On the evening of February 25, over 30 journalists from media outlets including the Financial Times (UK), the Irish Times, O Globo (Brazil), Lianhe Zaobao (Singapore), Kyodo News (Japan), and Hankook Ilbo (South Korea) kicked off the China Travelogue: Hainan FTP Experience for Global Journalists event, exploring Haikou's Qilou Historical and Cultural Quarter where they immersed themselves in the Nanyang charm and Hainan culture.

Journalists from domestic and foreign media outlets take photos in Haikou's Qilou Historical and Cultural Quarter.

The journalists strolled through the century-old Qilou architectural complex, where Chinese and Western styles converge, shops line streets thronged with visitors, and the rich atmosphere of Southeast Asian overseas Chinese culture and vibrant local life are on full display. The streets bustled with lively chatter–the festive atmosphere of Spring Festival still lingering–the aroma of local delicacies filled the air, and the jubilant, celebratory vibe had journalists pausing frequently to observe and capture festive moments on camera.

Journalists from domestic and foreign media outlets savor Hainan partridge tea.

For many journalists, this was their first time visiting these century-old streets, and they delighted in the vitality and warmth they experienced.

Over 30 journalists from around the globe visit Haikou's Qilou Historical and Cultural Quarter on the evening of February 25.

"I never expected Qilou Old Street to be so charming. The cafes and teahouses along the street are so distinctive—I absolutely love it," said Lee Jeong-yeon, a reporter from South Korea's The Hankyoreh, who was visiting Hainan for the first time. As she strolled, she enthusiastically exclaimed to her media colleagues, "No visit to Haikou is complete without a trek through Qilou!"

"Through this event, we hope to showcase Haikou's latest developments and transformations following the launch of island-wide special customs operations to more tourists from South Korea," Lee continued, expressing high expectations for Hainan's future.

Following their warm welcome to Hainan, the delegation of domestic and foreign journalists will conduct in-depth tours of Haikou, Danzhou, and Qionghai from February 26 to 28. Focusing on the successful practices of Hainan Free Trade Port's high-standard construction, they will explore the progress Hainan has made since the implementation of island-wide special customs operations two months ago, adding their own perspectives to the Hainan FTP’s global narrative.