In February, Haikou, the capital of Hainan Province, dazzled visitors during the Chinese Lantern Festival with a magnificent fireworks display. Featuring synchronized 3,000 drones illuminating the night sky, the event captivated 827,900 tourists and generated an incredible 526 million yuan (approximately $72.36 million) in revenue. This stunning achievement not only marks a high point for the city but also signifies Haikou’s growing potential as a major player in the cultural tourism sector.
The city is strategically positioned as the core leading area of the Hainan Free Trade Port, actively working to diversify its tourism offerings. By introducing high-quality tourism programs, vibrant sports competitions, and engaging performing arts, Haikou aims to further stimulate growth in its cultural tourism industry. The city is keen on integrating local cultural elements—such as intangible heritage and folk customs—with contemporary trends, creating a lineup of cultural activities that resonate with a modern audience. As a result, Haikou is emerging as a vibrant island city that fuses traditional charm with a dynamic consumer culture.
World Performing Arts Capital in the East
Haikou’s transformation into a cultural hub reached new heights in September 2024 when global superstar Kanye West chose the city as his only Chinese stop on his “Vultures Listening Experience” tour. The city didn’t stop there; it subsequently hosted the Asian debut of Charlie Puth’s concert tour, a highly anticipated performance by the Philadelphia Orchestra, and numerous other world-class events. These spectacles have attracted visitors from around the globe eager to experience captivating performances, sample local delicacies, and shop at Asia’s largest stand-alone duty-free facility. With these developments, Haikou has proudly claimed the title of the “World Performing Arts Capital in the East.” The Haikou Bureau of Tourism, Culture, Radio, Television, and Sports reported that since 2023, the city has hosted 27 major performances, drawing in 600,000 attendees and generating approximately 3.3 billion yuan (around $450 million) in spending.
Why do so many international performances choose to take place in Haikou?
The city’s warm climate and stunning coastal scenery make it an ideal backdrop for artistic performances. Here, the beauty of nature seamlessly complements engaging art, offering audiences a unique and refreshing experience. The visa-free policy for citizens from 59 countries at the Hainan Free Trade Port further facilitates travel, allowing international artists and audiences to easily participate in local events.
To enhance this appeal, the local government has streamlined the organization of large-scale performances through its “one-stop service” approval process, coupled with various support services aimed at ensuring a smooth experience for event organizers. These measures have not only attracted performers but also laid the groundwork for a flourishing cultural scene in Haikou.
This year, Haikou aims to host over 160 shows, conduct more than 10 top-tier sports events, and develop at least 20 homegrown signature cultural activities. The city is also committed to securing a diverse array of both Chinese and international cultural, sports, and artistic ventures. This focus on the performing arts, combined with a rich exhibition economy, positions the cultural tourism industry as a significant growth driver for Haikou’s overall economic development.
Revitalizing Traditional Culture
Rich in history and cultural diversity, Haikou is actively working to preserve its intangible cultural heritage, which includes unique elements like Hainan Opera and exquisite coconut carving. Recent efforts to enhance cultural engagement have seen the development of cultural hubs, such as Hairui Cultural Park and Mingchang Pagoda Cultural Park. The city also hosts an array of cultural events, including performances, ancient-style bazaars, and educational field trips, all of which serve to celebrate and share its heritage.
Moreover, innovative cultural activities such as ethnic fashion shows and exhibitions featuring Chinese calligraphy and painting have become commonplace at iconic venues like Wormhole Library and Qilou Old Street. Visitors are often spellbound by the harmonious blend of tradition and modernity as they soak in the atmosphere, whether by the seaside or in bustling street corners. This vibrant cultural tapestry has made significant contributions to the growth of the “culture + tourism” industry in Haikou.
American expatriate Jong May, who has lived in China for several years, expressed her amazement at Haikou’s dynamic cultural scene. “Everything here is a delightful surprise! I didn’t know Haikou had such a vibrant cultural landscape until I went there!” she shared. Active on social media platforms like RedNote and Douyin, she took a memorable vacation in Haikou last October, immersing herself in local experiences, learning about traditional puppet shows at the Haikou Intangible Cultural Heritage Exhibition Hall, and engaging with street performers and Hainan opera actors. “I would love to visit here again,” she remarked.
According to officials from the Haikou Municipal Bureau of Publicity, the city is committed to intensifying efforts to preserve and promote its historical, revolutionary, marine, and folk cultures. Plans include creatively revitalizing historic areas like Qilou and Fucheng to increase Haikou’s allure as a desired travel destination.
