CHINA. Haikou International Duty Free City, the vast new China Duty Free Group-run shopping complex, continues to take shape in advance of its anticipated June 2022 opening.
HiHinan – part of Hainan Hinews Media Co, The Moodie Davitt Report’s strategic partner in Hainan – covered the development at the weekend in a photo-led story that captures the vast scale and majesty of the project.
“A visit on 29 September to the construction site for the Haikou International Duty Free City showed that the project was in full swing, and progress on the site was proceeding apace,” the report said.
“The main structure and floor plates of the Duty Free City’s commercial centre have already completed construction and the modeling roof and peripheral glass curtain wall are currently being worked on. It is expected that work will be done by early next year and that operations will begin in June of 2022.”
As reported, The Haikou International Duty Free City project covers around 110 acres, with a planned total construction area of about 926,000sq m. It comprises six plots, anchored by a sprawling shopping complex that will rank as the world’s biggest duty free retail space.
The complex’s unique architectural design style is based on the begonia flower. The architectural design incorporates local elements such as Haikou’s nature and marine culture in an effort to create a unique and comfortable experience space.
The renderings reflect the charms of Haikou, and the internationally-oriented, environmentally and ecologically friendly nature of the port city.
To this, modern aesthetics and international sensibilities have been added to the design. A sense of fluidity flows through the complex, which features a variety of businesses, entertainment activities and an overall rainforest theme. It hopes to create a harmony between people, nature and architecture, and an extraordinarily enjoyable and elegant space where retail experience is transformed.
Footnote: China Duty Free Group is the exclusive Strategic Cooperation Partner of next week’s Virtual Travel Retail Expo (11-15 October).
In an exciting development, CDFG has created its own dedicated digital area in the Expo, called CDFG City, where it will showcase some of its most exciting current and planned projects including Haikou International Duty Free City. A gateway presence to CDFG City will feature in the Hainan Discovery zone, a key attraction at this year’s Expo, and the Retailer Emporium.
The CDFG management, buying, branding and merchandising teams will be out in full force at the Expo, both in CDFG City and Hainan Discovery, while also visiting the various brand exhibitors.
CDFG President Charles Chen will deliver the morning keynote address in the Knowledge Hub on the first day of the Expo.
If you wish to visit CDFG City and meet the CDFG team please register for the Expo here.
Footnote 2: Every fortnight The Moodie Davitt Report publishes Hainan Curated, in association with Foreo, a selection of all recent stories from the offshore duty free sector in Hainan province.
Click here to view all back issues. Please email Sinead@MoodieDavittReport.com to subscribe.
