The opening ceremony of the 2018 Hainan International Tourism and Trade Expo on January 12 (COURTESY PHOTO)

On January 12, the third Hainan International Tourism and Trade Expo began in the coastal city of Sanya, south China’s Hainan Province, with the stated theme of “promoting trade exchanges and cooperation in the pan-south China sea economic circle.”

The expo attracted 746 companies from more than 30 countries, showcasing products including caravans, wine, food, souvenirs, and apparel, with a variety of other travel-related equipment also on display.

In addition to the main event, conferences, auctions, food shows and a duty-free fair were held during the expo which, with an exhibition area of 60,000 square meters, is set to last for four days.