International charm

Beyond the exhibition halls, efforts to connect culture with everyday experience are extending across the city.

Running from April 3 to 18, the Laobacha Haikou Bus serves as a mobile cultural space linking key urban landmarks, from the historic Qilou Old Street to modern sites such as the Wormhole Library. Along the way, passengers can sample local delicacies, including pineapple buns and pandan cakes, and purchase official expo cultural products.

Chen Yipeng, the project's director, has seen firsthand how visitors respond to this more immersive way of exploring the city.

"It breaks away from the straightforward format of traditional promotional videos, creating a vivid, multi-dimensional experience," he said.

Chen noted that many international guests have chosen to ride the bus, enjoying tea and local snacks while taking in the city's arcade-lined streets. He added that visitors spoke highly of the unique combination of traditional delicacies and urban transit, describing it as Haikou's most lively calling card.

"Moments like these remind us that what we are doing is not just running a sightseeing route but conveying the warmth of Hainan and passing on its culture," he said.

For Kazheuka, these encounters capture what makes Hainan distinct at this stage of its development.

She pointed to the province's expanded visa-free policies and its growing role in China's broader push for international engagement.

"Hainan has been positioned as a key region for deepening global cooperation, and I believe it is already beginning to deliver tangible results," she said.

"China and Belarus share a strong bond, and ties between China and Russia are also growing closer. As a Hainan International Tourism Ambassador, I hope to play a greater role as a bridge between China and the Russian-speaking world."