Where to smoke hookah in Sanya. What to buy in Hainan. What to bring from Hainan. How much does dinner cost on Hainan Island?
Good day to all! We vacationed in Hainan in Sanya in Dudonghai Bay in May 2017 for the first time. The weather was great, it rained a couple of times for 20 minutes. We have been to Thailand several times, to GOA, Vietnam and Egypt. We rested at the Licking Hotel, declared as 4 stars. We are not picky people, so we liked the hotel. The only thing that was a little annoying towards the end of the holiday was that we still had to walk to the main traffic area, where all the cafes, restaurants and shops were. It's not a long walk, of course, about 10-15 minutes.
They checked us in quickly and took a deposit of $100. The room was on the first floor, somewhere in the back of the hotel. It was very quiet. No midges or mosquitoes bothered or bit, no living creatures were seen in the room at all, but if suddenly a mosquito flies in, then there is a fumigator in the room. The hotel area is clean, well-groomed, a lot of greenery and flowers. The room has a hairdryer, a TV with one Russian NTV channel, all the toiletries, some for a fee, some for free, there is a refrigerator, but it is very weak, somehow cools, there is no question of freezing ice. Refrigerators in all rooms are like this, there is no point in changing rooms because of the refrigerator. There is a safe, robes, slippers, an umbrella, you can take it to the beach, dishes, a drying rack on the balcony, the air conditioning was normal, in short, there is everything that people need. There is no iron. The staff is polite, cleaning every day. Representatives of travel companies work at the hotel reception until 19.00, they are Chinese, but they speak Russian, you can find out any information from them, they will write you on a piece of paper in Chinese and with this piece of paper you can safely go in a taxi or by bus. They can explain where go where to find something. In short, contact them with any unclear questions.
We had breakfast included, it starts from 9 to 10.30. Normal standard breakfasts))) we didn’t leave hungry. Porridge, soups, muesli, yoghurts, noodles, greens, eggs, sausage, sausages, rice, fruits, toast, jams, juices, water, milk, tea, coffee. In short, we have no complaints)))
There is a swimming pool, I won’t say it’s perfectly clean, it doesn’t smell of chlorine, the water in it gets very hot during the day, and doesn’t even cool at all. There is a shower near the pool. Beach towels are very rare, so we took them from our room and didn’t bother. The pool is open until 22.00 About the beach: of course it is there, there are sun loungers, they are also very few by the way, I have never seen any free ones, to take a sun lounger, you need to come earlier))) You can’t swim near the hotel, there are stones. To swim, you need to go to the left of our beach, but sunbeds will already be paid from 50 yuan per sunbed, as agreed. This made me a little tense later. Many people lie on towels on the sand in the sun; there is nowhere to hide from the sun. I wouldn’t say that the sea is super clean, the water is clear, blue, but there is garbage floating in it (((It’s comfortable to swim, there are no waves. Be careful if there are waves in the sea... there may be jellyfish there. Check the sea. We have two days there were waves and a lot of jellyfish, one bit me, the burn lasted for about three weeks... The beach line is long, and along the entire line there are cafes and restaurants. We dined there most often. On the second line from the beach there are also cafes and shops, there too ate more than once.
Communication: Wi-Fi is available throughout the entire hotel, both in the rooms and by the pool, the Internet is normal. Of course, you can’t download films, but you can read something. All social networks work except Instagram. There is no Google, only Yandex and no YouTube. Viber works every now and then, mainly WhatsApp. If you don't have it, download it. You need to set up a VPN on your phone, then Instagram will seem to work))) Check with your operator in Russia. Communication is expensive, so I recommend turning off cellular data on the plane. The guides said that you can’t buy a local SIM card there, but you can still buy it with a foreign passport, but how will you communicate with the Chinese... this is unknown))) Use the Internet and call via WhatsApp, here is your answer. Wi-Fi is available in all cafes))) it is very convenient.
The most famous store in Dudonghai Bay is Pineapple. There are four floors of different things. 2nd floor food supermarket, like Lenta or Okay, or Auchan. There are fixed prices for everything, and accordingly it is cheaper to buy there. On the 4th floor there is a cafe 1+1, many people eat there, we didn’t go there. The Pineapple shopping center is a reference point for everything else))) There are smaller shopping centers such as Summer and Winter. Summer is a semi-circular building higher up, there are expensive boutiques, and Winter nearby is also a semi-circular, but old building, they sell everything there))) We came in and looked and left, nothing interesting... You can ask any vacationer where everything is. In two or three days you will begin to find your way)))
Where to eat: you can bring your own alcohol to all cafes))) Cafe Slavyanka or Lena are the same. Second line from the embankment. Prices are about the same as everywhere else. The waiter speaks Russian, in principle you can go... The Food Court is located near the Intime Hotel. Been there once, didn't like it. It's an indoor cafe, but we love to sit outside. The soups were terrible... I don’t recommend them. The prices are not low. The Moscow tavern is located across the street from the Leto shopping center. Tasty, not expensive, a lot of our compatriots. Decent establishment, huge menu, but you can’t bring your own drinks. I recommend! Cafe Karavela, there are two of them. One is also located across the street from the Leto shopping center. The second one is near the Food Court. I recommend visiting. Cafe USSR. located on the embankment, on the first line, near the Intime Hotel. Russian music, friendly staff, delicious food, prices the same as everywhere else. In the evening Russian live music. I recommend! The food area is still there, only open in the evening. A lot of tables, a lot of people, the food is normal. Prices are slightly lower than in cafes. We tried fried ice cream there, delicious))), located between Summer and Winter. I recommend! You should also visit the Peking Duck Cafe, located near the Leto shopping center. All the main cafes are located in the Leto shopping center area. You can ask anyone, they will tell you without any problems. Cafe Harbin is located opposite the square with a fountain, right in the hotel on the sea side. Take a walk and you will see))) you can also ask, if anything. There are also a bunch of small cafes on the embankment, it’s delicious, but the Chinese don’t understand anything in either Russian or English, even the translator on the phone didn’t help. It is very difficult to explain to them what you need...
I recommend trying Peking duck. We bought it in a cafe in the USSR, 150 yuan, the dish is really for four people. It’s delicious, you’ll lick your fingers))) I think I’ve seen it cheaper somewhere, but I can’t say whether it’s tasty or not. This meal consists of five courses. Therefore, there is no need to order anything else for this))) Harbin salad is worth a try, delicious))) First time eating sea urchins. Cool, I liked it. Not disgusting! Delicious oysters, not like in Thailand. It’s more delicious the way they cook it, or the oysters themselves are different))) I liked the mirror fish))) I advise you to try it too))) I also liked the local Chinese dumplings, feel free to order. Juices and fresh juices are also sold and made everywhere. But somehow they didn’t seem very tasty to me. The local ice cream is also worth trying. There are all fruits! They sell it on every corner. A lot of exotic seafood the sight of which makes you feel uneasy))) Those who are brave, of course try it. There are many cafes where you can try silkworm cocoons, but we couldn’t decide))) And in general, you need to try everything! The main thing is to eat in places where there are people, and consume in the evening Activated carbon, 1 tablet per 10 kg of body weight))) And everything will be fine.
For hookah lovers: I don’t recommend taking it to any cafe. Sucks! The only place where there is a good hookah is the Parovoz hookah bar. Located in Food Square, where they sell beer. If you are facing the BEER, then go a little to the left into the shopping arcade. Perhaps they will already make a sign, when we were in Hainan, they had just opened))) It was opened by a Chinese who lived in Russia for many years. He speaks Russian, he’s such a nice guy, his hookah costs 100 yuan.
Alcohol: Most people drink beer. Their beer is tasty, very light, about 3 degrees. The price is reasonable, about 10 yuan in a cafe. Also, Chinese rice vodka)) is different and the prices are different, I recommend small white bottles with coconut. Similar to Malibu liqueur)) 125 ml approximately 10 yuan. Different stores have different prices. Ask the price first))) And one more delicious vodka 0.5 ml - green label with a bull and a red cap, 42 degrees, price approximately 17 yuan. This is what we tried and we liked it))) And there is a lot of alcohol, try it))) Elite, branded alcohol is also available, not cheap))) We brought a bottle of whiskey with us on vacation from Russia))), what And I wish you the same if you drink alcoholic beverages.
Prices: when compared with Thailand, it is certainly more expensive. For all! For food, for things, for fruits...
There are no markets where you can eat, like in Thailand, for example. There is only a cafe here.
Transport: we either walked, took a taxi, or took a bus))) Taxi has a fixed fare. Orange cars cost 10 yuan, blue cars are more expensive. It was very convenient, we went everywhere and didn’t pay more than 15 yuan))) We went by bus to Yalong Bay. 25 bus and go to the final one, get on from the side of the Pineapple shopping center, go 30 minutes. Be sure to be back before 5 pm. In the evening, bus 25 does not run))) I definitely recommend going to this bay, we have been three times. The water is clean, there are fewer people))) The one-way fare is 7 yuan per person. Prepare without change))) I recommend going to the park “The Deer Turned its Head”, go to sunset, at about five in the evening. Ask your hotel guide for directions))) go up the mountain. Don't get lost))) Price 57 yuan. It's very beautiful there in the evening. And one more recommendation for visiting is the “Romantic Park” excursion, the price is approximately $50. They say this show ranks third after Cirque Du Soleil. Take a tour, at least there will be a guide who will tell you a lot of interesting things.
We also went to the light show big trees, Sanya Beauty Crown Hotel. Beauty. By taxi it's about 13 yuan. At night this hotel lights up with different lights. You can take cool photos! What else to see? Fountain show on the square near the Leto shopping center, starts at 20.00, the show is on in one day. Beautiful, impressive))) Free! It would be a sin not to look))) We went to a lot of places, but there was nothing super interesting there, so I won’t write...
I do not recommend the sightseeing tour, either paid or free. You're wasting your time! We didn’t go to the springs here either; we were in Vietnam and decided not to go here. Who says what, some liked it, some didn’t. It's up to you))) if your budget allows, go everywhere.
The Chinese themselves did not evoke any negative emotions in me. Nice, smiling, friendly people. They smoke a lot, everywhere)) In elevators, in rooms, in cafes, etc. They spit, sometimes fart, burp, in short, they are specific... But this is their culture and it’s not for us to decide. It is we who are going to them, not they to us))) Therefore, only good mood and positive and everything will be great! Relax and don't pay attention to the little things!
Hello everyone, my dear readers. Today I want to tell you how much food costs in Hainan in Sanya. Let's talk about cafes, restaurants, fruits from markets, delicious ice cream and products from the supermarket.
There are many completely opposite opinions on this topic on the Internet: some say that everything is expensive, while others, on the contrary, claim that you can eat for pennies. The truth, as you probably guess, is somewhere in the middle.
But I just want to tell you where we ate, how much it cost us, and what impressions this or that dish left me with, and you can draw your own conclusions as to whether these prices and the quality of food are acceptable to you.
In this article:
Cafes and restaurants
You definitely won’t go hungry in Sanya: there are cafes and restaurants at literally every turn. Here are some of the ones we had a chance to visit.
1. Food area
This place is located in Da Dong Hai Bay, not far from the main street, between the Winter and Summer shopping centers. It is a small square, along the perimeter of which there are several cafes, tables are located closer to the center of the square, and in the very center there is a stage. The food area is open in the evenings.
The exact location on the map can be found here.
I started my story from this place, as it is quite popular among tourists. It's great to sit here in the evening, eat ice cream, and enjoy a concert (I recommend visiting). But I cannot recommend it as a place for lunch or dinner, for the simple reason that the food here is not tasty.
Yes, there is a large selection of dishes here. Yes, the dishes are relatively inexpensive. But I didn't like anything here:
- chicken kebabs - the meat doesn’t look like chicken at all, it’s scary to even imagine what it was made from (10 yuan per skewer),
- tofu fried in soy sauce - too salty (8 yuan per piece).
The rolls with bacon and mushrooms tasted tolerable, but I also can’t say they were “delicious.”
In addition, before the trip, we knew from other tourists that it is better not to take rice or pasta dishes with meat in the square, since there will be very little meat there, and the beef is not always fried. So this rule was confirmed not only for this place, but also for some others (we’ll talk about them later). Such dishes cost from 25 yuan to about 60 yuan.
Let's just say that if I were very hungry, I wouldn't have the strength to go to another cafe, then I would take rice with vegetables and some greens here.
In general, it’s worth going here to try fried ice cream. It is prepared at a kiosk on the corner:
It's simply unreal! I highly recommend him to everyone.
For anyone who doesn't know, I'll briefly explain how it's prepared. First, take fruits (of your choice) and blend them in a blender. Ready mixture poured into a special bowl, which is cooled from below. The mixture begins to freeze; stir it with a spatula so that it freezes evenly. After some time, when the mixture is completely frozen, put it in a glass.
This pleasure costs 20 yuan. It doesn't look very presentable, but it's really very tasty.
Here you can also buy a fruit cocktail, that is, the fruit is simply blended in a blender. It will cost 18 yuan:
I repeat once again that it is very tasty and you should definitely try it.
A quick summary: you shouldn't dine in the food square, but you can taste great ice cream and listen to good music.
2. Chinese cafe
See the exact location on the map at this link.
It can be found by the green walls, red sign and waiters in skullcaps:
Here you can try Chinese dishes consisting of pasta or rice with various additives of your choice: meat, vegetables and sauces.
Menu with pictures, staff speaks some English.
There is a very important point, which generally applies to all cafes and restaurants in China: the dish you order may turn out to be simply unrealistically spicy. So spicy that you won't be able to eat it.
Therefore, when ordering, be sure to indicate that the dish is not spicy. This can be done using words to visit China. Just print it out before your trip or save it on your phone and take it with you everywhere.
I found the food here to be quite tasty, I love the different sauces. The only thing I would advise is to take dishes with chicken, as all other types of meat may seem tough.
The portions are large: a plate with a mountain. average cost rice or pasta dishes with meat, vegetables and sauces - 20 yuan. We ate there for 45 yuan as a couple along with drinks.
3. Frog Cafe
Yes, there is a restaurant in Sanya where you can try frog dish. It is located in the Pineapple shopping center in Da Dong Hai Bay, which was already mentioned above. This shopping center looks like a pineapple from the outside (who would have thought), I marked its location on the map.
In general, I really liked this shopping center, there is a lot of interesting things there, and on the 4th floor there are simply countless cafes and restaurants. So even if you don’t want to go specifically to the cafe with frogs, still visit this place. I am sure that you will find a restaurant with high quality and very tasty Chinese food for yourself.
We didn't intend to go to this cafe. We were just walking by, and I saw unrealistically huge (!!!) portions on the visitors’ tables. Imagine a baking tray for baking something in the oven, so deep, with high sides. Now divide it in half - this will be the size of the plate. And on such a plate there is simply a mountain of meat and vegetables.
We couldn't pass by. We spent a very long time communicating with the waiters through a translator, trying to find out what this or that dish was made from. In the end it turned out that there were dishes of frog, chicken and shrimp.
We decided not to risk it and ordered a chicken dish. It turned out to be not as big as the frog dishes, but still not small either. We ordered a small plate of rice and drinks to go with it. Along with all this, they brought us watermelons and a pot of tea for free.
All this fun cost about 140 yuan. It was very tasty: the meat was well fried, the broth was rich. I recommend.
Prices can be found in the menu:
I would like to explain why we did not order frog dishes. The fact is that the Chinese cook meat differently than we are used to. For example, they do not cut chicken into legs, wings, thighs and fillets. They simply take a large, heavy knife and chop the chicken carcass into pieces, right with all the bones, skin and even paws.
That is, when you catch a piece of chicken, it will not be pure meat, but a bone with meat and cartilage, for example. And here a chicken paw can float. This is the feature Chinese cuisine(of course, there are exceptions, which will be discussed later).
But while a chicken paw can still be easily tolerated in a dish, I’m not entirely sure about a frog’s paw. So we decided to take something more familiar. And now, to be honest, I regret a little that I didn’t dare try it. For some reason I think it would be delicious.
You can find this cafe on the fourth floor. From the escalator you need to go through a corridor and at the end of it there will be a sign like this:
4. Shopping center "Pineapple"
As I said above, there are many cafes and restaurants in Pineapple. Upon entering the shopping center, we were given promotional brochures several times. I'll post them below so you can evaluate the dishes and their costs.
There is also a rather unusual cafe on the fourth floor of the Pineapple shopping center: it can be recognized by the benches that stand at the entrance to it. That is, the cafe is so crowded that the Chinese (we didn’t see any Russians there) are sitting and waiting for a seat to become available.
Guys, I’ll tell you honestly, I’ve never seen such huge plates anywhere (even in a frog restaurant). My salad bowls are smaller than these plates.
As a result, as far as we understood from talking with the waitress, in this cafe you only need to pay about 50 yuan for the entrance, and you can eat as much as you want. And the food is very spicy. This is all not accurate, since we communicated literally on our fingers, but just keep in mind that such establishments do exist.
5. Hotel restaurant
Each hotel has its own restaurant. Many people think that eating there is very expensive, although this is not always the case. I definitely recommend stopping by there, you can even stop by before opening to just study the menu: often the prices for the dishes are quite reasonable, and the service will be excellent.
For example, in a hotel restaurant Hawaii Hotel we ordered spicy duck (96 yuan) and dumplings (38 yuan). Juice (with spicy duck we drank 2 liters) - no more than 10 yuan.
The duck is constantly heated from below:
Prices for meals at this restaurant start at approximately 30 yuan.
The duck turned out to be VERY spicy, so if you want to go hardcore, go ahead! The dumplings are delicious, I recommend them to everyone.
The restaurant, by the way, is located on the second floor of the hotel:
6. Cafe with hairy food
There is one fairly popular place in Da Dong Hai Bay not far from the beach, but the food there is simply disgusting! Not because it’s tasteless (although they also let us down in this regard), but because both times we were there, there was someone else’s hair in my food!!! Well, one time they gave me a dirty spoon...
This is the establishment:
The portions there are huge, prices for dishes start from 20 yuan.
But the quality of the food is poor. If you take any meat other than chicken, be prepared for the fact that it will most likely not be cooked and there will be very little of it.
7. Fast food
We generally believe that McDonald's or any similar place sells only burgers and soda that is harmful to the stomach. But in China the traditions are so strong that in every McDuck and other similar establishments you can buy a full dish of rice, meat and vegetables.
For example, in the local fast food Dicos ( see the position on the map here) we had a very tasty and very inexpensive dinner. The cafe is located on the second floor:
The smallest cell of the plate contains the spicy component. That is, they don’t initially prepare you spicy food, but give you a choice, which, in my opinion, is just wonderful.
The food is delicious, the meat is boneless and cooked very well.
And one time we ran in to McDonald's on the pedestrian street, where we also ordered rice with chicken. Prices are approximately the same. There is a lot of meat, but, in my opinion, not enough sauce.
In general, if you need a quick, relatively inexpensive meal without surprises, you can stop by here.
One time, out of curiosity, we decided to order a local chicken burger at Dicos (13 yuan). Who would have thought that it could be SO spicy! So be careful)
8. Cafe in Yalong Bay
Fruits
It is best to buy fruits in two places. The first of these is markets.
All markets, large and small, are a must. Since there I tell you which of them you can buy fruits inexpensively, and where it’s better not to buy them because of the astronomical prices.
Second a good place- street vendors. On the central streets you may meet Chinese women who will offer “mango” and “banana” to all passers-by. Their fruits are very tasty and ripe. Prices may be a little higher than in the markets, but if you meet such a Chinese woman in the evening, you can buy her latest product at a very good price.
And these are the approximate prices for fruits (prices are indicated per half a kilo):
- pineapples - 4 yuan
- mango - 5-6 yuan
- tangerines - 4 yuan
- lychee – 6 yuan
- dragon fruit, pitahaya - 4 yuan
- coconuts - 10 yuan per piece
Prices may fluctuate slightly, don't forget to bargain.
Ice cream
I already talked about ice cream above, but I just can’t help but put it in a separate chapter. This is a MUST try in Hainan. This is delicious.
Ice cream is made from fresh fruit. First, beat them in a blender until smooth. Then the resulting mixture is poured into a special freezing bowl. After complete freezing, the mixture is poured into a glass.
You can buy it at the food market: at the very first kiosk. Costs 20 yuan.
I admit, I was ready to eat it every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Food in supermarkets
There is a chain of supermarkets in Sanya; you can find them literally at every step and even more often. I cannot say what they are called, since the name is written only in hieroglyphs. Typically, their design is dominated by green color.
You can buy literally everything there. If you find yourself in a large location, you can walk around as if in a museum and be amazed at the huge variety of products that are sold in very limited quantities. For example, an entire department could be dedicated to doshiraki or soy sauce. You may find unusual products that are not sold here.
Prices are very different for everything. For example, we bought at way back cookies (very useful, by the way): 1.5 - 2.5 yuan per pack:
Dairy products are very expensive - sour cream is 35 yuan per jar. But there is a lot of other and inexpensive things here. In one supermarket I photographed a stand with promotional products (don’t forget that the cost of products is indicated per half a kilo):
Drinks cost 3 - 5 yuan per 0.5 liter bottle.
So, here are the 2 largest and most interesting food supermarkets.
1. Underground food supermarket
In Sanya they no longer know where else to build anything, so they decided to bury themselves underground. Under the busiest street in the city, next to the pedestrian street, there is a supermarket located on the minus second floor.
You can go down into it by elevator, which is located right next to the roadway and is a separate building. The elevator is located approximately here - see location on map.
On the minus second floor there is an entire underground street, on one side of which there is a parking lot where taxis are waiting.
And on the other side there is a shopping center, which smoothly turns into a huge supermarket, where there is almost any food.
I took a few shots. Baking and sweets:
Seafood:
Crabs from 50 yuan per half kilo:
Hedgehogs from 3 yuan per piece, shells about 20 yuan per half kilo:
148 yuan per half kilo:
Bread - from 1.5 yuan,
Coconut milk - 3.5 yuan per jar,
Candy - from 8.5 yuan per box,
Fruits are a little more expensive than on the market.
2. Supermarket food in "Pineapple"
On the second floor shopping center"A pineapple" there is a big supermarket. At the entrance to the store there are clothes hanging, so it is not very clear that this is a food store.
There are also a lot of interesting things here, you can buy gifts.
The prices are about the same as in the first supermarket, so I don’t see any point in listing them.
About breakfast at the hotel
Finishing the topic of food, I would like to talk about the breakfasts that take place in hotels. I can’t speak for all hotels, since we were only in two (and both of them were 4 stars), but still.
Don't expect luxurious and varied breakfasts.
Be prepared that the breakfast food may disappoint you. For example, soy sausages may be unnaturally red, some may seem unsalted, some too fatty. We didn't have coffee at all, tea instead, coconut milk and juice.
Breakfasts are also not varied in variety: most likely, they will be the same every day.
My advice is: try a little of everything and find what you like. For example, I really liked dumplings, stewed tomatoes with eggs, green tea and cotton cheesecake (very tasty).
Don't put a lot of food on your plate at once if you haven't tried it yet. Food may not taste at all what it seems.
Dear friends, I hope that this article was useful to you, and now you are a little oriented on the cost of groceries and food in a cafe.
I wish you a wonderful holiday and incredible gastronomic discoveries. And that’s all for today, bye everyone!
Sincerely, Elena.
The owners of almost every modern Chinese bar, cafe or restaurant with a European twist consider it obligatory to include in the menu not only hipster macchiatos, smoothies, mojitos, craft beer and cheesecakes of all kinds, but also long Arabic hookahs with tobacco, which rise intricately above the tables, as a rule. , fruity taste. The newspaper asked how long ago and in what form have the Chinese known hookah, and how is the hookah business controlled? And is this a business?
Hookah (水烟), not only as a way of smoking tobacco, but also as an object of art and a reason for communication, has been known in China since the Ming Dynasty, a period of active development of shipping and trade. By the time of the classic Romance of the Three Kingdoms, in which the hero Zhuge Liang tries a hookah offered to him by a hermit, it had already spread widely in the regions of Gansu and Guangxi.
Thanks to international contacts and profits from sales, tobacco began to be grown on an industrial scale in China, and smoking became commonplace. Hookahs from Lanzhou (兰州水烟) and Shaanxi (陕西水烟) have gained particular popularity among the population. The Arabic hookah (阿拉伯水烟), which appeared in India in the 13th century, began to spread in China, Japan and the Middle East from the 16th century. Hookah bowls were then made from coconut or bamboo shells, and the smoke was black.
Despite the fact that the Chinese consider Yunnan with its smoking pipes to be the region with the richest hookah culture, the most famous among the Chinese is the Lanzhou hookah, in which shag tobacco (黄花烟) is smoked. Lanzhou is located near the Yellow River, surrounded by mountains, local soils rich in chalk and potassium, and are perfect for cultivating tobacco.
Lanzhou hookah. Photo: bbs.sssc.cn
In Gansu province, tobacco production is approximately 10 million tons per year; the province's tobacco plantations account for 43% of the area of all tobacco plantations in China. Here tobacco leaf is the main product: it accounts for about 67% of the province’s total annual trade turnover. The sales market covers northeast China, Tibet and Xinjiang, as well as Guangdong and Guangxi.
At the beginning of the 19th century, there were only about 140 companies in the world creating smoking devices similar to the Lanzhou hookah. The production of Lanzhou hookahs is a costly business with low emissions. Produced by hand, they were delivered along bad roads, far away and, again, expensive. As a result, the buyer received an overpriced product. So, initially the buyers of hookahs were local wealthy merchants and officials, because the pleasure was not cheap. During the Qing era, things improved for the craftsmen, production became simpler: smoking vessels and tobacco became available laobaixinam. Now one could often see a man with a hookah in tea shops, and security guards, fishermen and sellers in shops especially loved him.
After the 30s of the 20th century, the hookah business, closely connected with the cultivation of tobacco, and therefore with climatic conditions, which were completely unfavorable, began to suffer significant losses. Due to washed out and unrepaired roads and constantly disrupted deliveries, transportation has practically ceased. Hostilities people's army and the Japanese also dictated their terms and influenced deliveries. For example, during one of the attacks, about 840 tons of tobacco leaves were completely burned, which resulted in losses of more than 1 million silver coins.
Workshop for the production of tobacco for Lanzhou hookah. Photo: mt.sohu.com
In 1956, 22 hookah and tobacco companies located in Lanzhou merged into a concern, forming a local monopoly. Today, the largest and most successful companies are located in Xi'an, Shanghai, Nantong (南通) and Suzhou, with large branches in Hankou (汉口), Tianjin, Baotou (包头), Luoyang (洛阳), Taiyuan (太原), Chengdu, Chongqing, Beijing and other cities.
After the 80s, the already shaky reputation of hookah fell completely, including due to the fact that the Chinese tried in many ways to imitate visiting Europeans, who preferred cigarettes and cigars to hookah. Among city dwellers, hookah became associated with the countryside, poverty and devastation. According to the owners of establishments where they serve hookah, such a business is still spectacular today, but for the Chinese it has absolutely no status, and is also far from the most profitable.
But there is hope for the revival of hookah smoking culture. The tobacco used in Lanzhou hookah, due to its chemical properties is recognized by Chinese medicine as a remedy: in addition to negative influence on the body, in small doses and with low concentrations of nicotine, it also has some positive effect. In the end, smoking hookah in China is becoming stylish and fashionable again, because Chinese hipsters are greedy for everything retro, enjoy visiting the few hookah bars and little by little popularizing the culture of hookah smoking.
However, until now, buyers of hookah mixtures in China are, for the most part, villagers with low incomes: fishermen, field workers, shepherds. Foreign smoking mixtures and coal are practically not represented on the market, where compositions for Lanzhou hookah dominate. The vast majority of tobacco is sold where it is produced.
According to official statistics, the Lanzhou hookah market numbers more than 1 million people, who annually purchase from 1 to 1.5 million kilograms of tobacco mixtures. The prospect of increasing the market for tobacco products and collecting taxes on the sale of various smoking accessories and tobacco is pushing the government to encourage the development of the tobacco business, including the hookah business.
Arabic hookah in pop culture. Photo: maiyanju.com
Unlike the completely legal Lanzhou hookah, the Arabic hookah in China is legally in a borderline position, not being classified as either a legal or illegal method of smoking. The production of tobacco for smoking Arabic hookah in China, its transportation and sale must be accompanied by the appropriate permits from the competent authorities, just as in the case of other products of the tobacco industry. Since tobacco for Arabic hookah is practically not produced in China, and imports do not reach it industrial scale, then the control scheme in this case is extremely blurred.
When running such a business, owners are faced with the problem of compliance with documentation for tobacco mixtures produced abroad and brought to China in relation to Chinese legislation, which often has local requirements. When organizing such a business, it becomes extremely important to follow the rules fire safety, and recommendations of regulatory authorities. The law may have claims against a hookah bar if prohibited substances and substances hazardous to health are added to tobacco.
So, despite the fact that in fact, tobacco and hookah accessories in the vast majority of establishments are supplied by companies from the Middle East, in order to avoid problems with documents, tobacco and tools are officially registered with them
The tropical island of Hainan is located in southern China, at the same latitude as Hawaii, which is why many call it the “Hawaii of the East.” The area of the island is about 35,000 km². Sanya is the most Southern City on an island with five bays South China Sea. Well, we are located in the paradise Dadonghai Bay - on the calmest and cleanest beach in China. The climate is warm and pleasant with very clean air.
Arriving on this wonderful island, we plunged into the amazing atmosphere of the East. The Chinese differ from Westerners in their worldview, behavior, reactions, preferences. Everywhere we go we can hear the Chinese people, they are very loud and chatty! Especially considering that we were in the midst of the Chinese New Year celebration, which lasts for two weeks. Just at this time, wealthy Chinese go to soak up the magnificent sands of Hainan Island. During the day it is almost impossible to find accommodation on the beach.
I want to tell you about the hotel - it was very remarkable. Entering the foyer, you already find yourself either in a royal palace, or in a magnificent Concert Hall; you can’t even immediately tell from the emotions that took you by surprise.
At a time when the bulk of vacationers were on the beach, the inhabitants of the Middle Kingdom love big water, we relaxed by the pool, located above the second floor of the hotel, framed by a tropical green garden. The access to the sea was also original - right from the second floor you enter a tunnel, and crossing it, an escalator staircase takes you to the beach itself.
No matter how skeptical everything may sound, the Chinese know how to create beauty, and on such a holiday - God himself commanded it! Every evening, crowds of people that could not be squeezed through during the day gathered on the same beach, and thousands of flickering lanterns soared into the sky, candles were lit on the sand, and hotels competed in the splendor of their fireworks.
Well, the most grandiose thing that was in the hotel was the Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine “Garden of Longevity”, which made it possible to perfectly combine treatment and relaxation. Many celebrities have had consultations with Dr. Lee Russian show business. They offer infusion treatment, acupuncture, and spa treatments. The best massage of my life was given to me by a Chinese young man named Igor.
In the mornings, the creator of our mood was a very sweet girl. Upon entering the restaurant, she greeted everyone with the warmth of her smile, and us with a personal “Hello.”
It is common knowledge that China is famous for its teas. Whenever we passed by a tea shop, we were always invited to come in, have a mini-tea ceremony and treat ourselves to some tea. It was impossible to refuse, it was impolite, and the ritual itself was hypnotizing. A wonderful tradition! And every time you try something new, you end up buying it. Several years later, we still drink tea brought from there, excellent packaging!
On the topic of beauty and sophistication, I’ll tell you about the wonderful thermal springs- Nantian. There was a free bus from our hotel, it would have been a sin not to go. Plunging into the atmosphere of this tropical paradise, believe me, you won’t want to leave there. What the territory of the springs represents is a 5-star complex, with more than 30 thermal pools: from ice-cold to scalding, with various fillings and seasonings - wine, coffee, coconut milk - and you can plunge into all of this! For example, a tea pool with a huge teapot pouring water on you from above.
Children can have fun in the water park under open air. And, of course, how would it be without fish! Fish peeling is the most popular pool, one might say - an attraction where schools of fish surround you and entertain you, benefiting yourself and people.
The host was great! Transfer - no complaints. Everything is on time and efficiently. A local escort met us at the hotel and introduced himself as Lesha in very broken Russian. I would like to note that both hotel and tour guides are very respectful of their work and do not show off. After listing the excursions, I wanted to visit a transvestite show. Having warned that on the day we had chosen, the show would be held only in Chinese, Lesha, out of the kindness of his heart and at his own expense, offered himself as an accompanying translator. Well, not well done?!
90 km from the city of Sanya is the island of monkeys, where they live in wild environment, and you are only a guest there. This is the largest island-type nursery in China. I’ll say right away that monkeys are arrogant people. You need to always be on guard, they can steal your bag and everything that they can take away will be difficult to take away - they snarl and bite. On the territory there is a first aid post with a rather large queue, but only a few remain bitten; everything turned out fine for us. For particularly aggressive pranksters, there is a local monkey prison, where they can sit and think about their behavior, and what cute kids they were
In addition to the “savages,” trained animals also live there and perform funny and sometimes stunning shows.
One of the most visited places in Hainan is the Nanshan Buddhist Center. During national holidays, Chinese Buddhists go to the temple to pray and kneel before the goddess Guanyin, and also light a candle, their candles are slightly different from ours.
The territory of the center is huge and picturesque, but the main place where all tourists flock is the 108-meter three-faced statue of the Goddess Guanyin, located right in the sea. One face faces the interior of the island and the other two face the South China Sea to represent the blessing and protection of Guanyin from China and the world.
In general, the Chinese are, of course, unique, even the way they transport food. We have never seen this before. Unfortunately, I can’t demonstrate this clearly; I didn’t have a camera at hand. Imagine a small truck, open at the back, from which very tightly packed cucumbers stick out so that only their asses stick out. I would like to learn how to pack a suitcase from them!
A feature characteristic of Chinese residents, developed over the years, passed on from generation to generation, does not allow them to maintain cleanliness around them. There is a lot of stuff lying around street cafes, and when they eat there, it’s quite normal to throw garbage under the table. Another one of characteristic features Chinese - this is an absolute disregard for the rules traffic, you must cross the road very carefully. Just because the traffic light is green does not mean that they will let you through! But, despite these shortcomings, organization is not alien to the Chinese.
Examples are daily exercises in the central square of Dadonghai Bay, which have already become a tradition. In the evening, residents walk along the embankment with their children, inventing games, various contests and even competitions. In addition, feeding Japanese Kyo carp from baby bottles in a small pond in the bay can be an interesting pastime.
To summarize, it should be said that a holiday in Hainan cannot be boring and monotonous - in addition to the luxurious beaches here a large number of a variety of cafes, restaurants, interesting shopping arcades and tea shops. By the way, regarding the latter, as a gift, the hotel organized for us dinner at a beach restaurant with a buffet, where you could choose all sorts of sea delicacies, which they would immediately prepare for you.
Now Hainan is synonymous with elite beach holiday. Can one imagine that this was once a place of exile, even for wealthy nobles. Everyone will find something to their liking here! The best way is to fly to Hainan and see everything with your own eyes, which is what I sincerely wish for you!
In addition to the indescribable nature of Hainan Island and have a great holiday, its visitors are pleased with restaurants and bars with a varied cuisine. Many travelers go to this amazing country not only for the gentle sun and blue sea, but also to taste many world-famous Chinese dishes.
Even in Russia, thanks to the Internet, you can decide on the restaurants and bars that you plan to visit on vacation. You can go to their website, find out their cuisine, the menu offered and prices, thereby determining your budget.
In the island's restaurants, holidaymakers can taste dishes that are known throughout the world and are considered purely Chinese, for example: Peking duck. But you can also find dishes on the menu that are unique to Hainan Island. This includes Dongshan goat meat, Wenchang chicken with spices, and Hele crabs with garlic sauce.
When you visit a seafood restaurant on Hainan Island, you can order dishes prepared according to the recipes of this area. At the entrance, as a rule, such restaurants have aquariums with Marine life offered on the menu. The restaurant's signature dish is raw lobster meat with a special sauce. Gourmets here can taste shark fins, moray eels, shellfish, shrimp, lamprey and other delicious seafood.
How much does dinner cost on Hainan Island?
It will be useful for vacationers to know that all restaurants in Hainan sell seafood dishes by weight. Regardless of the method of their preparation.
The price for 500 grams of the ordered dish is often indicated on the aquarium. You can calculate how much dinner will cost in advance if you see how the desired sea creature is taken out of the aquarium and weighed.
There are also many establishments with reasonable prices, where in just a few minutes, visitors will be prepared and served kebabs of fish, meat or vegetables on skewers. Many vacationers prefer such hearty food.
It is worth noting that it is impossible to give a clear answer to the question about the price of food on the island. The price is affected by what part of Hainan the establishment is located.
For example, in Yalongwan, given that the restaurants here are located at hotels, you will have to pay an average of $20 for a meal. At the resorts of Dadonghai and Sanya, it is possible to find a place for dinner or lunch near the hotel. Prices in cafes, bars and restaurants are quite affordable. And ordering a dish may well cost about $10.
It is worth noting that vacationers from Russia do not need to worry that the waiters may not understand them. In Hainan, everything has been done so that holidaymakers do not need anything, and the Russian-speaking staff will understand all orders and requests. There is a restaurant where the waiters and cooks come from Russian-speaking countries.
You can even arrive on the island and not feel that this is Asia if you order the usual dumplings and borscht. Most cafes and restaurants offer Russian-language menus.
How to choose a restaurant, cafe, or other establishment in Hainan
In order to decide which restaurant, bar or cafe to go to for dinner, the easiest way is to understand what kind of cuisine you want to try.
Hainan offers a choice of Russian, Chinese, Japanese, European, American, Mediterranean, Indian, German, Thai and many other cuisines that can be tried in hundreds of establishments.