A SPECTACULAR OPENING
A jewel lights up Haikou
At 9am local time on 28 October 2022, the magnificent cdf Haikou International Duty Free Shopping Complex in Hainan opened to the world
The cdf Haikou International Duty Free Shopping Complex, the world’s largest duty free complex, opened its doors to much fanfare on 28 October. The spectacular opening ceremony was attended by senior Hainan government and Party Committee officials and senior executives from China Tourism Group. The Moodie Davitt Report was represented on location by our strategic partners Hainan Hinews Media Co.
Leveraging China Duty Free Group’s (CDFG) global leadership in the travel retail sector, as well as the group’s strong brand connections, proven operational expertise, and excellent market reputation, the cdf Haikou International Duty Free Shopping Complex has partnered with over 800 renowned international and local brands to open a flurry of debut and exclusive duty free stores in China.
The extraordinary project is in the sub-centre of the west coast of Haikou city, close to Haikou’s most important transportation hub, the Xinhai Port. CDFG, a subsidiary of China Tourism Group, poured in heavy investment and resources to create this hugely ambitious travel retail complex based on a fusion of ‘duty free shopping + culture and tourism’.
The project covers 930,000 sq m of total construction area. It is divided into six plots featuring different business formats including duty free retail, duty paid shopping, premium office space, high-end hotels, and talent hubs. These address various needs including business and leisure travel, holiday breaks, residential zones, office space, and art exhibitions.
海口最新的旅游购物胜地
全球最大单体免税店cdf海口国际免税城，在万众瞩目之下于2022年10月28日盛大开业。依托中免集团强大的全球号召力、优质运营实力、品牌合作关系以及良好的市场口碑，cdf海口国际免税城携800余个国内外知名品牌闪亮登场，当中不乏国内首店和独家品牌。
依托中免集团强大的全球号召力、优质运营实力以及良好的市场口碑，cdf海口国际免税城携800余个国内外知名品牌闪亮登场，当中不乏国内首店和独家品牌。
cdf海口国际免税城坐落于海口市西海岸城市副中心，紧邻海口重要的交通枢纽新海港。其建筑面积28万平方米，主体建筑设计以“九州祥云，南海之冠”为主题，巧妙融入了海南本土特有的自然与文化元素。
Of this area, cdf Haikou International Duty Free Shopping Complex on Plot 5 occupies a total construction area of 280,000 sq m, making it the world’s largest individual duty free shopping complex. The facility is inspired by the concept of ‘Iridescent clouds representing happiness and prosperity over the crown jewel of the South China Sea’.
The complex’s main building has been designed by Valode & Pistre Architectes of France, featuring an integration of natural and oceanic elements specific to Hainan province.
With ‘Duty Free, Free Plus’ as its slogan, the cdf International Duty Free Shopping Complex is designed to continuously surprise its customers through ultimate luxury and craftsmanship, CDFG said.
This ranges from world-renowned duty free retail brands to AURA, a unique customised atrium built by Dafeng and designed by Wētā Workshop. This attraction brings imaginary worlds to life by delivering concept design, visual effects, collectables, immersive visitor experiences and games.
Duty Free Shopping Heaven
The complex expertly integrates retail and catering and offers a seamless combination of online and offline services. It is intended to become a top-class “duty free shopping heaven” and an iconic city tourist spot of Hainan, CDFG noted.
One-stop destination for luxury duty free shopping
The cdf Haikou International Duty Free Shopping Complex is a testament to ultimate luxury and craftsmanship, offering a dazzling array of top international fashion brands.
Among these, top-tier luxury brands – which will open on a phased basis – occupy 4,000sq m of total floor space.
In terms of store planning, the Complex boasts global exclusive bespoke stores from five brands; ‘global first’ duty free stores from another seven; and the latest global design concepts from more than 50 brands. Collectively, this allows the Complex to indulge consumers with a new and immersive shopping experience without the need for travelling abroad.
The cdf Haikou International Duty Free Shopping Complex is hosting Hainan’s first duty free stores from 25 brands and CDFG-exclusive Hainan offshore duty free stores from a further 78 brands.
Alongside a glittering array of renowned international luxury brands including YSL, Prada, Burberry, Bottega Veneta, Moncler, Balenciaga, and Alexander McQueen, top designer brands such as Christian Louboutin are also partnering with CDFG to make their Hainan debuts.
Rising designer brands, including Thom Browne, Maison Margiela, and Ami Paris are launching new stores in the Complex. Together, these brands will create an unrivalled shopping experience for all customers, CDFG said.
一站式高端免税购物目的地
cdf海口国际免税城拥有5家全球独家定制品牌店、7家全球首店以及50余家全球最新概念设计品牌专卖店；此外还囊括了25个首次进入海南免税渠道的品牌，以及78个中免集团在海南离岛免税市场独家引入的品牌。
线阵容包括圣罗兰（YSL）、普拉达（Prada）、博柏利（Burberry）、葆蝶家（Bottega Veneta）、盟可睐（Moncler）、巴黎世家（Balenciaga）、亚历山大·麦昆（Alexander McQueen）等众多国际顶尖品牌。路铂廷（Christian Louboutin）等时尚品牌也与中免独家合作开设海南首店。中免集团表示，Thom Browne、梅森·马吉拉（Maison Margiela）、Ami Paris等新锐设计师品牌也将入驻于此，为顾客带来绝妙的时尚体验。
Vast beauty zone
In addition, for the much-anticipated perfumes & cosmetics sector, cdf Haikou International Duty Free Shopping Complex has launched the world’s largest travel retail space, featuring the industry’s most comprehensive portfolio of brands.
The space occupies 30,000 sq m on one floor. It provides an innovative interactive experience including virtual makeup, exclusive customisation, beauty masterclasses and celebrity tutorials.
Besides top beauty brands such as Chanel, Dior, Estée Lauder, La Mer, and Clé de Peau Beauté, the Complex is introducing CDFG-exclusive Hainan offshore duty free boutiques from ten brands. These include Korean brands Sulwhasoo, Laneige and Hera and the opening of Santa Maria Novella’s first duty free store in the province.
An exclusive customisation service is on offer for customers. This includes the world’s first travel retail SPA from Guerlain and Givenchy; exclusive gift packing from Shiseido and IPSA; a makeup service from Hermès; embossed tag and personalisation services from Coach; and an AI-enabled non-contact skin test from SK-II.
The Complex aims to bring unique and exclusive makeup services to all customers by combining luxury experience, personalisation, and tech-empowered interactions, CDFG said.
香化区规模庞大
在倍受消费者关注的香化品类，cdf海口国际免税城特设了全球旅游零售面积最大、品牌最全的香化世界。香化区单层占地3万平方米，为消费者提供虚拟试妆、独家定制、香化课堂、明星教学等多种多样的创新互动体验。
主要品牌有香奈儿（Chanel）、迪奥（Dior）、雅诗兰黛（Estee Lauder）、海蓝之谜（La Mer）、肌肤之钥（Clé de Peau Beauté）等。同时，免税城还引进了10个海南离岛免税中免独家香化品牌，它们包括雪花秀（Sulwhasoo）、兰芝（Laneige）、赫妍（Hera），以及首度进入海南免税市场的圣塔玛利亚诺维拉（Santa Maria Novella）。
Wines & spirits to the fore
In wines & spirits, the integrated Moutai Experience Store is one of the Complex’s highlights – the first travel retail store to offer Moutai-themed cultural and creative products and to exhibit the rarest and most valuable collections.
China’s first immersive Whisky Museum is another highlight, offering a one-stop interactive and immersive ‘Whisky Experience Centre’ that elaborates the history and culture of whisky, explains distilling techniques and features a wide product offering.
Wines and spirits lovers can to explore the origins and history of various brands as well as their winemaking and distilling techniques and enjoy a tour of the museum when it opens.
Rémy Martin, Martell, Camus, Courvoisier, a Diageo Whisky Boutique and other international liquor brands are elegantly presented in the Complex, featuring their latest concept designs.
The island’s third Watches & Wonders exhibition will again be hosted by CDFG, this time in the cdf Haikou International Duty Free Shopping Complex. Compared with previous years, the next edition is expected to attract even more ultra-premium brands while featuring a vibrant marketing campaign and an illuminating consumer experience.
酒水占据显要位置
在酒水品类，免税城推出了旅游零售渠道首家茅台体验店，集零售文创、珍藏及稀有产品展示于一体。同时，作为免税城的又一大亮点，一个沉浸式的“威士忌体验中心”向消费者介绍威士忌的历史、文化、工艺及产品。
此外，人头马（Remy Martin）、马爹利（Martell）、卡慕（Camus）、馥华诗（Courvoisier）等世界名酒品牌的门店，以及帝亚吉欧威士忌精品店（Diageo Whisky Boutique）均以最新概念设计闪亮登场。
葡萄酒和烈酒爱好者可以在酒水区探索各品牌的起源、历史，及其酿造蒸馏技术，并参观威士忌体验中心。
Championing Chinese Culture
To promote the quintessence of Chinese national culture, the Complex is championing the concept of ‘China chic’ through an array of local brands, from the Moutai Experience Store, which allows customers to experience the brand’s traditional distilling heritage up close, to the opening of debut travel retail stores by several renowned Chinese cosmetics brands.
Another standout is a pioneering cooperation with Huawei, which sees auto products introduced to travel retail for the first time. The partnership has resulted in the latest smart living pavilion featuring intelligent living scenarios integrated with hi-tech elements.
Through what CDFG called an “all-dimensional and multi-category innovation”, the China pavilion is designed to encapsulate the immense charm of domestic products and China Chic to consumers.
The merging of traditional Chinese culture with contemporary, on-trend fashion is brought to life through a range of end-to-end, cross-category innovations.
积极弘扬国粹精髓
为展示国粹精髓，弘扬中华文化，cdf海口国际免税城通过一系列本土品牌推广国潮风尚。其中，茅台体验店让消费者近距离感受国品酿造的工艺传承，多间中国美妆品牌也带来了旅游零售首店。中免集团还与华为合作，第一次在旅游零售渠道引进汽车产品，并在智能生活馆展示科技感十足的智慧生活场景。
中免表示，这些全方位、多品类的创新推动，旨在让消费者感受中国品牌的时尚魅力
AURA – An immersive visual feast
The AURA atrium at the cdf Haikou International Duty Free Shopping Complex creates a realm of fantasy and imagination. This themed, immersive atrium is designed by Wētā Workshop, the six-time Academy Awards winner for Best Visual Effects. Genius qualities of imagination are on show from the ‘dream-inventing masters’, famous for creating the magical worlds of Lord of the Rings, Avatar, and Rise of the Planet of the Apes. Through cinematic visualisation, a dreamlike version of Hainan province is recreated here.
The Atrium features fog-clad and mysterious mountains; a rocky coastline bathed in moonlight; a forest above the water, full of beautiful butterflies; and flower-laced mountains with roaming deer – all part of the Atrium’s eight major themes.
These themes feature distinctive colours and tones, plants and animals, and fun adventures, with all designs originated from Hainan-specific cultures. The Atrium offers a serene and romantic experience of the province’s culture and a nice balance of people, culture, and architecture, CDFG said.
To create a time travel-like, spectacular and glamorous journey within the shopping complex, the AURA atrium leverages artistic lighting, devices, and creative illustrations to transform dreams into realities. The huge 27 metres-high, 12 metres-wide screen serves as the entrance to a secret world.
The areas and floor space next to the screens are fully covered by projected images for a fully immersive experience; while the scenery and settings draw extensively on story-based elements and artistic sculptures that interact in real-time based on evolving story plots marked by lightings and shadows.
AURA perfectly embodies the poetic and romantic “dreamlike Hainan island”, CDFG said, serving as a dedicated immersive experience area that redefines shopping and cultural tourism.
An innovative shopping experience full of firsts and exclusives
To fully address consumers’ needs for a one-stop destination that embraces food, accommodation, transportation, sightseeing, shopping, and entertainment, cdf Haikou International Duty Free Shopping Complex is introducing a Panoramic Flying Theatre that will show the most movies of any such attraction worldwide.
A Panoramic Flying Theatre is a themed entertainment technology and simulator ride that features an adjacent show on giant screens. Sound and special effects are combined with the film to create realistic flying experiences.
Featuring a 180-degrees, 16-metre screen, the 60-seat m-Ride shows experiential movies including Flying Across China, Flying Across the World, and Flying Across the Belt and Road Region. It brings a dramatic and immersive flying experience by offering a unique perspective, CDFG said.
Another compelling attraction is the first movie-themed experience hall in Hainan, which will offer scenes from movies that have grossed tens of billions of dollars in box offices globally. Settings from the movies will be reconstructed by professional teams from Hollywood, catering to diverse consumer needs and helping to drive duty free consumption.
To expand on an extensive and diversified shopping experience, the Complex has also introduced the Meet You Museum series of art exhibitions to add artistic elements to the consumer journey. Customers can browse artworks from around the world as they shop through an immersive exhibition of high-resolution images and authentic masterpieces in an integration of modern technology and art. They can enjoy their own multi-dimensional dialogue via a combination of “top quality authenticity, technology, and art”.
For food & beverage, the Complex is introducing nearly 20 flagship brands that are first to Hainan/Haikou; five Michelin/Black Pearl/China Time-honoured brand restaurants and several other flagship and concept outlets.
A highly experiential, immersive and artistic gourmet space has also been created in the Complex – described as Hainan’s first experience-driven indoor food hall, which brings together art, culture and food.
Brand-specific food & beverage flagship stores are another standout at the Complex in line with the retail vibe on each floor and the major themes of the AURA Atrium. This creates a social and gourmet-tasting space that blends fully with the themed contents, CDFG said.
独家定制AURA主题中庭
cdf海口国际免税城惊艳的“AURA天际秘林”营造出一个天马行空的梦幻海南世界。该沉浸式主题中庭由全球知名的维塔工作室（Wētā Workshop）倾力打造。
为保证在消费空间中创造一个瑰丽多彩的跨时空奇幻旅程，“AURA 天际秘林”以灯光、艺术装置、创意演绎等多种手法将梦境化作现实。
中庭以一面高27米、宽12米的巨大屏幕作为通往天际秘林世界的传送门。里面设有雾气弥漫的神秘山巅、月光挥洒的岩石海岸、灵蝶起舞的水上森林、神鹿驰骋的繁花山谷等八大梦幻主题场景，全部设计灵感均源自海南特色。
“首家”+ “独家”的创新消费体验
为了满足消费者“吃、住、行、游、购、娱”的一站式需求，cdf海口国际免税城还首次引进全球片源最多的球幕飞行影院、海南首家国际电影主题体验馆，以及 “遇见博物馆”系列艺术展，旨在将娱乐、艺术和文化带入购物体验中。
餐饮体验方面，cdf海口引进了近20个首次进入海南或海口的餐饮品牌、5个米其林/黑珍珠/中华老字号品牌，以及多家旗舰店和定制概念店。此外，cdf海口还打造了一个富有体验感的沉浸式美食艺术空间，被中免集团誉为“海南首家室内场景式文化美食市集”。
另外，cdf海口以“AURA天际秘林”主题中庭为核心体验，打造了多间品牌定制的餐饮主题概念旗舰店。中免表示，它们将为消费者呈现一个与主题中庭概念相融合的社交、美食体验空间。
Spotlight Series - February 2023