The tropical island of Hainan in China’s south is a beach destination — and a shopping one. Its huge offshore duty-free scheme lets travellers buy luxury goods at 20–40% off retail, making it a genuine bargain hub.

What’s on offer

• Cosmetics and skincare (Estée Lauder, Shiseido, La Mer and more) — the biggest draws.
• Perfume, watches, sunglasses, bags and electronics.
• Sprawling duty-free malls in Sanya and Haikou.

How it works

• Open to travellers (including visitors) departing Hainan by plane, train or boat to elsewhere in China — you don’t need to leave the country.
• There’s a generous annual allowance per person.
• You collect purchases at the airport/port on departure, or have them delivered.

Getting there

Fly to Sanya (SYX) or Haikou (HAK); book on Trip.com (affiliate). Many pair the shopping with a beach holiday.

Tips

• Bring your passport and your onward ticket — both are needed to buy.
• Compare prices with home before assuming it’s cheaper (cosmetics usually are).
• Allow time at the airport to collect your duty-free goods.

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