On December 18, Hainan Free Trade Port officially implemented a complete island closure, with official publicity efforts in full swing. However, local residents have reported that prices have surged after the closure, especially with grocery prices reaching exorbitant levels. Nevertheless, online voices of skepticism were swiftly silenced.
A mainland China self-media outlet, “Weifang Wanshitong,” posted on December 19, stating that Hainan had indeed closed its borders, with the aim of boosting the island’s economy. However, online posts from some locals complained that prices started to rise across the board following the closure.
The article was subsequently taken down.
On December 18, singer Zhao Ruoruo posted on Weibo, stating that the border closure policy in Hainan did not bring any benefits to local residents, as prices, particularly for vegetables, meat, dining, and take-out, had significantly increased. Local wages remained between only 1800-3000 yuan, causing significant financial pressure. Her post was later deleted. On December 19, she posted again calling for price reductions and wage increases, aiming to truly benefit ordinary Hainan residents, and criticizing the discrepancy between policy propaganda and actual effects. This post was also deleted.
Some netizens shared photos of post-closure vegetable prices in Hainan. Spinach was priced at 32 yuan per jin, and celery at 25 yuan per jin. Another netizen reported buying a youtiao and being charged 7 yuan for it.
On December 20, a blogger shared a video stating that on the third day of the closure, bananas in Haikou were priced at 4.68 yuan per jin, compared to mainland bananas at only 1.68 yuan per jin.
Netizens commented: “Prices from the source are more expensive than from other provinces, where did the issue arise in the supply chain?” “I just asked about grapes, they are selling at 9 yuan per jin!” “Hainan is now living like the world’s wealthy elite.”