In the bustling tea houses of Haikou, the aroma of freshly brewed chrysanthemum tea mingles with the clatter of porcelain cups as Hainan’s centuries-old Lao Ba Cha culture fuels a surge in local consumption. Known affectionately as "old dad tea," this social ritual—where residents gather to sip tea, share snacks, and discuss daily life—has become an unexpected economic driver for the island province.
Once a casual pastime for retirees, Lao Ba Cha venues now attract multi-generational crowds, with modernized teahouses offering digital payment systems and regional delicacies like coconut rice cakes. Local businesses report a 40% year-on-year increase in afternoon tea service revenue, according to preliminary data from Haikou’s commerce bureau.
"This isn’t just about tea—it’s community revitalization," noted a Haikou-based business analyst. "Young entrepreneurs are blending tradition with innovation, creating spaces that appeal to tourists and locals alike."
The trend aligns with broader efforts to stimulate domestic spending in Hainan, a key player in China’s consumer-driven growth strategy. For the Asian diaspora and cultural explorers, the tea houses serve as living museums of Hainanese heritage, while investors eye opportunities in hospitality and agritourism.
