Hold onto your designer sunglasses, folks! Luxury travel retail giant DFS Group is turning up the heat in Hainan with a jaw-dropping seven-star retail and entertainment complex now under construction in Sanya. Slated to welcome up to 18 million visitors annually by 2030, this project is like a real-life Wakanda meets retail therapy heaven —and it’s all part of the bold vision for the Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP).
DFS China President Nancy Liu told CGTN the move reflects \"tremendous confidence\" in Hainan’s growth as a global tourism and shopping hub. With luxury brands flocking to the island and duty-free shopping exploding, the FTP is fast becoming China’s answer to Dubai—but with palm trees and year-round sunshine.
Why does this matter? Hainan’s FTP isn’t just about fancy resorts—it’s a testing ground for China’s next-gen economic reforms, attracting billions in investment. For young entrepreneurs and travelers, this could mean more job opportunities, trendsetting retail experiences, and yes, Instagram-worthy vacation spots .
Liu added that the project will blend high-end retail with immersive entertainment—think pop-up concerts, AR shopping, and maybe even a yacht showroom . If all goes to plan, Sanya might just become the go-to spot for Gen Z jet-setters craving next-level luxury.
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DFS China sees development of Hainan FTP as a tremendous opportunity
cgtn.com