Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –
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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News
HAINAN, Dec. 23 (Xinhua) — China on Dec. 18 launched independent customs operations throughout the Hainan Free Trade Port (HFTP), the world's largest by area, demonstrating China's unwavering determination and confidence in expanding high-level opening-up.
In recent years, this amazing island has attracted more and more Russians not only for its tropical landscapes, but also for new opportunities for work and life.
ENTREPRENEURIAL BOOM IN THE TROPICS
The dynamic development of the Hainan Island FTA is evident from a number of indicators. Since 2020, more than 9,600 foreign-invested enterprises from over 170 countries and regions have been established in the province. A total of 75 container shipping routes pass through Hainan, 36 of which are foreign trade routes.
Dmitry, a Russian, arrived in Sanya in 2005 and fell in love with this warm region at first sight. He and his wife have now owned an imported grocery store in the city for almost ten years.
He recalls that when he first arrived in Sanya, there were only a few traffic lights, and high-speed trains were a distant dream. At the beginning of his business, the biggest challenge was logistics – how to deliver goods to the island, especially products that needed to be kept refrigerated or frozen?
"Hainan is making progress every year. Over the past 20 years, the transport network here has been steadily developing, just like the island itself," he noted, expressing hope that in the future, thanks to the launch of independent customs operations throughout the Hainan Free Trade Zone, importing duty-free goods will become even more convenient.
As a reminder, under the new regime, the tropical island, covering over 30,000 square kilometers, has been declared a special customs control zone. Foreign companies will be able to take advantage of a business climate more in line with international standards, lower tax rates and production costs, and use Hainan as a platform for entering the vast mainland Chinese market.
The share of duty-free goods in the Hainan Free Trade Zone will increase from 21 percent to 74 percent, and the range of goods available on Hainan Island will grow from approximately 1,900 to 6,600. Imported products whose added value after processing in Hainan reaches at least 30 percent of their original value will be allowed to be imported for sale in other regions of China without customs duties.
WHAT SURPRISES YOU ABOUT "EAST HAWAII"
As Hainan strives to become a hub for international tourism and consumption, the number of foreign tourists here is rapidly growing. This is clearly demonstrated by the growing popularity of inbound tourism in the coastal city of Sanya.
According to data, in the first half of 2025, the tourist flow from Russia to Sanya increased by 266.2% year-on-year, accounting for more than 40% of the total number of incoming tourists to the city.
Especially after the Chinese authorities introduced a one-year trial visa-free regime for Russian citizens holding regular passports in September of this year, Russians can be seen everywhere in Sanya – on the beaches, at the sights, and in the business districts.
"I often travel to Russia to promote Sanya's tourism resources," said Anastasia, who has lived in Sanya for seven years and is involved in developing the international tourism market.
According to the girl, with the resumption of an increasing number of direct routes, as well as China's introduction of a convenient visa-free policy and simplified payment terms, it has become much easier for Russians to travel to Sanya.
To improve the quality of service for Russian tourists, Sanya service staff have recently been intensively attending Russian language courses, quickly mastering common expressions on topics such as hotel check-in and tourist attraction recommendations. A Russian-language service has also been launched on the city's hotline. In areas with the largest concentrations of Russian tourists, 76 bus stop signs have been updated with Russian-language text.
Furthermore, most star hotels and major tourist areas have installed ATMs accepting foreign bank cards. As of September 2025, Sanya had 479 ATMs accepting cash withdrawals from foreign cards, including Russian ones. At the same time, the city is actively promoting foreign versions of Alipay and WeChat Pay, making mobile payments easier for Russian visitors.
FROM "GUEST" TO "HOST"
The secret to this tropical island's appeal lies in the wide range of amenities designed to meet the everyday needs of foreigners. From accommodation, healthcare, and education to household needs and personal security, the internationally acclaimed service system is helping more and more foreigners transform from visitors to permanent residents.
"When I first came here three years ago, I was worried I'd have trouble enrolling my child in kindergarten," said Vasilyeva, a Moscow resident who applied with her husband for an apartment under the "Housing Subsidy for Highly Qualified Specialists" program.
Since she and her husband are Hainan Talent Card holders (a Hainan Province privilege card for highly skilled professionals, entitling them to various service-related benefits throughout the province), they unexpectedly successfully enrolled their child in kindergarten the day after their arrival.
"Now we can use a Russian bank card to buy bread. Even the security guard in our neighborhood says 'good morning' in Russian," she added, noting that they already feel at home here.
As a reminder, Sanya authorities, actively pursuing a policy of attracting foreign specialists as part of the construction of the Hainan Free Trade Zone, have introduced a visa-free regime for citizens of 86 countries and are simultaneously issuing work permits and residence permits at their place of employment.
As of May 2025, over 700 foreigners in Sanya have used the one-stop service to jointly apply for the two certificates, and document processing times have been reduced by 60 percent compared to the previous period. Furthermore, those with the Hainan Talent Card are entitled to a range of benefits, such as housing subsidies, educational enrollment for children, and health insurance.
Furthermore, foreigners with a lifetime residence permit no longer need to have their documents notarized to register a foreign-owned enterprise. This measure has greatly benefited this category of individuals.
Hainan, once an underdeveloped border outpost, became China's largest special economic zone in 1988. A master plan published in 2020 set the goal of transforming the island into a high-level free trade zone with global influence by mid-century. The introduction of independent customs operations throughout the Hainan Free Trade Zone will attract more foreigners to live, work, and travel on the island.
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