A new travel variety television show, featuring Hong Kong celebrities exploring the culinary and wellness scenes of major Chinese cities, showcased an extreme recovery technology and immersive cultural experiences during its latest episode set in Shanghai. The program, titled Sisters Seek Joy and Fun (literal translation), led by popular feng shui master Mak Ling Ling, segmented its celebrity lineup—including Hera Chan, Jessica Ho, Lam Ka-yan, and Kelly Lo in one team, and Joey Thye, Jinny Ng, and Yoyo Yau in another—through a whirlwind tour of Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen, with the recent broadcast focusing on the cosmopolitan dynamism of Shanghai.
Exploring High-End Wellness and Gastronomy
In the latest installment, four celebrity participants continued their exploration of Shanghai, dividing into small groups to sample both cutting-edge wellness treatments and diverse gourmet offerings. The highlights included indulging in plant-based fine dining and contemporary Korean gastronomy. A particular focus was placed on a spectacular dinner that consolidated signature dishes from seven different Chinese provinces, providing a panoramic view of the nation’s culinary heritage, complemented by traditional cultural performances such as specialized dancing and the captivating art of face-changing.
A segment featuring Jessica Ho and Lam Ka-yan provided a deeper dive into experiential culture. The duo participated in an “immersive cave-style soak,” a bathing experience designed to evoke the aesthetic and atmosphere of the historic Song Dynasty. To fully embrace the experience, both actresses donned traditional, ethereal period costumes provided by the venue, enhancing the sense of stepping back in time.
Cryotherapy: A Freezing Test of Endurance
The episode’s most dramatic moment centered on a unique piece of modern recovery technology gaining global traction: the cryotherapy chamber. The show specifically highlighted that this treatment has been used by elite athletes, including football legend Cristiano Ronaldo, for accelerated recovery.
Cryotherapy involves exposing the body to nitrogen gas cooled to extremely low temperatures, typically ranging from -100 to -140 degrees Celsius, for a short duration. This rapid exposure is designed to stimulate the body, speed up muscle repair, and improve blood circulation.
Always up for a challenge, performer Jessica Ho volunteered to be the first to enter the chilling chamber. Initially, before the temperature plummeted, Ho managed to keep her composure, joking that the low fog made her feel like she was “floating among the clouds.” However, as the temperature aggressively dropped toward the -100°C threshold, the intense cold proved overwhelming, prompting Ho to cry out and signal the immediate conclusion of her session.
The Science Behind Extreme Cold Treatment
While seemingly drastic, whole-body cryotherapy (WBC) is increasingly adopted outside sports medicine, sought after for its claims to reduce inflammation and provide quick relief from intense physical exertion. Experts suggest that the rapid drop in skin temperature triggers a shock response that can temporarily increase metabolic rate and enhance the body’s natural recuperative abilities.
The program effectively bridged the gap between China’s rich historical luxuries—such as ancient-themed bathing rituals—and the country’s forward-looking adoption of global technological and wellness trends. By showcasing a blend of traditional immersive culture and extreme modern recovery methods, Sisters Seek Joy and Fun offered viewers a comprehensive look at Shanghai’s dynamic lifestyle, emphasizing both indulgent gastronomy and high-tech self-care. The series not only entertains but also highlights the evolving pursuit of wellness and leisure across greater China.
