Exploring Hainan Cultural Confidence in the Framework of Hainan Free Trade Port Development

Abstract

The construction of the Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP) has created significant and unprecedented opportunities for the development of Hainan’s economic, social, and cultural spheres. While the FTP initiative primarily aims to enhance Hainan’s global economic connectivity, it inevitably influences local culture, raising questions about how Hainanese culture can preserve and even strengthen its distinct identity amid rapid globalization. This paper explores the development of cultural confidence among Hainanese people within the evolving globalized framework of the FTP. Drawing on recent studies and qualitative analysis, the research highlights the foundational elements of cultural identity, historical traditions, and Hainan’s unique regional values that shape cultural confidence in this transforming society. Findings reveal that fostering cultural confidence in Hainan not only strengthens local social cohesion but also enriches the international profile of the FTP. Finally, recommendations are proposed for policies, educational programs, and community engagement initiatives to further integrate cultural confidence into the FTP framework, providing a model for culturally sensitive development in other regions in China and beyond.