Journalists from the Global South countries visit Haikou's Qilou Old Street. (Source: HiNews)

As the Hainan Free Trade Port approaches the launch of island-wide special customs operations, a media delegation from the Global South countries landed in Haikou's Qilou Old Street on the evening of November 23. On this occasion, thirty-three foreign journalists gathered here, turning their lenses toward this century-old historic street. The guests collectively experienced its distinctive Nanyang (south seas) charm and rich cultural heritage firsthand, and expressed high praise for the open spirit and dynamic development of the Hainan Free Trade Port.

Journalists from the Global South countries visit Haikou's Qilou Old Street. (Source: HiNews)

Journalists from the Global South countries visit Haikou's Qilou Old Street. (Source: HiNews)

As a key external communication event marking a new stage in the construction of the Hainan Free Trade Port, the media delegation from the Global South countries aims to provide an in-depth understanding of the policy opportunities brought by upcoming customs operations, build bridges between Hainan and the Global South countries, and showcase a more open, opportunity-filled Hainan to the international community through diverse Global South media perspectives.

Journalists from the Global South countries visit Haikou's Qilou Old Street. (Source: HiNews)

Haikou's Qilou Old Street, listed among the first "Top Ten Historic and Cultural Streets in China" and designated a national-level tourism and leisure district, features a unique blend of Chinese and Western architectural styles and vibrant local culture. At the same time, it offers foreign journalists a vivid window into the way history and modernity merge in Hainan.

Journalists from the Global South countries visit Haikou's Qilou Old Street. (Source: HiNews)

As they strolled through the warmly lit arcaded streets, the reporters were captivated by the rows of colonnaded buildings, intricate relief facades, and the rich displays of intangible cultural heritage throughout the district. Built largely by overseas Chinese returning from Southeast Asia in the early 20th century, these mixed-use commercial and residential structures not only bear witness to Haikou's century-long port history, but also symbolize Hainan's inclusive spirit and its cultural ties to the wider world.

"The architecture here is very distinctive. It blends Asian and European styles, giving the city a special charm—I really like it," said Sergio Lara García, a journalist from El País about his first visit to Hainan. He added that it wasn't only the Qilou architecture that impressed him the friendliness and warmth of the people in Haikou left a deep impression as well, making the experience both refreshing and memorable.

Journalists from the Global South countries visit Haikou's Qilou Old Street. (Source: HiNews)

Abu Bakarr Bah, a reporter from Africa Young Voice TV, was struck even more profoundly. He believes that the openness and inclusiveness of the Hainan Free Trade Port are highly appealing. "Hainan is beautiful. The Hainan Free Trade Port is an open and inclusive place, attracting many African and European students to study here. Its policies also attract people from many countries who want to come here for development and investment." After touring Qilou Old Street, he remarked, "Today’s visit really amazed me. The way multiple cultures blend so naturally and harmoniously here, and the strong historical and cultural atmosphere everywhere, makes it a place truly worth exploring."

Journalists from the Global South countries visit Haikou's Qilou Old Street. (Source: HiNews)

The visit to Haikou's Qilou Old Street not only allowed journalists from the China International News Communication Center to experience Hainan's unique historical and cultural charm, but also enabled them through firsthand observation and diverse storytelling to send a clear message to the world: Hainan is embracing a new stage of island-wide customs operations with greater confidence and openness. It is committed to creating new opportunities for global trade and investment. A vibrant, culturally diverse, and promising free trade port is emerging ever more clearly on the world stage.