1 . Thousands of people waited in line for hours until 10: 30 am for the grand opening of the Haikou International Duty Free City Shopping Complex (建筑群) — the world’s largest stand-alone duty-free facility.

Located near the key transportation center of Haikou along the northern coast of the island province of Hainan, the shopping area covers an area of 280,000 square meters and features more than 800 notable brands, including five global firsts and more than 50 stores with the world’s latest concept designs.

In 2021, about one in two travelers to the tropical island visited duty-free shops and one in six purchased offshore duty-free goods. As a result, duty free sales in Hainan accounted for about half of the province’s tourism revenue of the year.

Chen Lin, 37, from Jinan, Shandong, was visiting Hainan with her family and found herself attracted to all the shopping options. “The newly opened complex provides adequate stocks of latest products. What’s more, like us, tourists can purchase duty-free goods at good prices. With convenience and favorable policy, an increasing number of customers from outside Hainan will be attracted to come here,” Chen said.

The large complex brings local cultural forces to the front. The facility’s architectural shape is based on the begonia (秋海棠) flower and incorporates elements such as Haikou’s natural characteristics and ocean culture.

Han Yamei, 48, a local, visited the shopping complex and was amazed by its numerous brands and creative design. She couldn’t help asking her daughter to take photos of her. Han said the opening will not only bring shoppers a beautiful experience, but also give a boost to the local economy, adding that, “It’s located next to Xinhai Port, which is very convenient for visitors by ship to come and shop.”

Do you want to buy things that are new or second-hand? These days, more and more people want to buy second-hand things. Second-hand things are not only cheap and valuable but also environmental-friendly.

These years, people often buy far more than they need. At the same time, more people are interested in minimalism (极简主义). So the trade among second-hand things is becoming more and more popular. It helps develop the online trading platforms (平台) as well. In those second-hand platforms, people can trade almost all kinds of used products.

Things in the second-hand platforms are much cheaper than new ones, so people can save a lot of money. For example, a new car may cost much money, but you can have a second-hand car with a lower price.

Using second-hand things is also good for the environment. Many things can be recycled many times. So it’s a better choice to sell the things you don’t need as second-hand products instead of throwing them. It can bring the environment less pollution.

People can even find something special and valuable. These things are no longer made nowadays. For example, some people like to buy some old things, including watches, clothes and others. These things often go back 30 years or even more. But as long as they’re good, people can still use them.

What kinds of second-hand things will you buy?

5 . Black Friday is celebrated on the fourth Friday of November. It has long been a popular day for consumers to start shopping for Christmas. Over the last 20 years big retailers have started to offer discounts and bargains on this day.     1    

Many of us love to get a bargain, but some feel that events like Black Friday encourage people to buy things that they don’t really need and can’t afford. Many people seem to completely lose control of both their spending and their tempers. It is easy to find video online of customers physically fighting each other over bargains.     2     That is because those small shopkeepers cannot afford to offer the kinds of price cuts while the big companies can.

Instead of taking the opportunity to buy as much as possible on Black Friday, you could do the opposite and buy absolutely nothing. Since 1992, Buy Nothing Day has been held on the same day as Black Friday. The rules are simple.     3     The aim is to make people think more about their spending and to make better decisions about what they buy and where they buy it from.

    4     For example, you can avoid buying ‘fast fashion’, that is, very cheap clothes that are worn a few times before being thrown away. Or you could decide not to automatically upgrade your mobile at the end of a contract.     5    

6 . Shopping in Singapore

Surrounded by local and international department stores and big malls on both the ends, Orchard Road is the most famous spot for best shopping in Singapore. From budget clothes and electronics to discount stores for high-end fashion labels and housewares, you can find everything under one roof.

Timings: Most of the stores and markets open from 9 or 10 a.m., and close by 10 p.m. But on every Saturday, almost all the shops extend the shopping hours till 11 p.m.

Known for being the most glorious attraction, the area of Marina Bay is home to a lot of famous malls in Singapore. From local brands to international ones which you may have never heard of, everything can be spotted here at a price you might not have to think about twice.

Timings: While most malls stay open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., the shops here stay open till 11 p.m. every day, and till 11:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

This market area is one of the most fascinating and best shopping places in Singapore for those on a budget. It is certainly a great place to buy spices, souvenirs, and clothes. Also, you can heartily bargain here until you feel satisfied with your buy!

Timings: While some stores stay open till 6 p. m., some close late in the night by 11 p. m.

The most colorful and active place for shopping in Singapore, Little India is a paradise for every tourist looking to shop his or her heart out. The easy connectivity of the lanes makes shopping and walking around a cakewalk. From spices and rich sari fabrics to flowers, jewellery, and silverware, you can find anything here!

Timings: While the Mustafa Centre stays open for 24 hours, the other shops mostly remain open till 10 p.m.