Haikou, Hainan, China, December 5, 2024 – The December breeze brought more than just the promise of a tropical winter—it carried the vibrant hum of ambition and unity at the 2024 Hainan Free Trade Port Women's Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition Achievement Exhibition & Hainan Family Consumption Festival, held in the grand 3rd Hall of the Hainan International Convention Center. The event, aligned with the China (Hainan) International Tropical Agricultural Products Winter Trade Fair, showcased the creativity, determination, and pride of women entrepreneurs from various industries.
Organized by the Hainan Women's Federation, the exhibition highlighted the contributions of women as architects of transformation. Thirty-four winning enterprises, spanning categories such as innovation, handicrafts, and hospitality, demonstrated remarkable strides in diverse industries, from tropical agriculture to high-tech. These enterprises stood as testaments to the courage and brilliance of women from Hainan. The event captivated over 80,000 live-stream viewers and onsite visitors, all immersed in the stories of resilience and innovation embedded in each exhibit.
One of the key moments was the launch of the fourth phase of the "Accompanying Growth" program, a cornerstone of rural revitalization. During an emotionally charged ceremony, the Women’s Federation awarded brand authorization plaques to ten outstanding enterprises. These businesses, representing fields from traditional crafts to sustainable agriculture, now lead the way for future generations.
Threads of Heritage and Innovation
At the heart of the exhibition, the rhythmic swish of handwoven fabrics met the clicking cameras of captivated spectators. Models, adorned in traditional Li brocade, glided across the T-stage. These intricate designs, born from centuries-old techniques preserved by artisans like Fu Huili, symbolized a cultural renaissance. Fu, a proud Li woman and founder of the Hainan Li Home Workshop Cultural Heritage Company, has trained over 1,000 weavers, breathing new life into this endangered craft. Her efforts have uplifted families and inspired students to cherish their heritage. “Every stitch is a thread of history,” she shared. “Through Li brocade, we honor our ancestors and weave a brighter future.”
On December 5, 2024, as the reporter was filing the story, the UNESCO Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage reviewed and approved the inclusion of "Li Ethnic Traditional Weaving and Dyeing Techniques" from the "Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding" list to the "Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity." This milestone signifies the global cultural heritage status of Li brocade, further promoting the leadership of Hainan women in the preservation and innovation of traditional culture.
Roots in Resilience: The Story of Mu Chenjia
On the other side of the exhibition hall, the aroma of freshly made chicken feces vine pastries—an endearing local delicacy—enticed guests to the booth of Mu Chenjia. Founded by young entrepreneur Yang Lianfei, this brand carries a heartwarming story of a mother's love and community empowerment. Inspired by her daughter, Yang began crafting traditional snacks in 2015. "It started as a way to preserve a postpartum ritual, but it blossomed into a mission to revive a culinary heritage," she said.
Today, her business supports over 50 women, providing them with a platform to thrive. With accolades such as the first prize in the 2024 Hainan Free Trade Port Women’s Entrepreneurship Contest, Yang is determined to turn this humble dish into a global symbol of Hainanese culture.
The Story of Yun Shangrong
In addition to exhibitors, the event also attracted notable female entrepreneurs, including Yun Shangrong, who moved from Guizhou to Hainan in 2023. As the founder of Yun Cheng International Beauty and Skincare, a brand with 29 years of history, she shared her thoughts in a live interview with reporters. "The Hainan Free Trade Port has provided us female entrepreneurs with a unique international opportunity," she said. "The vision of Yun Cheng International Beauty and Skincare is to offer skincare products made from natural, health-promoting traditional Chinese herbal ingredients—not only for Chinese customers but also for clients worldwide."
Yun Shangrong's insights not only reflect her commitment to the principles of Chinese herbal skincare but also showcase her confidence in positioning Hainan as an international platform for her brand. This blend of tradition and modernity adds a new dimension to the innovative growth of female entrepreneurs in Hainan.
Empowering Through Innovation and Collaboration
The “Women’s Free Trade Loan” ceremony highlighted financial empowerment, with China Postal Savings Bank extending a generous credit line of 5 billion yuan to support female entrepreneurs. This partnership alleviates the barriers women face in accessing funding and marked a pivotal step in creating a more level playing field in entrepreneurship.
A Festival of Creativity and Community
The Hainan Family Consumption Festival, running alongside the exhibition, added vibrant energy to the event, offering a curated selection of women-driven products. From organic skincare to artisanal foods, every item told a story of creativity and resilience. “This is more than a marketplace—it’s a celebration of ingenuity,” remarked Chen Chunyan, operations director of Sanhe Yeniang, a brand renowned for its premium coconut oil products. Since its founding in 2015, Sanhe Yeniang has become a household name, blending tradition and modernity to carve a niche in the global market.
Looking Ahead
As the sun set over the bustling convention center, the 2024 Hainan Free Trade Port Women's Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition Achievement Exhibition & Hainan Family Consumption Festival left behind more than just awards and memories—it sparked hope. From the wisdom in Fu Huili’s loom to the entrepreneurial spirit of Yang Lianfei, and Yun Shangrong’s vision for international success, each participant carried forward a shared vision for a thriving, inclusive Hainan.
With every step, these women are rewriting the narrative of progress, weaving a future where "she power" not only shines but transforms the world.
Media contact:
Canada & World Report
Steven Zhao
