global aviation and travel retail sphere.
CHINA. Today’s choice of images comes from China Duty Free Group (CDFG), which is launching a series of high-profile celebrations this week to mark the fourth anniversary of cdf Haikou International Duty-Free Shopping Complex, the world’s largest standalone duty-free store, on 28 October.
A wide array of offers include 10x loyalty points across over 100 brands, discounts across product categories, prize giveaways, government-backed consumer subsidies and a whisky promotional campaign. With these initiatives, cdf Haikou International Duty-Free Shopping Complex is inviting consumers to “explore Hainan and shop the world”.
New policies, including the start of independent customs operations in the province from December 2025, are fuelling offshore duty-free consumption, said CDFG.
At the time the number of product categories available in the offshore duty-free channel increased from 45 to 47, and the policy’s scope was expanded to include travellers departing from the island.
The increasing number of foreign visitors at the cdf Haikou complex represents “a vivid reflection of the continuous optimisation of Hainan’s offshore duty-free policy and the steadily expanding openness of the Hainan Free Trade Port,” said a CDFG statement.
As reported, local residents are now permitted to purchase (with immediate pickup) items an unlimited number of times throughout the year. In this way, duty-free shopping has shifted from a ‘bulk-buy-before-departure’ model to a flexible, everyday option, said CDFG.
As of October 18 2026—ten months into the implementation of the customs-closure regime – cdf Haikou International Duty-Free Shopping Complex had recorded around 4.69 million visitor entries, an increase of +32.8% year-on-year.
Amid the fourth-anniversary event series, the initiative integrates duty-free shopping with cultural tourism, linking Haikou city’s tourism landmarks to key consumer destinations.
On 21 October (today) a launch ceremony was held at the North Gate Plaza in Haikou’s Qilou Old Street for a new ‘cultural tourism express’ route connecting Qilou Old Street, Riyue Plaza and the cdf Haikou International Duty-Free Shopping Complex (depicted below).
Designed as a convenient transit service for Haikou’s cultural, tourism and commercial sectors, this route was designed to create a travel link that combines sightseeing with duty-free retail.
From 23 to 31 October, the duty-free complex will host hourly lucky draws, offering participants the chance to win a -15% discount on purchases. Additionally, three surprise auctions will be held daily throughout the weekend.
During the promotional period, categories including beauty and skincare, fashion, spirits and groceries feature offers such as gifts with purchase, price reductions and multiplied loyalty points—with over 100 brands offering 10x points.
The government of Xiuying District in Haikou is also issuing duty-free shopping vouchers, which can be combined with in-store discounts.
Island residents can receive bonus vouchers with any purchase made using their resident card—a sign that the dividends of the upcoming customs-closure policy are extending beyond ‘tourists only’ to include the local population, according to CDFG.
The cdf Malt & More Whisky Museum (pictured below) at cdf Haikou International Duty Free Shopping Complex is hosting a Whisky Museum Carnival. The event includes whisky master competitions open to both the general public and professionals, as well as masterclasses and tasting sessions hosted by leading brand houses such as Pernod Ricard, Diageo and The Edrington Group.
On 28 and 31 October respectively, the duty-free complex will launch a ‘Super Sale’ campaign featuring selected merchandise at discounts of up to -90% off. Additionally, visitors to the store will receive complimentary fourth anniversary edition balloons and one of 1,000 celebratory mini-cakes.
In 2026, cdf Haikou International Duty-Free Shopping Complex has introduced 17 firsts with new brand stores.
These include Bvlgari, Stone Island and Wilson, as well as specialist retail concepts such as the first duty-free store nationwide for jewellery brand Zhou Liu Fu, a duty-free boutique by jewellery brand Chow Tai Seng and the first flagship store for the food brand Chunguang.
The offerings span a diverse range of categories, including luxury goods, sports and outdoor gear, gold and jewellery, plus trendy collectibles.
A cdf Haikou International Duty-Free Shopping Complex spokesperson stated: “Our fourth anniversary is both a milestone and a new starting point. With the upcoming implementation of Hainan’s independent customs operations, we will further deepen the integration of ‘duty-free’ and ‘cultural tourism’.
“We aim to expand our selection of premium global products, elevate our retail environments and service experiences, and translate policy dividends into tangible benefits for consumers.
“In doing so, we will contribute to the development of Hainan as an international tourism and consumption hub, while fostering the ‘dual circulation’ strategy—where domestic and international markets reinforce one another.” 🏝️
