China’s tropical capital is turning into a digital nomad hub

Haikou, the capital of Hainan—China’s southern tropical island—is starting to catch the attention of digital nomads. Known for its palm-lined beaches and warm climate, Hainan is now positioning itself as one of the hottest destinations for remote workers in China.

The city recently launched its first dedicated space for digital nomads, the Dopamine Digital Nomad Community, located in the Baoming Digital Creative Block. The space features a 24/7 public art studio open to both digital nomads and locals—completely free of charge. There’s also an outdoor camping area with hammocks, as well as regular board game nights and Switch gaming sessions to help community members connect.

For those behind the project, this is just the beginning. Yi Hui, General Manager of Hainan Manlyu Culture Development Co., highlighted:

“Hainan’s pleasant climate and abundant resources make it an ideal hub for digital nomads. The community has grown from scratch, accumulating valuable experience in local development and fostering a unique work-life environment tailored for younger generations.”

Wang Zixuan, who manages the community, sees it as part of something bigger. “This initiative will enhance global digital economic exchanges,” she explained, adding that their goal is to help nomads build and exchange real-world skills—especially in areas like AIGC (AI-generated content) and international content distribution.