#China #Cultural Exchange #Hainan #Haikou

Haikou Hosts Cultural Journey for Overseas Chinese Youth

From July 9 to 12, the vibrant city of Haikou became a cultural melting pot as 180 overseas Chinese youth from countries such as Germany, Italy, Australia, Canada, Denmark, UAE, Ireland, and Thailand gathered for a memorable summer homecoming. Organized by the Bureau of Tourism, Culture, Radio, Television and Sports of Haikou City, this event aimed to reconnect participants with their cultural roots while fostering international engagement.

The itinerary was rich and diverse, allowing participants to explore historical landmarks such as Qilou Old Street, where they could experience the essence of intangible cultural heritage. The visit to the Hainan Provincial Museum provided profound insights into the province's storied past and varied cultural landscape. There, participants like Zhang Zhenghao from Denmark articulated a newfound understanding of their ancestry, exclaiming, “These exhibits helped me understand what my grandparents meant by 'our roots.'”

Moreover, they delved into traditional Chinese arts at Qiongtai Normal University, honing their skills in various crafts. In contrast, their time at the West Coast Tourism Resort offered an exhilarating escape into the sea, cultivating an appreciation for the natural beauty unique to Haikou.

As the sun set, many enjoyed a picturesque nighttime cruise, which further showcased Haikou’s stunning skyline. The delightful experiences prompted an enthusiastic response from many participants, with remarks like, “Haikou is fun!” underscoring the event's success in creating joyful memories.

This enriching cultural exploration did more than enhance individual connections to heritage; it aimed to develop bridges for international collaboration. Haikou stands as a crucial hub in China’s Belt and Road Initiative, while simultaneously serving as the core city of the Hainan Free Trade Port. This strategic significance is propelling Haikou into the spotlight as both a center of diverse industries and a tourist-friendly coastal paradise.

With its average annual temperature sitting comfortably at 24.3°C and boasting an impressive air quality excellence rate of 99%, Haikou has earned accolades like “World Health City” and “International Wetland City.” These titles reflect its commitment to providing a high-quality living environment, appealing to both residents and visitors alike.

Looking ahead, Haikou is eager to fortify its global presence by facilitating smoother international connectivity. By July 10, the city had successfully initiated 35 international and regional passenger air routes, linking it to major destinations worldwide including Hong Kong, Bangkok, and London. These developments aim to enhance trade, tourism, and cultural exchanges, symbolizing Haikou’s dedication to openness and accessibility as it approaches the 2025 deadline for island-wide customs closure.

Additionally, the city is streamlining payment processes for international visitors, making it even easier for them to navigate their stay. Prominent global card networks have integrated with local platforms, ensuring that transactions are seamless. Travelers benefit as Alipay and WeChat Pay now support multiple international e-wallets, allowing for swift QR code payments in numerous merchant locations. Moreover, an innovative “Hainan Payment Service e-Map” has been introduced, guiding visitors to foreign currency exchange banks and other financial services.

An official from the Bureau emphasized how events like “A journey to trace your culture roots” serve not just to connect individuals to their pasts but also to encourage greater global participation in Haikou's cultural narrative. Such initiatives are turning passive observers into active participants within the Hainan Free Trade Port framework, as they take on the roles of culture ambassadors and storytellers for Haikou.

Through its sincerity and open-mindedness, Haikou continues crafting new stories on the global stage, promising a bright future intertwined with cultural heritage, community spirit, and international collaboration.