Travel Guides & Tips in this video
- Tip 1Be prepared for a unique ordering system at Haikou's tea houses, different from the QR code systems in other Chinese cities. Practice basic Mandarin phrases to enhance your experience. (0:20)
- Tip 2Explore the differences between Hainan tea and the more familiar Cantonese morning tea. Hainan tea often features fruity infusions and is served in generous portions. (5:30)
- Tip 3Indulge in the local delicacies. Don't miss out on trying the unique lava buns and fried dough sticks with condensed milk, a local treat. (10:08)
- Tip 4Visit Haikou's tea houses in the afternoon (around 3 PM) for the widest selection of savory and sweet dim sum dishes. This is when the tea houses are at their busiest. (14:42)
- Tip 5Visit the Cloud Skin library, a modern architectural marvel offering a unique blend of study space and aesthetic appeal. (18:24)
- Tip 6Experience the breathtaking night view of Haikou's skyline, which blends modern skyscrapers with natural landscapes, creating a truly unforgettable sight. (20:05)
- Tip 7Venture out to explore the local food scene. Be prepared for limited English resources, but embrace the challenge of discovering hidden culinary gems. (22:50)
Pat & Giulia's Haikou adventure unveils a futuristic island exceeding expectations. Dismissing prior advice to avoid Haikou, they discover a captivating skyline and unique dining experiences. Their dim sum lunch, though initially challenging due to the language barrier, reveals a vibrant local culture and unexpectedly delicious food. The vlog highlights the contrast between Haikou's modern architecture and its natural beauty, culminating in a breathtaking night view.
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This vlog follows Pat & Giulia's exploration of Haikou, Hainan, challenging preconceived notions of the city. Initially advised to avoid Haikou, they embark on a culinary journey, starting with a dim sum lunch at a traditional tea house. The experience proves unexpectedly challenging due to the language barrier and the unique ordering system, devoid of QR codes. Despite the initial communication hurdles, their perseverance is rewarded with a delightful array of vegetarian dishes and unusual fruit teas, quite unlike the Cantonese morning tea they'd experienced in Guangdong. The tea house's atmosphere is vividly portrayed, highlighting the curious stares of locals unfamiliar with foreign visitors. The sheer quantity of tea served is also noted, along with the discovery that the busiest time is not morning, but 3 PM, influenced by British afternoon tea traditions.
Their culinary adventure continues with a variety of dishes, including what they believe to be taro-based fried breadsticks and uniquely sweet desserts. The sheer volume of food received underscores the Chinese tradition of sharing, a point further emphasized by the size of the tables and the common practice of large group dining. The vlog also highlights a visit to a stunning futuristic library, showcasing the contrast between Haikou's modern architecture and its natural beauty.
The evening brings a breathtaking view of the Haikou skyline, contrasting the city's technological advancements with the natural lake and park. This juxtaposition is a key element of the vlog, demonstrating the city's unique blend of modernity and nature. Pat & Giulia's final thoughts emphasize the unexpected beauty and vibrancy of Haikou, urging viewers to reconsider their perceptions of this often-overlooked Chinese city. The vlog concludes with a call to explore Haikou's hidden gems, particularly its nighttime beauty, which they believe surpasses many other cities. The overall tone is one of delightful surprise and enthusiastic recommendation.
FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)
- Q: What was the most challenging aspect of our dim sum experience?
- A: Definitely ordering! No QR codes, mostly Chinese menus, and not many people spoke English. It was a fun, but hilarious, challenge!
- Q: What was the best part of our Haikou trip?
- A: The night view! Seeing that amazing skyline with the city lights reflecting on the water was incredible. It was way more beautiful than we expected.
- Q: What's different about Hainan tea compared to Cantonese tea?
- A: Hainan tea is less traditional, more fruity and served in huge portions. It's also busier in the afternoon than in the morning, unlike Cantonese Yum Cha.
- Q: What surprised you most about Haikou?
- A: How beautiful it was at night! People told us there's nothing to do here, but the lights and skyline are phenomenal. It's way ahead of many European cities!
