China

Hainan is a small subtropical island in the South China Sea with incredible surfing waves between November and March, and a vibrant, growing local surf scene. This colourful scene provides Sam with a privileged insight into the mysteries of Chinese culture, history, and the challenges of the future, from coastal development to pollution, to being cool in modern China. Sam competes in the annual Hainan Open surf contest, a magnet for the local surfers, and feasts on the finest food in Asia.