A blog post written by Xunzhe (Amy) Zhang (EMBA 2023)
Last week, I had the privilege of leading an Executive MBA Trek to Hainan — China’s southernmost tropical island and one of the country’s most ambitious economic experiments. The Cambridge EMBA Trek is a student-led, self-funded international business study trip that brings participants closer to global economic trends and innovation frontiers. Our delegation comprised my EMBA 2023 cohort classmates, alumni, and peers from Oxford University, all united by a shared curiosity about Hainan’s transformation into the world’s largest Free Trade Port.
Day 1: Business and Policy in Haikou
We began our trek in Jiangdong New District, a high-end business park designed to attract top 500 companies. Reflecting its international ambitions, Harrow School has already opened a campus here to serve the growing expatriate and returning talent community.
In the afternoon, we visited the Hainan Provincial Bureau of International Economic Development, where we had in-depth discussions with senior officials on the future of the Free Trade Port. One highlight was the emerging Hainan–Hong Kong cooperation framework, which aims to deepen collaboration in key areas such as trade and investment, financial services, cross-border data security, tourism, and talent exchange — creating a model of integrated development between the two regions.
Day 2: Innovation in Trade and Industry
Our morning visit to Fullsing Internet Industrial Park took us into the heart of Hainan’s digital economy, where cross-border e-commerce, offshore finance and internet start-ups are thriving under pioneering policy incentives.
Later, we explored the Haikou Comprehensive Bonded Zone, which has attracted global diamond and luxury brands, and even high-end yacht companies, to establish bonded warehouses for international trade.
Day 3: Aerospace and Biotech in Action
Wednesday was our most intense and inspiring day. We started early in Haikou and travelled south to Wenchang International Aerospace City, home to China’s latest commercial rocket launch pads and what will become Asia’s largest satellite manufacturing facility — with an annual output target of 1,000 satellites.
We then visited the Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone, where innovative “fast-track” policies allow advanced international medical technologies and pharmaceuticals to be used earlier than elsewhere in China. A highlight was visiting a start-up in the stem cell space, operating a fully automated bio-storage system that looked straight out of a sci-fi film.
Day 4: Deep Tech and a Cambridge Connection
At Yazhou Bay Sci-Tech City, we delved into deep-sea technology and modern agriculture — including a chance encounter with Professor Wang Mingwei, a Cambridge PhD alumnus (1989) and national expert leading deep-sea compound research in Sanya. Professor Wang shared his experiences of studying at Cambridge as well as his current research projects, offering heartfelt encouragement to the younger generation with the message: “Be rooted in China, with a global outlook.” The atmosphere was warm and engaging throughout the exchange. At the end of the visit, Professor Wang presented each member of the delegation with a signed copy of his own book, Not Wasting Our Youth. This gesture was not only a sincere expression of support from a senior to the next generation, but also a symbol of the ongoing transmission of knowledge and idealism between China and the UK.
In the afternoon, the delegation enjoyed a brief pause at Yalong Bay, where they took part in a long-standing Cambridge EMBA tradition — a group photo with the Management Science textbook. This tradition was inspired by the course’s faculty, who encourage students to take the textbook with them to different parts of the world — even long after graduation — as a way of reflecting on the role of management thinking while leaving behind their own global footprints. On this occasion, the book was carried to China’s southernmost province, where the group marked this symbolic moment of academic tribute and intellectual reflection against the backdrop of sunshine, sea and tropical palms. In the evening, we enjoyed a Cambridge alumni dinner at a Michelin-recommended Hainanese restaurant — a vibrant exchange of stories, insights and new friendships.
Day 5: Education and Future Growth
On the final day, the delegation visited the Lingshui Li’an International Education Innovation Pilot Zone to learn more about China’s efforts in advancing cross-border educational collaboration and introducing international academic resources. During the visit, the zone’s leadership presented a commemorative gift to Cambridge Judge Business School EMBA Programme, as a gesture of warm welcome and appreciation. In return, the delegation offered a token of thanks, reflecting the spirit of mutual respect and the shared intention to foster closer ties in the future.
We concluded at the Sanya Central Business District, where we witnessed how Free Trade Port policies are being translated into real-world commercial growth, particularly in financial services and tourism.
Reflections: A Starting Point for Future Connections
Over the course of five days, the delegation visited seven key functional zones across Hainan, engaging in in-depth exchanges with representatives from government bodies, enterprises, research institutes and educational institutions. These engagements offered valuable insights into how Hainan is positioning itself at the forefront of China’s institutional reform and international strategy.
Several members of the delegation reflected that the visit not only deepened their understanding of China’s current openness agenda and regional development plans, but also proved enriching in areas such as industry collaboration, case study inspiration, and expanding global perspectives. Many expressed hopes to maintain and strengthen future engagement with Hainan.
During the visit, the delegation established preliminary connections and channels of communication with various local parks and institutions. These included plans to initiate regular dialogue mechanisms, explore the involvement of Hainan stakeholders in future academic or alumni events, and pursue joint case development and thematic research. Multiple organisations expressed their warm welcome for future on-site visits from Cambridge Judge Business School, with some also signalling interest in contributing to curriculum development, facilitating talent exchanges, and supporting enterprise engagement. These early dialogues lay a strong foundation for deeper cooperation in academic research, student engagement, innovation incubation, and regional development.
The Cambridge EMBA programme is not only committed to academic rigour and professional advancement, but also to nurturing global perspectives and cross-cultural competencies in an increasingly complex world. Students are encouraged to step beyond the classroom, engage directly with real-world contexts, and connect with diverse institutions and people. In doing so, we develop the strategic mindset and adaptability required to tackle global challenges. We are not only learners — they are knowledge ambassadors, bridge-builders, and active contributors to international collaboration.
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