Lights shine on the Haikou International Duty-Free City shopping complex in Haikou, South China’s Hainan province, on Thursday, a day before it opened to the public. Photo: VCG

The shopping complex covers 69.19 acres, making it the world’s largest standalone duty-free shopping complex. Photo: VCG

Workers install one of the complex’s glass domes on Feb. 24. Photo: VCG

Construction of the complex’s steel frame was completed around Feb. 3 last year. Photo: VCG

A large screen is set on the complex’s main entrance plaza. Designed by French architecture firm Valode and Pistre, the appearance of the complex is supposed to evoke the bougainvillea, Haikou’s city flower. Photo: VCG

Floral installations decorate the atrium of the shopping complex. Photo: VCG

More than 800 brands, including Balenciaga and Hermes, have joined the complex. Photo: VCG

A rendering of the what the Haikou International Duty-Free City project will look like after its completed. The project covering 229.81 acres consists of six sections, including the shopping complex. High-end offices and hotels are now under construction. Photo: Screenshot from CDF Mall