Hainan’s Tea House Boom Fuels Domestic Consumption

Haikou's streets are buzzing with a delicious revival of tradition as locals and visitors alike flock to Lao Ba Cha ('old dad tea') houses, turning the centuries-old practice into a modern economic catalyst.

These teahouses, once quiet hubs for retirees, now hum with young professionals and families indulging in buttery pineapple buns, sweet milk tea, and savory dim sum. 'It’s where business deals happen now,' says Haikou resident Li Wei, 28. 'You get culture and connections in one bite.'

Data shows tea-related spending in Hainan jumped 40% year-on-year, driven by social media trends celebrating the island’s culinary identity. CGTN’s Lincoln Humphries captured the scene: 'The clatter of teacups has become the sound of post-pandemic recovery.'

Local officials credit the revival with boosting tourism and small businesses—proving that sometimes, the tastiest solutions are steeped in tradition.

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Hainan's traditional tea house culture fuels domestic consumption

cgtn.com