Swire Properties is pleased to announce the official naming of CDF Taikoo Li Sanya, its first-ever resort-style retail development. Located in the heart of Haitang Bay, Sanya, an area known as China’s “National Coast”, CDF Taikoo Li Sanya spans a total site area of approximately 210,000 square metres and has been designed around a “Water Horizon” concept that draws inspiration from the heritage of local Tanka fishing villages and historic Hainan salt flats.
The project is being developed in collaboration with CDF Investment & Development Co., Ltd. (“CDF Investment”), a wholly owned subsidiary of China Tourism Group Duty Free Corporation Limited (“CTG Duty-Free”).
CDF Taikoo Li Sanya is expected to open in phases starting from this year, providing a one-stop, resort-style destination that will redefine China’s retail tourism landscape by bringing together premium retail, arts and culture, and signature tropical leisure experiences.
As Phase III of the cdf Sanya International Duty Free Shopping Complex, CDF Taikoo Li Sanya will be seamlessly connected to Phases I and II, forming an integrated mega-destination in close proximity to Haitang Bay’s key commercial centres, a five-star hotel cluster, and a national health and wellness hub, attracting visitors seeking an elevated blend of retail, dining, cultural, and resort experiences.
“As our first resort-style Taikoo Li development, this project exemplifies our drive for creative transformation and placemaking as well as our dedication to shaping destinations that celebrate, connect, and inspire the unique character of each city in which we operate. We see remarkable promise in Sanya and the Hainan Free Trade Port – not just as a tourism hub, but as a beacon for sustainable, world-class urban lifestyle, and we are excited to be part of this dynamic wave of growth and innovation,”
said David Poraj-Wilczynski, Chief Executive Officer, Chinese Mainland, Swire Properties.
“CDF Taikoo Li Sanya will stand as a world-class retail tourism landmark, embodying the shared strategic vision of CTG Duty-Free and Swire Properties,”
said Michelle Sun, Deputy General Manager of CTG Duty-Free.
“This partnership brings world-class standards to the Hainan Free Trade Port, and advances Sanya’s growth as an international tourist destination. With its upscale retail positioning, innovative business model, and carefully curated trade mix, the project will complement the existing Phases I and II of the cdf Sanya International Duty Free Shopping Complex, creating a balanced ecosystem of duty-free and duty-paid retail that offers consumers a fully upgraded retail and resort experience.”
“CDF Taikoo Li Sanya introduces a brand new, resort-orientated expression of the Taikoo Li brand,”
said Alan Lo, General Manager of CDF Taikoo Li Sanya.
“This visionary project blends Sanya’s vibrant culture and breathtaking natural beauty with Taikoo Li’s iconic open-lane concept, delivering a distinct retail and wellness resort experience designed for relaxation and discovery. As the Hainan Free Trade Port continues to open up amid growing demand for premium experiential retail, we are confident that this project will elevate the resort experience for domestic and international visitors, while creating lasting value for the local community.”
Sustainability is central to CDF Taikoo Li Sanya’s design, with nature-inclusive architecture, climate adaptation features, and an ecological corridor linking the rooftop and vertical greenery with landscaped areas. The project prioritises native plant species and local biodiversity, with the preservation of two century-old Upas trees as one of the highlights of the project’s heritage and nature conservation efforts. It will integrate with the Haitang River’s natural riverside trail and distinctive ecological landscape, celebrating island-rooted experiences and native ecology within the open-plan retail mall. This approach reflects CDF Taikoo Li Sanya’s focus on responsible placemaking, climate-responsive design and local landscape integration.
