Overseas Chinese influence culture, lifestyle in Wenchang, China's Hainan

Abstract : Wenchang in south China's Hainan is a renowned hometown of overseas Chinese, where cultures brought back by overseas Chinese from Southeast Asia have merged with the indigenous ones to form some very interesting customs in diet and entertainment.

This photo taken on May 16, 2026 shows envelop cakes at a store in Wenchang, south China's Hainan Province. Envelope cakes, a light yellow pancake made of eggs, shredded coconut, glutinous rice, and sesame, got its name for their resemblance to envelopes. Wenchang in south China's Hainan is a renowned hometown of overseas Chinese, where cultures brought back by overseas Chinese from Southeast Asia have merged with the indigenous ones to form some very interesting customs in diet and entertainment.

The influence of overseas Chinese is evident throughout Wenchang. Visitors can see southeast Asian-style arcade buildings and various schools donated by overseas Chinese. Specialties such as coffee, pandan cakes, envelope cakes, and Laobacha drinks have also flourished here. Surprising to many, volleyball, a sport popular among locals, was initially introduced here by overseas Chinese as well. (Xinhua/Pu Xiaoxu)

This photo taken on May 13, 2026 shows rows of Qilou, or arcade buildings, in Wenchang, south China's Hainan Province. Wenchang in south China's Hainan is a renowned hometown of overseas Chinese, where cultures brought back by overseas Chinese from Southeast Asia have merged with the indigenous ones to form some very interesting customs in diet and entertainment.

This photo taken on May 16, 2026 shows snacks at a Laobacha store in Wenchang, south China's Hainan Province. Laobacha is a beloved Hainan tradition where locals gather over fragrant tea, savory snacks, and leisurely chat. Wenchang in south China's Hainan is a renowned hometown of overseas Chinese, where cultures brought back by overseas Chinese from Southeast Asia have merged with the indigenous ones to form some very interesting customs in diet and entertainment.

This photo taken on May 15, 2026 shows coffee beans grown in Paicheng Village, Wenchang, south China's Hainan Province. Coffee-making is a distinctive pillar industry in Paicheng Village. Wenchang in south China's Hainan is a renowned hometown of overseas Chinese, where cultures brought back by overseas Chinese from Southeast Asia have merged with the indigenous ones to form some very interesting customs in diet and entertainment.

A staff member brews coffee at a cafe in Wenchang, south China's Hainan Province, May 15, 2026. Wenchang in south China's Hainan is a renowned hometown of overseas Chinese, where cultures brought back by overseas Chinese from Southeast Asia have merged with the indigenous ones to form some very interesting customs in diet and entertainment.

People watch a volleyball match at Longlou Town, Wenchang, south China's Hainan Province, July 1, 2023. Wenchang in south China's Hainan is a renowned hometown of overseas Chinese, where cultures brought back by overseas Chinese from Southeast Asia have merged with the indigenous ones to form some very interesting customs in diet and entertainment.

This photo taken on May 12, 2026 shows rows of Qilou, or arcade buildings, in Wenchang, south China's Hainan Province. Wenchang in south China's Hainan is a renowned hometown of overseas Chinese, where cultures brought back by overseas Chinese from Southeast Asia have merged with the indigenous ones to form some very interesting customs in diet and entertainment.

People enjoy Laobacha, a beloved Hainan tradition where locals gather over fragrant tea, savory snacks, and leisurely chat, at a store in Wenchang, south China's Hainan Province, May 17, 2026. Wenchang in south China's Hainan is a renowned hometown of overseas Chinese, where cultures brought back by overseas Chinese from Southeast Asia have merged with the indigenous ones to form some very interesting customs in diet and entertainment.

This photo taken on May 15, 2026 shows the entrance to Maijin Overseas Chinese Elementary School in Wenchang, south China's Hainan Province. Wenchang in south China's Hainan is a renowned hometown of overseas Chinese, where cultures brought back by overseas Chinese from Southeast Asia have merged with the indigenous ones to form some very interesting customs in diet and entertainment.

This photo taken on May 16, 2026 shows pandan cake at a store in Wenchang, south China's Hainan Province. Pandan cake is native to Southeast Asia and was introduced by overseas Chinese. Wenchang in south China's Hainan is a renowned hometown of overseas Chinese, where cultures brought back by overseas Chinese from Southeast Asia have merged with the indigenous ones to form some very interesting customs in diet and entertainment.

This photo taken on May 13, 2026 shows a set of sculptures depicting the return of overseas Chinese from Southeast Asia to their hometown, in Wenchang, south China's Hainan Province, May 13, 2026. Wenchang in south China's Hainan is a renowned hometown of overseas Chinese, where cultures brought back by overseas Chinese from Southeast Asia have merged with the indigenous ones to form some very interesting customs in diet and entertainment.

A man enjoys coffee while having breakfast at a tea cafe in Wenchang, south China's Hainan Province, May 17, 2026. Wenchang in south China's Hainan is a renowned hometown of overseas Chinese, where cultures brought back by overseas Chinese from Southeast Asia have merged with the indigenous ones to form some very interesting customs in diet and entertainment.