施华说："我是接受中国传统教育长大的，创办青苗时，我首 先想到的是如何将中西教育融会贯通。在中国，国际教育如果 丢弃了传统教育，那只是对西方教育的简单照搬而已。青苗发 展的中心词，一定是中国。" 作者： 李静 封图：受访者供图 编者按：2025年，经济观察报以"我们的四分之一世纪"为年终特刊主题，旨在通过数十位时代亲历者的故 事，共绘一幅属于这段岁月的集体记忆图谱。 青苗国际学校（顺义天竺校区，下称"青苗"）在温榆河的北侧，距离北京首都国际机场不远。校区位于棕 榈滩别墅和翠竹新村两个小区的夹角处，从外面向学校看，有两座风格迥异的建筑：一座带有巨大落地窗 的红色转角教学楼，一座质朴方正的黄色教学楼。 正值午饭时间，几名外教沿着校区的围墙走向校门，熟络地和校门口的安保人员打着招呼。寒暄过后，安 保人员一一核对了每个人的证件，随后准予入校。这所校区的师生比是1:5。由于创办时间较早、经验丰 富，青苗也被业内称为国际学校中的"黄埔军校" 作为国内首批双语幼儿园的创办者，青苗创办者施华身上有很多标签：全国民办教育协会理事、中国IB学 校协会副会长……但最让她满意的身份是"一位母亲"。 这位1994年毕业于中国青年政治学 ...

Core Insights - The article highlights the journey of Qingmiao International School and its founder, Shi Hua, who initiated a significant exploration in education driven by her identity as a mother [1][2] - Qingmiao has evolved from a single international kindergarten to a network of 19 schools across China, covering all educational stages from kindergarten to high school [2][9] - The school aims to integrate Chinese and Western educational philosophies, emphasizing the importance of cultural understanding alongside language acquisition [5][11] Group 1: School Development and Expansion - In 1998, Qingmiao's precursor was established during a pivotal time of state-owned enterprise reform, with fewer than 100 international schools in China at that time [2][3] - By 2025, Qingmiao plans to open a new campus in the Shunyi Tianzhu area, featuring a 74,000 square meter educational space with 2,000 student capacity [2][10] - The school has resisted temptations from real estate investments and public listing, focusing instead on solidifying its presence in first-tier cities [2][10] Group 2: Educational Philosophy and Curriculum - Shi Hua's vision for Qingmiao was to create a bilingual education model that does not merely replicate Western education but integrates traditional Chinese values [5][8] - The school initially experimented with various teaching models, ultimately settling on a structure that prioritizes core subjects in the morning and arts in the afternoon [6][11] - Qingmiao has adopted the International Baccalaureate (IB) framework, which has become a hallmark of its educational approach, promoting a comprehensive understanding of different cultures [7][8] Group 3: Market Trends and Challenges - The international school sector in China experienced rapid growth post-2001, with a significant increase in the number of international schools and students [3][4] - By 2021, the industry faced intensified competition and regulatory scrutiny, prompting many schools, including Qingmiao, to adopt a dual-track system offering both international and domestic educational pathways [9][10] - Qingmiao's dual-track system allows students to choose between pursuing international qualifications or traditional Chinese high school diplomas, catering to diverse student needs [11]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the implications of Hainan's recent closure and its potential as a free trade zone, highlighting both opportunities and risks associated with this transition [4][5][7]. Group 1: Economic Opportunities - Hainan's closure represents a significant leap towards a higher level of openness, offering a unique environment characterized by "zero tariffs, low tax rates, and simplified tax systems" [5][7]. - The potential for Hainan to become a new Singapore and the heart of the RCEP (Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership) is emphasized, contingent on overcoming development bottlenecks [8]. - The introduction of the policy allowing "30% value-added processing to be exempt from tariffs" is seen as a key to reshaping the real economy in Hainan [17]. Group 2: Industrial Challenges - Hainan's economic structure is described as "dumbbell-shaped," with a weak industrial base, relying heavily on agriculture and low-end tourism [9][10]. - The risk of falling into "industrial hollowing" is highlighted, where the economy could become overly reliant on service sectors without a solid manufacturing foundation [11][14]. - Historical examples suggest that economies lacking a robust industrial backbone ultimately face challenges in employment and income stability [14][15]. Group 3: Strategic Development Areas - Three key sectors for development are identified: luxury goods assembly, biomedicine, and future technologies like aerospace and deep-sea industries [19][22][25]. - The luxury goods sector can benefit from a model where high-value assembly occurs in Hainan, leveraging its tariff exemptions [20][21]. - The biomedicine sector can utilize special policies in Boao Lecheng to import and assemble advanced medical devices, enhancing local capabilities [22][24]. Group 4: Logistics and Connectivity - Hainan's geographical isolation poses challenges for becoming a global shipping hub, as it is not located on major shipping routes [28][30]. - The article suggests that Hainan should focus on creating a "functional platform" rather than merely competing on logistics speed [34]. - Strategies include leveraging "seventh freedom rights" for air travel and establishing a competitive fuel pricing model to attract international shipping [35][41]. Group 5: Unique Selling Propositions - Hainan's potential lies in offering unique privileges that cannot be found elsewhere in China, particularly in healthcare, education, data access, airspace, and culture [52][53]. - The establishment of international medical facilities and educational institutions can attract both domestic and international students, capturing significant educational spending [57][59]. - The development of a "digital nomad zone" with unrestricted internet access aims to attract global talent, enhancing Hainan's appeal as a destination for professionals [61]. Group 6: Future Challenges - The article outlines a "triangle dilemma" that Hainan must navigate: overcoming geographical disadvantages, avoiding industrial homogenization, and preventing economic hollowing [64]. - The success of Hainan will depend on integrating high-level open policies with unique local resources to create a vibrant economic ecosystem [65].

Core Viewpoint - The Hainan Free Trade Port will officially start its full island closure operation on December 18, 2025, marking a significant milestone in China's reform and opening-up process, with a focus on higher levels of openness to the world [1] Group 1: Policy Changes - The closure operation is not merely a policy adjustment but a comprehensive upgrade in the system, significantly enhancing the "zero tariff" level, optimizing processing and value-added tax exemptions, improving the investment environment, and facilitating entry and exit from Hainan [1][24] - The scope of "zero tariff" products will expand from 1,900 tax items to approximately 6,600 tax items, covering about 74% of all product tax items, an increase of nearly 53 percentage points compared to before the closure [7][11] - The beneficiaries of the "zero tariff" policy will broaden, allowing various enterprises and institutions with actual import needs to enjoy the benefits, rather than being limited to registered independent legal entities [7][11] Group 2: Tax Incentives - The low tax rate policy, known as the "two 15%" policy, will reduce corporate income tax to 15% for eligible enterprises, significantly lowering operational costs [12][24] - Individuals classified as high-end or urgently needed talents working in Hainan will have their personal income tax burden exceeding 15% exempted, providing a substantial incentive for talent retention [17][21] Group 3: Industry Focus - The Hainan Free Trade Port will prioritize the development of tourism, modern services, high-tech industries, and tropical characteristic efficient agriculture, aiming to create a modern industrial system with Hainan's unique characteristics [26][27] - The digital economy is expected to become a key industry, supported by robust infrastructure such as the Hainan-Hong Kong international submarine cable and the largest single data center in Hainan, enhancing data storage and processing capabilities for enterprises [28][29] Group 4: Comparison with Other Free Trade Ports - Unlike other international free trade ports, Hainan remains within China's customs territory, allowing for domestic circulation of goods and easier access for mainland residents [23][24] - Hainan's unique advantage lies in its access to China's vast domestic market, enabling it to better utilize both international and domestic resources [25]

Core Viewpoint - Hainan Free Trade Port is attracting global attention with its diverse offerings, providing a more open and convenient environment for shopping, education, and entrepreneurship [2] Group 1: Shopping - The international duty-free shopping city in Sanya is a key attraction for consumers seeking fashion and quality [2] - Hainan is continuously creating new opportunities in the shopping sector [2] Group 2: Education - The establishment of the international education experimental base in Lingshui Li'an aims to cater to students desiring diverse educational experiences [2] - Hainan is positioning itself as a hub for innovative educational opportunities [2] Group 3: Entrepreneurship - The free trade port environment is designed to facilitate entrepreneurship, making it easier for businesses to operate [2] - Hainan is fostering a climate that encourages new business ventures and innovation [2]

Group 1 - The core viewpoint is that the Hainan Free Trade Port's upcoming full island closure operation signifies China's commitment to high-level opening-up and the construction of an open world economy, presenting new development opportunities for enterprises, including those from the United States [1][2] - The Hainan Free Trade Port is expected to enhance its attractiveness for foreign investment, particularly in logistics and supply chain sectors, following the closure operation [1] - The initiative will also draw more international talent, elevating Hainan's status in the global education industry, exemplified by the recent collaboration between Arizona State University and Hainan University to offer dual degree programs [1] Group 2 - The construction progress of the Hainan Free Trade Port is highlighted as a vivid example of China's institutional opening-up, allowing more countries to share in development outcomes and contributing to global trade stability [2] - Hainan's strategic location at the crossroads of the Pacific and Indian Oceans will enable it to combine China's manufacturing and logistics advantages, increasing its importance in the global economic landscape [1] - The Hainan Free Trade Port is positioned to attract foreign investment while facilitating Chinese enterprises' global expansion, serving as a crucial gateway for industrial and supply chains [1]

Group 1 - The core phenomenon observed in the international education sector is a significant shift in consumer behavior, with families moving from high-budget private schooling in the U.S. to more affordable online education options, reflecting a broader trend of consumption downgrade [1][3] - Parents who previously inquired about budgets of 500,000 RMB (approximately 75,000 USD) for private high schools are now seeking online programs costing between 10,000 to 30,000 RMB (approximately 1,500 to 4,500 USD) per year [1][3] - The drastic change in spending reflects a 6-7 times reduction in educational expenditure, indicating a severe economic strain on middle-class families [3][5] Group 2 - The shift in demand is also evident in the content produced by educational influencers, who have transitioned from promoting high-end international schools to advocating for low-cost study abroad options and online high school programs [3][5] - The affordability of online American high schools has increased due to the closure of many traditional institutions, leading to a competitive pricing structure where online tuition can be as low as 1/10th of in-person schooling [5][7] - The legitimacy of online programs is bolstered by accreditation from recognized bodies such as Cognia and WASC, ensuring that diplomas from these institutions hold the same value as traditional ones [5][7] Group 3 - Despite the appeal of lower-cost education options, there are significant risks associated with choosing online programs, including the necessity of verifying accreditation, the quality of teaching staff, and the level of student support services [7][9] - Parents are advised to conduct thorough research on the accreditation status of online schools to avoid investing in programs that may not be recognized by universities [7][9] - The current trend of educational consumption downgrade may prompt families to reassess the true value of education, questioning the necessity of high tuition fees for traditional schooling environments [9][10]

Group 1: Hainan Free Trade Port Overview - Hainan's geographical proximity to Thailand attracts Southeast Asian investors, particularly from Thailand, to invest in the region [1] - The implementation of the closure policy in Hainan is seen as a significant and effective government initiative, embraced by various sectors [1] Group 2: Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone - Boao Lecheng is one of the 13 key parks in Hainan Free Trade Port, featuring 4 public hospitals and 35 private hospitals [2] - The zone has expedited the approval process for innovative international drugs and medical devices, reducing the approval time from 6 months to 3-5 working days, thus making essential medications more accessible and affordable for patients [2] Group 3: Lingshui Li'an International Education Innovation Pilot Zone - The zone hosts 6 renowned universities, including the University of Glasgow and Beijing Language University, sharing resources and facilities [3] - The favorable visa conversion mechanism allows international students to seek employment in Hainan post-graduation, enhancing the attractiveness of the educational environment [3] Group 4: Tourism and Duty-Free Shopping - Hainan offers visa-free entry for tourists from 85 countries, with convenient transportation options available [6] - The duty-free policy, effective from November 1, expands the categories of duty-free goods from 45 to 47, including new technology products, positioning Hainan as a premier international shopping destination [6] Group 5: Product Processing and Cultural Industries - The collaboration between Thai enterprises and local government in the coffee industry exemplifies successful foreign investment, enhancing local agricultural development while preserving cultural heritage [7] - The Lingshui Haifeng International Film and Television Base attracts Thai film crews due to favorable tax rates, promoting the region as a filming destination [7] - Companies like Haikou Yiyou Network Technology are benefiting from the closure policy, improving cross-border operational efficiency through better infrastructure and simplified foreign exchange management [7] Group 6: Economic Impact and Future Outlook - The closure policy is expected to enhance market openness, attract foreign investment, and promote economic prosperity in Hainan, positioning it as a key gateway for foreign investors into mainland China [9] - The overall development strategy aims to support high-quality growth and exemplify a higher level of openness to the outside world [9]

Core Points - The "two 15%" tax policies are central to attracting global investment and talent to Hainan Free Trade Port [1][2] - The policies include a 15% corporate income tax rate for qualifying companies and a personal income tax exemption for individuals whose effective tax burden exceeds 15% [1][3] Corporate Tax Incentives - To qualify for the 15% corporate income tax rate, companies must meet three criteria: substantial operations in the free trade port, primary business in encouraged industries, and at least 60% of total revenue from the main business [1] - The "Encouraged Industries Directory" includes over 1,100 items, covering strategic emerging industries such as biomedicine, offshore wind power, and new energy vehicles [1] Personal Tax Incentives - Individuals can benefit from the 15% personal income tax exemption if they reside in Hainan for at least 183 days in a tax year or have an income exceeding 300,000 yuan [3] - Special provisions allow certain professionals in industries like aerospace and marine exploration to qualify for tax benefits even if they do not meet the 183-day residency requirement [3] - These tax policies will remain in effect until December 31, 2027, following the full closure of the island [3]

Core Insights - The international education consulting volume in first-tier cities is expected to decline for the first time year-on-year by 2025, while second-tier cities like Chengdu, Hefei, and Tianjin are experiencing a surge in referral rates [1][3] - High-knowledge families are no longer solely attracted to the prestige of first-tier cities, as second-tier cities are leveraging precise positioning and innovative models to capture market opportunities [3][4] Industry Trends - The national international school market has reached a scale of 150 billion yuan, with a student population of 2.8 million. The penetration rate in second-tier and new first-tier cities is growing at an annual rate of 15%, significantly outpacing the 5% growth in first-tier cities [4] - New first-tier cities are providing 37.7% of "returnee priority positions," nearly matching first-tier cities, indicating that second-tier cities can not only attract students but also support graduate employment, creating a "cultivation-employment" closed loop [4] Key Cities Analysis - **Hefei**: Transitioning from an "education gap" to a "high ground for elite education," Hefei has developed a replicable model for high-cost performance academic international departments, supported by local research resources [6][11] - **Chengdu**: As the leader in Southwest international education, Chengdu has established a complete tier of international schools, with tuition ranging from 80,000 to 280,000 yuan per year, and is expected to see a 40% increase in international school scale by 2025 [12][13] - **Tianjin**: By implementing a "dual-track" educational product design, Tianjin has successfully addressed parental decision-making anxiety, providing a model for other second-tier cities to follow [19][24] - **Nantong**: Recognized as a potential city for international schools, Nantong has positioned itself as a commuter-friendly education hub for Shanghai, offering significantly lower tuition costs while maintaining quality through resource sharing [27][28] Market Dynamics - The trend of "downward mobility" in education is becoming a certainty, with second-tier cities proving that they can offer high-quality education without the high costs associated with first-tier cities [30][32] - The rise of second-tier cities is driven by industrial upgrades attracting talent, continuous policy support for diversified schooling, and significant cost advantages in operational expenses compared to first-tier cities [31][32] Conclusion - The future of international education is shifting focus from first-tier cities to second-tier cities, where the emphasis is on genuine educational quality rather than mere prestige [34][35]