6 Comments
Jan 27Liked by Em

I’m kind of glad the island is mountainous because it’ll put up at least some natural geographical impediments to ceaseless development

Expand full comment
author
Jan 28Author

True! Until they finish that new highway currently under planning with tunnels, or start to 填海...

Expand full comment

I think luxury/retail people really care about Hainan! :)

Expand full comment
author
Jan 26Author

I agree! Retail is huge and growing here. I'm also hearing news about an incoming casino? People are suspecting that Hainan will be turned into a more obedient, domestic version of Macau that's even closer to home and within control. If that happens, that sector is also due to expand...

Expand full comment
Jan 25Liked by Em

First time I was in Sanya 5 years ago, I saw a bunch of older, presumably Dongbei people dressed up for 扭秧歌 on a public square, which was great! Are the Northeasterners also already starting to chew fresh betel nuts 😅?

Expand full comment
author
Jan 26Author

Hahaha that's so Dongbei-coded! I'm indeed seeing a lot of community clubs run by the northeasterners here where activities like that are organised. Not sure if they're ever going to be on board with betel nuts because we hear so much about its adverse effects up North 😂

Expand full comment