Chafang Tea Plantation in Yunxian County, Lincang

Chinese Name: 云县茶房乡古树茶山
English Name: Chafang Tea Plantation in Yunxian County, Lincang
ADD:临沧云县茶房乡

Overview: Chafang, historically known as Mengma, symbolizes auspiciousness and good fortune. The area boasts a rich historical background, evidenced by bronze drums unearthed from the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, showcasing its long-standing civilization. The region has nurtured a vibrant agricultural culture and has become a traditional tea production base in Southwest China, thanks to its natural red soil resources, cool climate, and abundant rainfall.

According to historical records, tea cultivation in Chafang has a history of over 300 years, with tea trees spread across the hills and valleys of the township, forming a crucial part of the local economy. The long history of tea cultivation has given rise to various cultural expressions, including tea songs, dances, customs, and arts, fostering a unique spirit characterized by diligence, kindness, humility, and perseverance. Chafang has become a melting pot of diverse ethnic groups and rich tea culture, with tea trade thriving as it serves as the starting point of the ancient Tea Horse Road, earning it the titles of tea cradle and tea homeland.

Geographic and Economic Features

  • Location: Chafang Township is located in the southern part of Yunxian County, approximately 42 kilometers from the county seat. The total area of the township is 179.6 square kilometers, consisting of 16 village committees, 176 natural villages, and 210 villager groups.
  • Tea Cultivation: All farming households in the township engage in tea cultivation, making it a primary source of income and economic support for families. In 2005, tea revenue accounted for about 15% of the rural economy. There is a pressing need to expand and develop the tea industry further.

Ancient Tea Tree Forests

  • Distribution: The ancient tea tree forests are found at elevations ranging from 1,941 to 1,980 meters. One significant area, the Zhoujia Group, covers over 530 acres and is home to ten towering ancient tea trees, some reaching 8 meters in height with a base circumference of 1.2 meters. Local elders estimate these trees to be over 180 years old, commonly referred to as Mengku tea, with county records identifying them as Dianmian tea.
  • Variety: In addition to Zhoujia, ancient tea trees can be found in villages such as Cun Tou, Wenmao, Huangshahe, Xiangshui, and Wenai.

Ma Street Cultivation

  • Cultivation Area: The Ma Street cultivation area, located in the Zhoujia villager group of Ma Street Village, spans over 500 acres between elevations of 1,941 and 1,980 meters. The tea variety is classified under the Wuzhu tea system, commonly known as “White Hair Tips.”
  • Tree Characteristics: This area hosts ten ancient tea trees, averaging 8 meters in height and 1.2 meters in base circumference, all over 180 years old. Other villages, including Cun Tou, Wenmao, Huangshahe, Xiangshui, and Wenai, also have cultivated ancient tea trees.

Tea Plantation Statistics

  • Total Area: Chafang Township has a total tea garden area of 17,343 acres, with 17,043 acres available for harvesting. There are 6,490 acres of high-quality ecological tea gardens, 300 acres of old tea gardens, and 10,553 acres of medium and low-yield tea gardens.
  • Economic Impact: In 2012, the total output value of tea reached 29.5344 million yuan, accounting for 8.9% of the township’s total economic income. Plans for 2013 included converting 3,000 acres of low-yield tea gardens, aiming for a completion of 3,020 acres.