Dali Wuliang Mountain “One Garden, Two Valleys” Tea Culture Tour in Nanjian County
The new tea drink culture and tourism route customization is part of a collaborative initiative launched by the China Tea Circulation Association (中国茶叶流通协会), Heytea (喜茶), Fliggy Travel (飞猪旅行), and China National Geographic·Local Treasures (中国国家地理·地道风物). The campaign focuses on the “First Sip of Spring Tea” and the collection of the most beautiful tea gardens and joyful tea experiences.
This program is designed to promote the integration of tea culture and tourism, inviting people to explore China’s rich tea history and local culture through an immersive experience. It combines the growing trend of tea drinks with the increasing popularity of rural tourism in China.
Dali Wuliang Mountain “One Garden, Two Valleys” Tea Culture and Tourism Route
The Dali Wuliang Mountain (大理无量山) “One Garden, Two Valleys” tea culture and tourism route is a carefully curated collection of tea-themed destinations that reflect the rich tea-growing history and culture of the region. The route includes the following key locations:
Nanzhao Royal Tea Garden (南诏御茶园)
Located at the heart of the route, the Nanzhao Royal Tea Garden is a historically significant area, based on the legend of Phoenix Mountain (凤凰山) as the founding place of the Nanzhao Kingdom (南诏国). This ancient tea garden is named after the phoenix, which is considered a symbol of prosperity in Chinese culture. The region is dotted with villages named after mythical creatures like dragons and phoenixes, further reinforcing the area’s cultural and historical ties to tea.
Key Attractions in Nanzhao Royal Tea Garden:
- Phoenix Mountain Bird Watching Park (凤凰山观鸟园): A serene spot for bird enthusiasts to enjoy the region’s diverse birdlife.
- Phoenix Mountain Organic Tea Estate (凤凰山有机茶庄园): An organic tea farm that produces high-quality tea, offering tourists a chance to visit the plantations and learn about the organic tea cultivation process.
- Huilong Mountain Ancient Tea Garden (回龙山古茶园): One of the oldest tea gardens in the area, where visitors can experience the tea cultivation techniques passed down through generations.
- Longhua Ancient Tea Garden (龙华古茶园): Another historic tea garden, famous for its ancient tea trees and traditional tea-making methods.
- Xiaowan Hydroelectric Station Reservoir (小湾电站库区): An area surrounded by natural beauty, where visitors can take in the spectacular views while enjoying tea.
Wuliang Mountain Sakura Valley (无量山樱花谷)
Wuliang Mountain Sakura Valley is an AAA-level scenic spot that is famous for its cherry blossoms, which bloom during the cold winter months. Known as “the first place in China to welcome spring,” the valley becomes a picturesque haven, with cherry trees in full bloom amid the rich tea gardens. It is an ideal destination for tea enthusiasts who also wish to enjoy the beauty of nature during the winter months.
Key Attractions in Wuliang Mountain Sakura Valley:
- Sakura Blossoms (樱花): The area is renowned for its stunning cherry blossoms that attract thousands of visitors each year. The valley is often regarded as one of the best places in China to witness the early arrival of spring.
- Tea Culture Tour: Visitors can explore local tea farms, where they can learn about the ancient techniques of tea cultivation and brewing.
- Tea Horse Road (茶马古道): The ancient Tea Horse Road passes through this area, adding a historical dimension to the visit. Tourists can trace the steps of tea traders who once traveled along this route, connecting Yunnan with Tibet and other regions.
Wuliang Mountain Tibetan Tea Valley (无量山藏茶谷)
The Wuliang Mountain Tibetan Tea Valley is an AAA-level scenic area that blends modern tea farming practices with traditional tea culture. Spanning over 16,000 acres, this area is home to several prominent tea farms that produce a wide range of local teas. The valley integrates tea cultivation with other aspects of rural tourism, providing a comprehensive experience for visitors interested in learning about the entire tea production process.
Key Attractions in Wuliang Mountain Tibetan Tea Valley:
- Tea Plantations: Visitors can tour large tea plantations, where they can observe the tea-picking process and even participate in picking their own tea leaves.
- Tea Manufacturing Facilities: The valley is home to several tea processing factories, where visitors can watch how tea is processed from fresh leaves to the finished product.
- Local Tea Producers: The valley hosts some of the best-known tea producers in the region, such as the Loberke Tea Farm (罗伯克茶场), Yunnan Nanjian Tea Factory (云南南涧茶厂), and Heilangtan Tea Factory (黑龙潭茶厂), allowing guests to taste high-quality, locally-produced teas.
Dali Wuliang Mountain “One Garden, Two Valleys” Tea Culture and Tourism Line Itinerary
The itinerary for the Dali Wuliang Mountain “One Garden, Two Valleys” tea culture and tourism route can be arranged for either 2 days and 3 nights or 3 days and 3 nights. During this journey, visitors will experience a combination of tea culture exploration, nature sightseeing, and traditional activities, all designed to provide a complete and immersive tea tourism experience.
Tracing the Origins of New Tea Drinks
New tea drinks, often called “the new national trend” in China, have rapidly gained popularity in recent years. However, the roots of this modern tea culture can be traced back to ancient times. In the Manshu·Yunnan Wuzhi·Volume 7 (蛮书·云南物志·卷七), written by Fan Chao during the Tang Dynasty, it was recorded that tea was brewed with ingredients like pepper, ginger, and cinnamon. This early method of preparing tea is similar to the modern techniques used in creating new tea drinks, which typically feature a variety of herbs, fruits, and teas blended together.
Visitors on this tour will learn about the historical development of tea culture in the region and explore how ancient methods laid the foundation for the current tea trends in China.
Exploring Nanzhao Tea Culture
The Nanzhao Royal Tea Garden is deeply intertwined with the history of the Nanzhao Kingdom, which ruled the region from the 8th to the 10th centuries. According to historical records, Phoenix Mountain (凤凰山) was a sacred place for the Nanzhao Dynasty, and it is said that the tea trade flourished along the Tea Horse Road (茶马古道), connecting Yunnan with Tibet and other regions. The Nanzhao Kingdom even instructed royal family members to conduct tea planting and production demonstrations, thus promoting tea culture and trade.
Visitors to the Nanzhao Royal Tea Garden will explore the legacy of this ancient tea trade, as well as the cultural significance of tea in the Nanzhao Dynasty. The region is also known for its ancient tea trees and tea gardens, many of which still exist today.
Modern Tea Garden Sightseeing Tourism
The Dali Wuliang Mountain “One Garden, Two Valleys” tea culture and tourism route offers an opportunity to explore the beauty of the mountains, rivers, and natural landscapes while immersing in tea culture. Some of the key highlights include:
- Wuliang Mountain Sakura Valley (无量山樱花谷): The valley’s cherry blossoms create a breathtaking scene in early spring, making it a must-visit location for nature lovers.
- Tea Horse Road (茶马古道): Visitors can walk along the historic Tea Horse Road, experiencing the rich heritage of tea trade that shaped the region.
- Lingbao Mountain Forest Park (灵宝山森林公园): A peaceful retreat for those looking to enjoy the lush greenery and fresh air of the region.
- Yunshang Xiaowan (云上小湾): A picturesque village nestled in the mountains, offering stunning views of the surrounding tea gardens and natural beauty.
- Nanzhao Royal Tea Garden (南诏御茶园): An opportunity to explore ancient tea trees, local tea farms, and the legacy of the Nanzhao Kingdom’s tea culture.
In addition to the tea culture experiences, visitors will also have the chance to try local delicacies such as Wuliang Mountain Ham (无量山火腿), Nanjian Black Mountain Goat (南涧黑山羊), and Wuliang Mountain Black-bone Chicken (无量山乌骨鸡), which are specialties of the region. Traditional crafts and performances, such as Nanjian Tiao Cai (南涧跳菜), a traditional Yi (彝族) dance, offer a glimpse into the rich cultural traditions of the region.
The Dali Wuliang Mountain “One Garden, Two Valleys” tea culture and tourism route offers a comprehensive and immersive experience, combining history, culture, nature, and tea. Whether you are a tea enthusiast, a history lover, or simply looking for a relaxing escape, this route provides something for everyone. Experience the best of Yunnan’s tea culture while exploring its natural beauty and rich ethnic traditions.
