Haikou, the host city of the China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) on the southern resort island of Hainan, has been riding the wave of expo-driven tourism to develop fresh attractions, captivating young travelers with a diverse array of vibrant experiences.
In Hainan's capital, visitors can indulge in both adventurous activities like sailing and surfing, as well as embrace more leisurely, romantic experiences. In recent years, Haikou has developed several tourist destinations tailored to young people's passion for in-depth exploration, local authenticity, and photography spots.
Home to over 600 Qilou (arcaded buildings), Haikou's Qilou Old Street, which spans more than 80,000 square meters, offers an invaluable glimpse into the city's modern history. Strolling along the street, visitors can admire the unique architecture with its continuous arcades and balconies that evoke a sense of nostalgia.
As this year's consumer products expo drew an influx of visitors to Haikou, the streets have been buzzing with people posing for photos and taking in the picturesque sceneries.
"This really represents the culture and history of Hainan, and I think it's nice," said Wang Jufang, a tourist from Gansu Province.
"After touring around, I find the vibes here so lively and full of life," said Mrs. Tan, a tourist from Hunan Province.
Most of the Qilou buildings were constructed in the 20th century by returning overseas Chinese, who creatively blended Western architectural elements with the traditional Qilou style endemic to southern China. These buildings, featuring intricately carved balconies and colorful window frames, hold the memories of Haikou's urban evolution.
Over the years, the area has been well preserved and revitalized, integrating commercial, cultural, industrial, and hospitality sectors into a thriving space.
The area also boasts a food street offering a rich variety of local delicacies, such as garlic ribs, fried shrimp cakes, pickled dried orange peel, and sour noodles.
"I just bought some sugarcane ice, and it tastes fantastic," said Xiang Jiamei, a tourist from Guangdong Province.
"The sour noodles are so unique, and the soup is thick and delicious," said Hou Yihan from Hunan Province.
"When business peaks, all three floors of our restaurant are packed to capacity, and we sell over 2,000 bowls a day," said Chen Wenjuan, a local restaurant owner.
Beyond the ancient architecture, Rongshanliao, a 400-year-old fishing village, has become another popular tourist destination in Haikou. Known for the city's best sunset views, the village has reinvented itself with new tourism offerings such as thematic homestays, experiential tourism, and water sports.
Last year, it welcomed over one million tourists.
"Our themed guesthouses now offer over 120 rooms, with average occupancy rates exceeding 80 percent during holidays," said Huang Xiaoqing, head of the rural revitalization team in Xixiu Town, Haikou City.
The village's remarkable transformation has attracted more young entrepreneurs here to pursue their career dreams. Today, 17 homestays operate in the area, with business booming particularly during the CICPE.
"Since our opening in 2023, we've been almost fully booked every CICPE season. Our key theme is 'come and see your newly acquainted old friends'," said Li Zhengtong, a homestay operator.
The village's four-kilometer coastline has emerged as a popular photo spot. At dusk, visitors flock to the shore, lounging in beach tents or strolling barefoot along the sand. They can also savor local delicacies amidst the ocean breeze while watching the stunning sunset.
The 5th CICPE was held from April 13 to 18, with the main venue at the Hainan International Convention and Exhibition Center. To boost tourism and spending, various shops across Haikou's tourist attractions have offered discounts to visitors with expo tickets or relevant credentials.
Haikou leverages Int'l Consumer Products Expo to boost tourism
