Imagine waking up surrounded by the misty waters of Hainan, stepping onto narrow wooden walkways that connect a maze of floating huts. This is the daily reality for the Tanka community in Lingshui Li Autonomous County—the Chinese mainland’s largest group of 'sea nomads.' 🏠🌊
For more than 500 years, Tanka families have lived and worked on fish-breeding rafts at Xincun fishing port. Each dawn, fishermen return through the haze, unloading nets brimming with fresh seafood. Their traditions, passed down across generations, still pulse through the rhythm of daily life. 🐟✨
But this year, the Tanka are blending old with new. Bed-and-breakfast experiences now welcome curious travelers to join in: taste authentic seafood straight from the rafts, cast a line alongside local anglers, and learn age-old songs and crafts that tell stories of life at sea. It’s a cultural dive you won’t find anywhere else! 🎣🥢
Whether you’re a student studying coastal cultures, an adventurer chasing offbeat destinations, or an entrepreneur eyeing sustainable tourism, Lingshui’s sea nomads have a tale to share. Ready to set sail? Pack your sense of wonder and discover the floating world of the Tanka! 🚤🌅
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
