China Puer Tea Museum of China Puer Tea Exhibition Garden in Puer City
Chinese Name:中华普洱茶博览苑之中华普洱茶博物馆
English Name: China Puer Tea Museum of China Puer Tea Exhibition Garden in Puer City
First Floor: Enjoy free tastings of Pu’er tea, learn about the basics of Pu’er tea from tea masters, relax while tasting and shopping for Pu’er tea.
Second Floor: View 35.4-million-year-old Magnolia fossils and historical artifacts related to Pu’er tea. Learn about the evolution of Pu’er tea.
Pu’er tea, as one of the symbols of Chinese civilization, has been passed down for thousands of years. It is known for its natural and mellow aroma, its health benefits, and its profound cultural significance. It has become one of the top three beverages and is referred to as the “National Drink,” representing “drinkable culture” and “living antiques.” The China Puer Tea Museum displays 35.4-million-year-old Magnolia fossils, historical records on tea cultivation and processing, artifacts from the Tea Horse Road, tea-making tools, and tea sets used by ethnic minorities in Pu’er, showcasing the history and development of Pu’er tea and witnessing its rise and fall.
Attraction Description:
The saying goes: “Seven things to bring when leaving home: firewood, rice, oil, salt, sauce, vinegar, and tea,” highlighting the close relationship between tea and daily life. Tea is not only a drink but also a source of enjoyment, etiquette, and wellness. As a hallmark of Chinese civilization, tea has been cherished for thousands of years and has become a national drink. Due to its natural aroma, health benefits, and profound cultural connotations, it is praised by Dr. Seaford from the United States as the fifth great invention, alongside the four great inventions of ancient China, and has risen to the top of the three major beverages. Pu’er tea, renowned both domestically and internationally, stands out among the top ten Chinese teas for its rich cultural tradition, unique shape, sweet and aged fragrance, and notable health benefits. It is known as “drinkable culture” and “living antiques” due to its appeal to modern people seeking spiritual enjoyment.
The China Puer Tea Museum displays 35.4-million-year-old Magnolia fossils, historical documents on tea cultivation and processing, artifacts from the Tea Horse Road, tea-making tools, and tea sets used by ethnic minorities in Pu’er. These exhibits fully demonstrate the history and development of Pu’er tea, offering a glimpse into its historical evolution. The origins of Pu’er tea can be traced back to ancient times.
It is said that heaven has always favored the beautiful land of Pu’er. The unique geographical and climatic environment of Pu’er has provided the best raw materials for making Pu’er tea—Yunnan large-leaf tea. Historical records of tea tree cultivation and usage in Simao date back over 1,800 years. From the Shang and Zhou dynasties to the Tang, Song, Ming, and Qing dynasties, Simao has been recorded in countless historical books for its Pu’er tea.
Today, these ancient texts are displayed before us. From the “Huayang Tu Zhi” of the Eastern Jin Dynasty to the “Yunnan Zhi · Yunnan Goods Volume” of the Tang Dynasty, and then to the “Man Shu” and “Dian Lue” of the Ming and Qing Dynasties, these texts silently narrate the history of Pu’er tea. Viewing these yellowed pages is like savoring a cup of aged tea, with lingering sweetness that is worth our careful appreciation.
It has been said that the world’s understanding of Yunnan came from the steps of the mule caravans. The Tea Horse Road is another channel that bears the history of Pu’er tea. With modern transportation developments, we no longer see the arduous journeys of the mule caravans through the forest paths and cannot fully experience their hardships. Many people know that Pu’er tea is excellent but are unaware of the difficulties faced by the mule caravans. To help visitors understand the mule caravans better, the museum exhibits some of their artifacts. These mule packs were used to carry tea, and the uneven stones were trodden by mule hooves. The life of the mule caravan was monotonous, and to alleviate fatigue, the mule drivers made simple entertainment items, such as this chessboard stone. Looking at these artifacts, we can almost hear the sound of copper bells echoing through the forest, seeing the mules carrying Pu’er tea out of Yunnan and into the world, spreading the aroma of Pu’er tea far and wide.
In the past, all Pu’er tea was handmade. The wooden Pu’er tea molds and the ancient wooden tea kneading machines on display were used to make tea. Tea was produced in blocks using such simple equipment. Viewing these tea-making tools, we can imagine how the wisdom and hard work of the laborers in Pu’er were integrated into the tea-making process. This is why Pu’er tea has such a rich and mellow flavor today and why it has achieved its current status.
- Recommended Visit Duration: 20 minutes
- Latitude and Longitude of the Attraction: Longitude 101°5′50.964″, Latitude 22°39′0.0108″
- Best Photography Location: 10 meters in front of the museum’s main entrance
- Best Photography Coordinates: Longitude 101°5′51.5832″, Latitude 22°39′0.2668″
