Editor's Note: Liu Chunsheng is an associate professor of the Central University of Finance and Economics. The article reflects the author's views, and not necessarily those of CGTN.

As the countdown to the special customs operation of Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP) progresses, this national-level practice of institutional opening-up is quietly permeating from policy documents into daily life. The zero-tariff policy has brought imported goods to every street corner; the agglomeration of international brands has reshaped consumption scenarios; and the facilitation of entry and exit has broken down geographical barriers. These changes will not only rewrite Hainan's economic structure but also foster a unique lifestyle paradigm—one that embraces "global appeal" aligned with international standards while preserving the "local flavor" rooted in its native soil.

Zero-tariff: From privilege to daily life

Ultimately, the core value of the special customs operation lies in enhancing the sense of gain in ordinary people's lives. The full implementation of the zero-tariff policy has become a key lever to drive consumption upgrading in Hainan. As early as the preparation stage for special customs operations, Hainan had piloted a zero-tariff policy for some imported goods, covering daily necessities, vehicles, and production equipment, among others. With the approaching special customs operation, the zero-tariff list continues to expand—from imported maternal and infant products, high-end cosmetics, to luxury cars and yachts.

In the imported home appliance section of Sanya International Duty-Free City, German dishwashers have become "new favorites" for family purchases, with queues for checkout including both tourists and local residents. This experience of "purchasing global products without leaving the country" has not only reduced costs for shoppers but also subtly cultivated a diversified consumption base. When international consumption shifts from a "privilege for the few" to a "daily necessity for the masses," the quality of life in Hainan has achieved a leapfrog improvement.

Brand clustering: Beyond high-end landmarks

Hainan's "global appeal" is not supported solely by a handful of high-end venues; instead, it has achieved an all-round restructuring of consumption scenarios through the agglomeration of brands. On one hand, high-end formats continue to settle in: Core areas such as Sanya Haitang Bay and Haikou Jiangdong New Area have gathered a large number of international luxury hotels, resorts, and shopping centers, becoming "destinations" for global tourists to experience high-end consumption. On the other hand, international elements are penetrating community commerce and characteristic blocks, forming a three-dimensional ecosystem of "high-end leadership and public participation."

The sense of integration is particularly evident when entering Haikou's Qilou Old Street: On the street, there are decades-old stalls selling Qingbuliang (a local cold dessert) and Wenchang chicken restaurants, emitting authentic Hainan flavors; in adjacent stores, Southeast Asian tropical fruits and imported snacks are displayed in abundance, attracting both citizens and tourists to stop by. In the community supermarket in Sanya Dadonghai Tourist Area, imported milk and red wine are displayed alongside local coconut water and yellow lantern chili sauce, allowing consumers to meet both "local needs" and "international preferences" in one stop. This restructuring breaks the stereotype that "internationalization equals high-endization," making "global appeal" no longer an unattainable "landmark symbol" but a living element integrated into daily street life.

Facilitation: Two-way flow and cultural mix

If the zero-tariff policy and brand agglomeration are the achievements of "bringing in," then the facilitation measures for entry and exit have built a bridge for "going out" and "two-way interaction." With the optimization of visa-free policies, simplification of entry-exit procedures, and increased frequency of international routes, more and more international tourists are flocking to Hainan, while more local residents are going abroad through convenient channels. This two-way flow of people enables in-depth integration between "global appeal" and "local flavor."

On the beach of Sanya Yalong Bay, foreign tourists and local residents sunbathe side by side, communicating in simple English or Hainan dialect. In the folk experience area of Haikou Volcano Crater Geological Park, international tourists learn to make Yiba (a local glutinous rice cake) and sing Qiong Opera (Hainan's local opera) from local villagers, while savoring Shishan goat at farm banquets. Cross-cultural interactions not only broaden the horizons of local residents but also allow international tourists to feel the "local warmth" of Hainan.

Preservation of local flavor

What is commendable is that Hainan's internationalization process has never come at the cost of sacrificing "local flavor"; instead, it realizes the organic symbiosis of the two through policy design. In terms of industrial layout, while vigorously developing international industries such as tourism and modern service industries, Hainan has also strengthened and optimized local advantageous industries such as tropical characteristic high-efficiency agriculture and marine fishery.

In terms of urban development and lifestyle, the preservation of "local flavor" is even more prominent. Hainan has always adhered to the principles of "original ecology, low cost, and distinct characteristics," refusing to blindly replicate the development models of first-tier cities. In Haikou's morning tea shops and Sanya's night markets, the slow-paced lifestyle remains unchanged; local scenarios such as laobacha (Old Dad's Tea) (a casual tea-drinking tradition) and seafood barbecues are still the core of these cities' "vitality of daily life." International consumption and services are more like adding "options" rather than "replacements" to this local flavor. Residents can either buy imported goods at duty-free stores or enjoy a bowl of Lingshui sour vermicelli at a street stall.