“The beauty of this world lies in the vibrant green hills, the faint glimmer of starlight, the gentle patter of autumn rain, and the soft, whispered murmurs.”

“Not at all—far, far away. Listen as I tell you.”

“How can you be so sure?”

“The lush greenery of Sanya Bay, layered waves, and the gentle evening breeze—all come into full view.”

“And facing the sea, the flowers have bloomed—so have we.”

In the year of Ji-Hai, during the spring of Geng-Zi, a great epidemic swept through Jing and Chu, infecting tens of thousands. After little more than a month, the epidemic was brought under control, and victory was ultimately achieved.

The most profound experience of 2020 was undoubtedly the entire nation coming together as one to overcome unprecedented challenges. Every time we reflect on it, our hearts are filled with deep emotion and countless thoughts. For each of us, it has reinforced the realization that life, though ordinary, is truly precious; that even the simplest moments can be profoundly beautiful. It is only after enduring hardship that we come to truly appreciate the gift of peaceful, serene days. And this “leisurely journey riding the waves” has allowed us to savor just how radiant a smile turned toward the sea can be—and how exhilarating it feels to cheer together in unison. Shanghai EK’s 2020 annual team-building event is truly worth revisiting!

The First Stop Full of Excitement—Bring Your Gear, But Don’t Look Too Cool!

We let the gentle lapping of the waves serve as our alarm clock, and the lush, vibrant greenery all around become the perfect prelude to wake up our spirits. Our first stop upon arriving in Sanya was Yalong Bay Tropical Paradise Forest Park—after a night of restful recovery, brimming with enthusiasm and anticipation, we headed straight there under the bright sunshine and the pleasantly warm sea breeze. Yalong Bay Forest Park is Hainan Province’s very first coastal mountain eco-tourism and resort-style forest park. The scenery is breathtakingly beautiful and utterly inviting. The plant diversity is astounding—truly a “forest oxygen bar”! Together, we took on the “jungle trek” for a bit of “light thrills” (okay, we’re just too adventurous to be scared at all), but the gear was seriously professional and stylish—check out this pose! We also enjoyed a short hike across the “internet-famous glass bridge”—wow, the view over the sea is truly expansive, and it leaves you feeling relaxed and at ease. And then there’s the “natural Maitreya Buddha statue”—that massive rock formation is simply awe-inspiring, but I can tell I’m destined for Buddhist blessings! Not to mention the Rainbow Staircase, the “Sea-Drying Stone,” the “Flying Dragon” that guards Hainan’s feng shui—and before lunch, we even savored some locally renowned coffee.

High mountains and beautiful scenery, surrounded by lush greenery—Rating: ★★★★★

The second stop, brimming with enthusiasm—the seawater is really, really, really salty!

If the first leg of our journey left us a bit weary, the moment we reached the seaside instantly transformed us into “energetic young folks” once again! As the “representative of the super-energetic newbie” who’d never seen the sea before, I can picture in my mind an endless expanse of scorching sand where the horizon meets the sky and gentle waves ripple in emerald green. And guess what? The actual sea really did look just like that! From initial laziness and exhaustion to later bursts of running and surfing, everyone wholeheartedly embraced the ocean’s embrace. That day, we all stumbled while running—and time and again, we stood back up against the wind and waves (well, to put it more elegantly, the waves were simply too big!).

“I can tell you how to play this game.”

A beach volleyball match meticulously organized by the team captain drew enthusiastic participation from several foreign ladies and quickly ignited the excitement of other visitors. What began as a friendly game among “Team 3-1-5” soon turned into a hilarious, all-out free-for-all, with one team swelling to more than a dozen players at its peak. Laughter and cheerful chatter filled the air without end!

When the forest is deep, one sees deer; when the sea is blue, one sees whales.

“Did you see the whale?”

“I’ve seen whales on TV. But the breathtaking scenery stays in my eyes, and the joy remains in my heart.”

Azure sea and blue sky—the water is really salty—Rating: ★★★★★★

The Third Stop of the Bonfire Gala—Let’s Rock the Beach “Wild Disco”!

“A song dedicated to everyone for ten years.”

As our beautiful singing first echoed across Hainan Island, more than 270 audience members erupted in applause. The beach bonfire gala then kicked off, propelled by the host’s dynamic energy and the crowd’s enthusiastic cheers and eager anticipation. The joyful atmosphere on site steadily built as the two teams competed in a series of talent showcases. Our team was led by a friend from Harbin, with me serving as the deputy captain, both working tirelessly to brainstorm ideas. Two handsome, responsible colleagues even took the stage one after another, transforming into powerhouse vocalists in the quest for collective glory. When our team captain unveiled his signature act—drinking beer straight from an iron basin—he ignited the audience’s passion and brought the event to a thrilling climax. (I’m guessing that if we’d measured decibels, we would’ve definitely won!)

Later, the beach “wild disco” under the glow of the bonfire and neon lights once again sent everyone’s spirits soaring to a fever pitch. Everyone let loose and fully relaxed in the joyous atmosphere, swaying and grooving together. This brought to mind the “Dance Queen of the Beach”—Niu Niu, that whirlwind of a woman...

A shaking beer glass, feeling energized as if pumped full of adrenaline—Rating: ★★★★★★

The Fourth Stop in the Beach Chase—Once You’re in the Water, It’s All About Having Fun!

The gentle morning rain was an unexpected delight. Seated in the hotel’s outdoor restaurant, I gazed at the distant coconut grove, listened to the rhythmic lapping of the waves, and watched as raindrops plopped into the pool, sending ripples spreading outward in concentric circles. In a hazy, dreamlike state, it felt as though time itself had slipped away.

After a brief rest following lunch, we headed to the beach just a short walk from the hotel, where the fun “battle” kicked off once again. As soon as I was hoisted onto someone’s shoulders and tossed into the water, a flurry of surprise attacks and playful captures erupted one after another, reigniting the joyful atmosphere. No one could escape—either you bravely stepped in yourself, facing the challenge of diving into the waves, or you were boldly thrown in by groups of three or five (though the more rugged treatment was usually reserved for our male colleagues). Our thoughtful service ensured there was plenty of choice for everyone. When the final two rounds of “Save the Princess” came to an end, everyone reluctantly made their way back to the hotel, covered in sand and sweat, ready to gear up for the next stop!

Running into the water with the wind at your back—that’s the direction! — Rating: ★★★★★★

The Fifth Stop on the Journey of Riding the Waves—Stealing Half a Day of “Drifting” in Life

With three big bags brimming with snacks, everyone set off on their very own exclusive luxury cruise, full of anticipation. The ship features a compact, three-dimensional villa-style design, offering 360-degree panoramic views, expansive floor-to-ceiling skylights, and a host of luxurious leisure amenities... Well, you get the idea! The journey began with the wind at our backs and the waves beneath us—standing boldly at the bow, facing the open sea, arms wide, raising our glasses in toast. It was as if the mountains themselves were coming to meet us; the sheer, majestic feeling was overwhelming. Yet, as always, the story ends with a touch of bittersweetness: the seas were rough, and a few colleagues got seasick. Perhaps it’s precisely those lingering regrets that make the memories all the more vivid. After all, even the dizziness didn’t dampen our evening feast of sumptuous seafood!

Whether it was the seafood stall on our first night in Sanya, sharing drinks, lively conversation, and games in our room, or the lavish seafood feast on the eve of our departure, everyone was genuinely joyful and happy from the bottom of their hearts. A smile kept hidden within is the joy of contentment; a smile worn on the face is the happiness of living fully!

Sailing through the mighty winds and waves, raising our cups to sing—Rating: ★★★★★

Afterword

The world is never short of beauty; what it lacks are eyes that can truly see it. The starry sky glows with fiery passion, while the bright moon casts a cool, serene glow. This trip to Sanya was brief yet profoundly fulfilling. Amidst emerald waters and verdant mountains, filled with laughter and joy, everyone’s mind and body were thoroughly relaxed, and the fatigue of work melted away in an instant. Through team-building activities, united in purpose and working hand in hand, the EK team’s cohesion and the bonds among colleagues were strengthened once again. With each new departure, each new experience, and each new collaboration, though the journey may come to an end, our steps never truly pause. Taking a deep breath, we feel invigorated and ready to go. We pack our bags anew, brimming with determination and enthusiasm, fully energized and prepared to tackle tomorrow’s tasks with unwavering vigor.

To be continued—let’s move forward together; EK is always on the journey! Woohoo!