Under the warm autumn sun, with golden light shimmering across the South China Sea, the CSSCAR team took a break from the busy office life and set off for a two-day team-building trip to Hailing Island in Yangjiang, Guangdong, on October 17-18, 2025. This tranquil seaside island, with its pristine natural beauty, became a stage for laughter, communication, and cherished memories—memories that would linger long after the trip ended.
Hailing Island's scenery felt like a love letter to the sea. On October 17, our first stop was Moon Bay Beach—its sand fine as powdered sugar, warm and soft under the sun, leaving delicate footprints with every step. The sea displayed a gradient of blues: shallow waters near the shore shimmered in light turquoise, gradually deepening into navy blue further out. Gentle waves rolled onto the beach, leaving lace-like layers of white foam. Towering coconut trees stood like guardians, their leaves rustling in the sea breeze, carrying faint scents of salt and distant seafood stalls. We then strolled to a nearby rocky cove, where tidal pools revealed tiny crabs and colorful shells glistening in the sunlight, turning a simple walk into a treasure hunt. Every corner of the island resembled a postcard, making it easy to forget work stress and immerse in natural beauty.
Yet, what made this trip truly special was the warmth and camaraderie among colleagues. On the bus to the beach, a portable speaker played classic songs, and soon the entire team was singing along—even the usually quiet members joined in, laughing at their off-key notes. At the beach, we split into small groups: some played beach volleyball, each point met with cheers that echoed across the sand; others sat in circles sharing snacks, weekend plans, or office anecdotes. One of the most heartwarming moments was when a colleague saw the ocean for the first time—within minutes, three teammates took their hands and led them to the shore, letting them feel the waves lapping at their feet, pointing out seagulls soaring overhead, and explaining how the tides worked. Small acts of care like this turned strangers into friends and made the team feel like a close-knit family.
As night fell, the first highlight arrived: a beach fireworks show. We spread blankets and held cups of hot ginger tea to ward off the evening chill. The first firework shot into the sky with a crackling sound, transforming into a golden blaze that lit up the darkening sea. Red fireworks bloomed like peonies, blue ones sparkled like stars, and purple fireworks gradually faded to pink as they fell. Colleagues eagerly grabbed their phones to capture the scene, but soon put them down, choosing to witness the magic with their own eyes. A teammate with a young child watched as the little one clapped and shouted, “Wow!” Every explosion, combined with the sound of the waves and our laughter, created a moment both magical and real.
After the fireworks, we moved on to the most anticipated event: an open-air beach KTV. We settled in a secluded spot on the sand, with string lights hung between coconut trees and a small stage built from wooden crates. A portable KTV system was ready. The first colleague sang a classic seaside song, their voice blending with the sound of the waves. Soon, the atmosphere became lively: upbeat pop songs had everyone dancing, gentle folk tunes inspired swaying phone lights, and even those claiming they “couldn’t sing” joined the chorus. Plates of grilled squid and fresh fruit were shared, and cheers and applause filled the air, drawing the attention and smiles of nearby fishermen. The scene was both lively and perfectly balanced—this kind of joy truly brought people closer together.
On October 18, as we boarded the bus home, everyone was exhausted but content. Phones were full of photos and videos, and hearts were full of memories. This trip to Hailing Island was more than a break from work; it was a unique opportunity for team bonding. Beautiful scenery, heartfelt interactions, dazzling fireworks, and joyful outdoor KTV reminded us why we love collaborating with each other. Returning to our workstations, we felt relaxed and energized—ready to face future challenges with the vitality, laughter, and team spirit we had nurtured on this sunlit seaside island.
