Beyond the gleaming skyscrapers and duty-free zones of the Chinese mainland's Hainan Free Trade Port lies its beating heart: laobacha, or "old dad tea," culture. Here, slow-brewed tea and fluffy dim sum aren't just a meal—they're the island's innovation incubator.
Every morning, tea houses from Haikou to Sanya buzz with residents, entrepreneurs, and digital nomads. Over lacquered tables, fragrant pots of black tea set the tone. Conversations flow from sustainable tourism strategies to cross-border e-commerce ideas, turning traditional gatherings into informal business salons.
Tea house owners have embraced this role, blending heritage and modernity. It's not uncommon to find free Wi-Fi alongside hand-thrown teapots, or weekend workshops on global trade held between dim sum orders. This fusion of old and new has transformed laobacha spots into cultural hubs that drive local growth.
Currently, as Hainan expands its Free Trade Port policies—streamlining customs, opening new sectors, and attracting global investment—its "old dad tea" scene remains the rhythm behind the port's dynamic energy. These humble tea sessions remind us that genuine connections, steeped in tradition, can shape the future of a global economic hub.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
