Hainan's designation as a free-trade port gives visitors access to a duty-free allowance that is significantly more generous than at mainland airports — covering luxury goods, cosmetics, electronics, alcohol, and tobacco up to meaningful spending limits. The Haikou International Duty-Free City Complex near Xiuying Port is one of the largest duty-free retail centres in the world by floor area, drawing shoppers from across China who come specifically to buy international brands at prices that undercut the mainland market considerably.
The shopping complex is not aimed at casual travellers passing through — it is a destination in itself for Chinese consumers who have done the price comparisons in advance. If you are looking for international fragrances, skincare, spirits, or fashion labels at a significant discount off mainland China prices, this is the place. The scale of the development is striking regardless: several million square metres of retail under one roof, open daily, with on-site services to handle customs paperwork and delivery to your departure port or airport.