On December 18, 2025, Hainan province in the Chinese mainland reaches a new milestone in its journey toward further opening up as it launches special customs operations. Far beyond simplifying trade and streamlining business, this move is set to attract top-tier talent across the globe, including in the education sector.
In the up-and-coming city of Danzhou, CGTN correspondent Chen Lanyou sat down with four international lecturers at Hainan Bielefeld University of Applied Sciences—the first higher education institution run by a German public university in the Chinese mainland. Their stories offer a glimpse into Hainan's strategy to become a global hub for learning and innovation.
'The new customs regime makes student and faculty exchanges smoother than ever,' explained one lecturer, highlighting how visa procedures and administrative processes have been streamlined. Another pointed to Hainan's rich biodiversity and free trade port status as a draw for research on sustainable development.
Together, these educators see Hainan's vision aligning with global trends in digital innovation and green technology. By integrating German academic standards with local strengths in tourism, marine science, and tropical agriculture, the campus aims to offer students cutting-edge programs with real-world impact.
Education has become a priority within Hainan's broader free trade port initiative, reflecting the island's ambition to foster cross-border collaboration in research and development. As more institutions explore partnerships here, Danzhou's campus could become a model for international cooperation in higher education.
On December 18, CGTN will livestream a dialogue exploring how Hainan's education opening is shaping the future of global learning. The broadcast will feature insights from local and international experts on policy, innovation, and cross-border collaboration.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
