HainanOutlook | Exploring Laobacha teahouse culture in S Chi

Tourists enjoy Laobacha dishes at a teahouse in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province, July 4, 2026. (Xinhua/Guo Cheng)

HAIKOU, July 5 (Xinhua) -- Laobacha, or literally old dad tea, refers to a teahouse culture endemic to the island province of Hainan. Offering an array of teas, pastries, and dim sum, Laobacha is a byword for the islanders' relaxed pace of life.

Tourists enjoy Laobacha dishes at a teahouse in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province, July 4, 2026. (Xinhua/Guo Cheng)

Tourists board a Laobacha Haikou Bus in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province, July 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Guo Cheng)

Tourists enjoy dishes aboard a Laobacha Haikou Bus in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province, July 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Guo Cheng)

Tourists enjoy dishes aboard a Laobacha Haikou Bus in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province, July 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Guo Cheng)

Tourists enjoy dishes aboard a Laobacha Haikou Bus in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province, July 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Guo Cheng)

A Qiong Opera performance is staged at a teahouse in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province, July 4, 2026. (Xinhua/Guo Cheng)

Tourists enjoy dishes aboard a Laobacha Haikou Bus in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province, July 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Guo Cheng)

Performers of Qiong Opera pose for a photo with a diner at a teahouse in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province, July 4, 2026. (Xinhua/Guo Cheng)

Performers of Qiong Opera interact with diners at a teahouse in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province, July 4, 2026. (Xinhua/Guo Cheng)

This photo taken on July 4, 2026 shows Laobacha dishes at a teahouse in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province. (Xinhua/Guo Cheng)