Amid the gleaming towers of the Hainan Free Trade Port, a centuries-old tradition is quietly shaping the island’s economic future. Laobacha, affectionately called "old dad tea," has evolved from a communal ritual to an unexpected catalyst for business innovation in 2025.
Each morning, packed tea houses buzz with entrepreneurs sipping slow-brewed chrysanthemum tea while negotiating deals over steamed buns and rice noodles. "This is where partnerships are born," explains Chen Wei, a Shenzhen-based investor who frequents Haikou’s tea spots. "The informal setting breaks down barriers faster than boardrooms."
Local authorities have recognized this cultural asset, integrating traditional tea houses into the Free Trade Port’s business infrastructure. Recent initiatives include:
Dedicated ‘tea talk’ zones in the Port’s innovation hubs
Cultural exchange programs linking tea house owners with international traders
A digital matchmaking platform connecting tea house regulars to investors
As the Free Trade Port accelerates cross-border trade this November, the humble laobacha tradition continues to ground Hainan’s global ambitions in local identity – proving that economic modernization and cultural preservation can steep together perfectly.
