‘Hear. See the Everlasting Echo’ – China Duty Free Group and Qeelin open thematic exhibition at Haikou’s Wormhole Library

CHINA. China Duty Free Group (CDFG) and Kering Group jewellery brand Qeelin this week unveiled a stunning week-long international cultural thematic exhibition themed ‘Hear · See Everlasting Echo’.

The exhibition, launched on 25 October, deploys a similar formula to the ‘Watches & Wonders Sanya’ concept which runs from 1 October until the end of the year.

‘Hear · See Everlasting Echo’ is designed to engage with consumers through a combination of brand culture and innovative design concept, CDFG said.

The high-end jewellery brand Qeelin has considerable expertise in integrating Chinese traditional cultural totems and modern aesthetics, matching it with exquisite jewellery technology, and crafting interesting and unique designs, CDFG said.

This event took place at the magnificent Wormhole Library, a landmark architectural and cultural institution opened in Haikou this April, which combines art and innovation. A row of Queelin’s Wulu jewellery on display highlights the company’s dedication to upholding the magnificent heritage of Chinese traditional culture and craftsmanship.

The library also dubbed the ‘the Cloudscape of Haikou’, was created by Chinese firm MAD Architects, led by Ma Yansong. Created as a unique urban public and cultural space for citizens of and visitors to Haikou, the flowing, sculptural concrete form was named as one of the “most anticipated architecture projects of 2021” by UK media The Times.

On the lake surface outside the library, the Qeelin Wulu range is showcased in a setting featuring a series of gourd wind chimes and exquisite light boxes showing off the uniqueness of the pieces. Qeelin’s popular white panda Bo Bo – featured in its jewellery range – is also highlighted. The unique art installation offers a visual feast for the many people interested in Chinese culture and art, CDFG said.

Speeches at the launch were delivered by Kering Greater China President Ms Cai Jinqing; Deputy General Manager of China Tourism Group Duty Free Corporation Limited, Party Secretary and Executive Director of CDFG Sanya Downtown Duty Free Store Co. Mr Gao Xujiang; Deputy Secretary General of Haikou Municipal People’s Government Mr Peng Hao; and Class-I Inspector of Hainan Provincial Department of Commerce Mr Yao Lei.

Deputy General Manager of China Tourism Group Duty Free Corporation Limited Ms Zhao Feng; Deputy Secretary of Leading Party Members’ Group; Director of Haikou Municipal Bureau of Commerce Mr. Cai Qiao; and Deputy Director of Haikou Municipal Bureau of Tourism, Culture, Radio, Television and Sports Mr  Zhuang Hai attended the lighting ceremony of this cross-boundary exhibition.

Class-I inspector of Hainan Provincial Department of Commerce Yao Lei said that the offshore duty free policy has become Hainan’s “golden calling card”. He said that the continuous release of the offshore duty free policy effects would be impossible without generous support from the island’s duty free retailers.

CDFG has long been engaged in Hainan’s offshore duty free shopping channel, witnessing the policy’s evolution and making tremendous contributions to the sector, he said. This profoundly demonstrated CDFG’s responsibility and commitment as a centrally-administered State-Owned Enterprise. Yao said that he was confident CDFG would step up its efforts to make even greater contributions to the construction of Hainan Free Trade Port.

Gao Xujiang said that Hainan has a rich and diversified regional culture and a strong consumption market. These provide the fundamental conditions to allow such a successful cross-cultural event to be held, he noted.

Under the leadership of its parent company China Tourism Group, CDFG remains deeply committed to the development of Hainan and is well-integrated into Hainan, Gao added. Its Haikou stores at Haikou Meilan International Airport and in the Mova Mall downtown have become go-to places for high-end shopping in the capital city, providing a new and powerful momentum for Haikou to construct a first-class new platform to drive tourism and consumption.

Gao said that CDFG constantly explores the possibilities for diversified cooperation with brands, and as a result expects to provider richer cultural experiences for Haikou citizens and tourists. The Haikou International Duty Free Shopping Complex project, set to open in late 2022, will bring more surprises to all, he pledged.

CDFG emphasised its commitment to China travel retail market over early 40 years, noting that it enjoys multiple advantages in terms of brands, products, sales channel, and marketing strength. In the future and buoyed by the support of parent company China Tourism Group, CDFG will keep driving Hainan’s offshore duty free policy; focus on the construction of Hainan Free Trade Port; and enhance cross-boundary integration, it said.

The company noted that it will extend the consumption path to multiple platforms and help Hainan Island construct the Free Trade Port with Chinese characteristics.

Qeelin’s founded in 2004, aims to enrich every piece of jewellery with a rich cultural connotation. It reinterprets traditional symbols with stylish designs intended for daily wear, infusing new life and contemporary meaning to Chinese heritage.