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From policy to play: KPL Spring Finals turn Haikou into esports hub

Esports 11:26, 12-Apr-2026

Chen Qingxuan

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This spring, the King Pro League (KPL) Spring 2026 Grand Finals arrived in Haikou – a vibrant coastal city infused with tropical energy and ocean breezes – offering an immersive, real-world Honor of Kings experience. Kuaishou Gaming (KSG) claimed their first-ever KPL Spring Season championship on April 11, with a commanding 4-0 sweep of Chongqing Wolves, becoming the league's ninth title-winning team.

Kuaishou Gaming (KSG) claimed their KPL Spring Season championship in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province, April 11, 2026. /KPL officials

The KPL Spring 2026 Grand Finals is underway at Wuyuan River Stadium in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province, April 11, 2026. /KPL officials

The audiences are focused on the match at Wuyuan River Stadium in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province, April 11, 2026. /CGTN

A spectator takes photos with the photo wall outside Wuyuan River Stadium in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province, April 11, 2026. /CGTN

More than just an esports spectacle, the event injected fresh, youthful momentum into the city's cultural and tourism scene. It stimulated local consumption, supporting the growth of the digital economy and aligning closely with Hainan Free Trade Port's broader strategy of developing modern service industries and expanding trade in services.

Honor of Kings has long evolved beyond pure entertainment. For many young people, it serves as a space for relaxation, emotional connection and social interaction. During the KPL Spring 2026 Grand Finals, fans gathered not only to watch matches but also to take photos with their beloved characters or cosplayers, meet like-minded players and form new connections. Esports viewing has become an inclusive social setting where shared interests foster a strong sense of belonging. This unique social dynamic turns the game into a powerful bridge, bringing young people together and drawing them to Haikou for this citywide esports celebration.

A customer walks past the KPL 10th Anniversary message wall outside the pop-up store at Haikou Friendship Sunshine City in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province, April 10, 2026. /CGTN

The KPL Spring 2026 Grand Finals is being broadcast live at CDF Haikou International Duty Free City in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province, April 11, 2026. /CGTN

A product sold at the pop-up store at Haikou Friendship Sunshine City in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province, April 10, 2026. /CGTN

Hainan's iconic coconut palm molds are displayed at the exit of the pop-up store in Haikou Friendship Sunshine City in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province, April 10, 2026. /CGTN

Costumers pick products at the pop-up store in Haikou Friendship Sunshine City in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province, April 10, 2026. /CGTN

The launch of Hainan's island-wide special customs operations on December 18, 2025, marked a significant step in China's high-level opening up, and it is already delivering tangible benefits to Haikou's esports ecosystem. Building on this momentum, Haikou is stepping up its support for major esports events by enhancing infrastructure usage and upgrading supporting services across the city. Spectators holding match tickets, as well as accredited staff, can enjoy exclusive perks at numerous duty-free shopping complexes. These efforts not only elevate the overall event experience but also further integrate esports with urban consumption, positioning Haikou as an increasingly attractive destination for international esports events.