The 2026 China-California Business Forum was held in Los Angeles on May 12 — bringing together around 550 government officials and business leaders from China and the US to explore cooperation and promote exchanges.

Zhao Feng, vice-governor of Hainan province — this year's Guest Province of Honor — delivered a keynote speech introducing the latest in developments at the Hainan Free Trade Port.

He noted that Hainan was fully willing to work with all sectors in California to expand and deepen trade and investment cooperation, in a bid to build a new model for sub-national cooperation between China and the US.

The Hainan Tourism & Cultural Exhibition made a strong appearance during the forum. Thirteen representative intangible cultural heritage items and over 100 exhibits went on display.

The interactive zone in particular attracted very active participation, with guests experiencing traditional Hainan craftsmanship firsthand.

In the tea break area, aromas filled the air as Hainan specialties such as Partridge tea and pastries offered an authentic taste of the province. International guests took full advantage of an immersive encounter that offered a wonderful glimpse into the island's unique cultural charms.

The venue drew significant foot traffic, with a slew of cultural institutions and travel agencies expressing strong interest in working together.

The event has fully demonstrated the tourism and cultural appeal of the Hainan Free Trade Port and its international outreach, further advancing practical collaboration.

At the same time, the Hainan tourism promotion event was successfully held in Los Angeles — introducing Hainan's distinctive tourism products and air route networks between the two regions and future expansion plans.

In the wake of the event, Los Angeles participants said that they fully recognized Hainan's tourism resources, medical tourism advantages and intangible cultural heritage appeal — expressing their enthusiasm to join forces. What's more, they said they looked forward to advancing concrete project matchmaking.

In addition, the Hainan Tourism Los Angeles Promotion Office was officially inaugurated, marking the establishment of a sustained and professional overseas promotional presence for Hainan in the North American market.