The Sanya International Duty Free Shopping Complex quickly set a new benchmark for offshore duty-free and global travel retailing after its opening back on Sept 1 in 2014.

Originally launched as a leading complex of its kind occupying some 120,000 square meters — then the world’s biggest standalone duty-free store — it’s since undergone major expansions.

It added Phase II (Hexin Island Project) in 2020 and the standalone Global Beauty Plaza (Block C) in 2023 — and achieved National AAAA-level tourist attraction status in April 2025.

This Haitang Bay landmark now boasts a floor space of 398,100 sq m, featuring three main architectural clusters connected by the striking Sky Ring Bridge.

It hosts nearly 1,000 world-class brands that lead the way in jewelry, watches, skincare, cosmetics, fashion, accessories, consumer electronics and food and beverage products.

Address: Haitang Bay, Sanya, Hainan province

Moodie Davitt contributed to the story.