Swire, CTG Duty Free Unveil 210,000 Sq M Sanya Retail Hub
The CDF Taikoo Li Sanya, a joint venture in Hainan, China, will open in phases from later this year, combining duty-free and duty-paid shopping with wellness offerings.
New Retail and Leisure Destination in Sanya
Swire Properties and CDF Investment & Development Co, a subsidiary of China Tourism Group Duty Free Corporation (CTG Duty Free), announced details for their new retail development in Haitang Bay, Sanya. Named CDF Taikoo Li Sanya, the 210,000 square meter project is expected to open in phases starting later in 2026.
This development forms Phase III of the cdf Sanya International Duty Free Shopping Complex, connecting directly to its existing Phases I and II. Together, the three phases will create an integrated destination offering both duty-free and duty-paid retail, alongside dining, arts, culture, and wellness activities.
Design Focuses on Nature and Experience
The CDF Taikoo Li Sanya project is Swire Properties' first resort-style Taikoo Li development. Its design, termed 'Water Horizon,' draws inspiration from local Tanka fishing villages and Hainan’s historic salt flats. The open-lane retail environment will feature tropical landscaping and outdoor leisure areas.
The development also emphasizes environmental design, including an ecological corridor that links rooftop greenery to ground-level landscaped spaces. Key elements include preserving two century-old Upas trees and integrating native plant species, connecting the complex with the Haitang River’s natural riverside trail.
Hainan Free Trade Port Expansion
Michelle Sun, Deputy General Manager of China Tourism Group Duty Free, stated that CDF Taikoo Li Sanya will be a significant retail tourism landmark, reflecting the shared vision of CTG Duty Free and Swire Properties.
David Poraj-Wilczynski, Swire Properties Chief Executive Officer for Chinese Mainland, noted the strong prospects in Sanya and the Hainan Free Trade Port as a tourism hub and a model for sustainable urban living.
The project aims to enhance Sanya’s growth as an international tourist destination, complementing the existing duty-free complex with a thoughtfully selected mix of businesses to create a balanced retail ecosystem.
Implications for Beauty Brands in Asia
For beauty brands operating in Asia, the launch of CDF Taikoo Li Sanya represents a substantial expansion of retail opportunities within the Hainan Free Trade Port. The integration of duty-free and duty-paid shopping, combined with wellness experiences, creates new channels for product distribution and consumer engagement.
Brands can access a broader spectrum of travelers, both domestic and international, seeking premium retail and leisure. This development offers a significant new platform for showcasing beauty products in an experiential, resort-oriented setting, driving sales and brand visibility in a key Chinese tourism market.
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