Cities across southern China are known for their art of relaxation. Chengdu in Sichuan province is famous for its tea houses, Guangzhou is the birthplace of dim sum, and Haikou in Hainan province has a tradition of chewing betel nuts. While excessive consumption of betel nuts is linked to oral cancer and tooth decay, they are still popular due to their natural high, thanks to the stimulant arecoline. The majority of China’s betel nuts are produced in Hainan, where the warm, humid climate suits the growth of areca palm trees. Despite efforts in other cities to crack down on betel nut sales due to public health concerns, they remain a part of Haikou’s economy. The message about the health risks has not been accepted in Haikou, with one vendor denying any harm from betel nuts. However, the post-pandemic economy has impacted the industry, with a decline in sales. Despite this, there is increasing competition from individuals entering the trade due to limited job opportunities elsewhere. While the betel nut industry is expected to grow with improved technology, it may come at the expense of street-side vendors, according to market research. Additionally, awareness about the health risks of betel nuts may finally be catching on.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/apr/07/highs-lows-china-betel-nut-industry-hainan