Puer Culture

Puer Ethnic Culture is diverse and colorful. It is a place where multi-ethnic groups inhabit. Different nationalities create different culture. As one of the important destinations in the classical Yunnan Travel and a multi-ethnic place, Puer is home to 14 ethnic groups, such as Hani, Yi, Lahu, Wa and Dai. Each ethnic minority there has its own unique customs, traditions and architectural styles, making Puer picturesque place. You will have the chance to experience the life of minorities people, learn about their lifestyle, religion and cuisine. The unique scenery, coupled with fascinating Puer Ethnic Culture makes it attractive and charming. Come to Puer and take a Puer Cultural Tour. 

History of Puer

Before 109 BC, the present Puer was the southern boundary of the Ancient Dai Country “Mengdaguang(勐达光)”(Ailao Country in Chinese). In 109 BC, the Han Dynasty conquered the Dian State(滇国) and the Kunming and other tribes in Yizhou County, and the forces were extended into the "Mengdaguang" (Ailao Country). Buwei(不韦), Xitang(嶲唐), Bisu(比苏), Xielong(邪龙), Yeyu(叶榆) and other counties (bases) were assigned to Yizhou County.

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Religion Culture

Throughout the ages, the temples have carried people's beautiful sustenance to life, attract countless believers to come to worship. The temples in Puer can be described as numerous. There is always one that will make you stay and feel the beautiful sceneries of Puer.

Puer Tea Culture

Puer tea has been grown for centuries in the "Six Great Tea Mountains" of Yunnan Province, and in imperial China it was a prized commodity, traded to Tibet by horse or mule caravan via the so-called Ancient Tea Horse Road and presented as tribute to the emperor in Beijing. In the 1990s, as the tea's noble lineage and unique process of aging and fermentation were rediscovered, it achieved cult status both in China and internationally. The tea became a favorite among urban connoisseurs who analyzed it in language comparable to that used in wine appreciation and paid skyrocketing prices.

As a long-established historical tea in China, Pu'er Tea has a extensive and profound culture. It is also an important part of Chinese tea culture and has its own unique characteristics of local national culture. The Pu'er tea culture is produced in Yunnan. It is the simple value of pursuing nature, paying attention to simplicity and yearning for reality. Under the influence of the tea culture of all ethnic groups in China, it is also rich in Confucian rule of times of peace and prosperity and it is filled with the romantic ideals of Taoism.

Puer Architecture Culture

 The Nayun Ancient Town is also famous for its architecture, which is an important representative of Puer Architecture. Just take a walk through the local streets, you will find many things catch your eyes. Every house has its own unique characteristic that stands out. Nayun Ancient Town has a history of more than 700 years. The exchanges between the mainland and the border area have formed a complex of different styles of the Dai and Han ethnic groups. Nayun Ancient Town consists of “three cities and two towns”.Jingdong Confucian Temple is one of the more intact ancient buildings in southwestern Yunnan. It is the representative of the Confucian Temples of ​​the Yi people in the border areas. It is also the earliest, largest, well-functioning and well-preserved Confucian Temple in Pu'er City. The high architectural skills are of great value to the study of building technology during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. What's more, Xuanfu Chieftain House is also an important representative of Puer Architecture.

Puer Cuisine Culture

Puer is located in the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau and rich in various food materials which play an important role in Puer dining. People of Hani, Yi, Lahu, Wa and Dai are inclined to sour and spicy flavor. There are some specialties with reasonable price. Puer Dining is as beautiful as the sceneries here. Especially, the dishes historically cooked by the ethnic minority people, should not be missed when you come to Puer. To some extent, Puer is a melting-pot for many different cultures. Therefore, when you come to Puer, you can eat the food from around Yunnan Province and other Chinese dishes. Whether in the small stalls, or in a small restaurant with a strong ethnic style, you can taste a lots of different and delicious food in Puer. The delicious Chicken Tofu, Cold Sour Ant Eggs loved by Dai people will make you want to stay in Puer City.

Puer Folk Art

Art

Dance

Traditional Handicraft

Ethnic Groups in Puer

There are 9 ethnic minority autonomous counties in Pu’er City, which are home to 14 inhabitants such as Han, Hani, Yi, Lahu, Wa and Dai. The minority population accounts for 61% of the total population in Puer.

Minority Autonomous Counties in Puer

There are 9 minority autonomous counties in Puer City.

Ethnic Towns in Puer

If you are interested in the ethnic culture, these ethnic towns are the be places to experience the rich ethnic culture atmosphere.

Traditional Ethnic Villages in Puer

If you are interested in Puer for its ethnic culture, the traditional ethnic villages will be the best places to experience the colorful ethnic culture of Puer City. Traveling to the traditional ethnic villages, you can explore the most authentic ethnic traditions which can't be seen anywhere else.

More about Traditional Ethnic Villages in Puer

Ethnic Festivals in Puer

There are 9 ethnic minority autonomous counties in Pu’er City, which are home to 14 inhabitants such as Han, Hani, Yi, Lahu, Wa and Dai. The minority population accounts for 61% of the total population in Puer. Multi-ethnic settlement makes Puer City full of colorful ethnic culture, whether the festivals or the food.

Popular Festivals in Puer

Intangible Cultural Heritages and Inheritors in Puer

With a large number of ethnic minorities, Puer has many intangible cultural heritages with ethnic characteristics, such as Baiwu Dance of Lahu Ethnic Minority in Lancang County, Puer, Wooden Drum Dance of Wa Ethnic Minority. Every intangible cultural heritage has its inheritors, who play a vital role in the promotion and inheritance of culture.

Culture Tours including Puer

Yunnan Exploration provides all kinds of tours, including Tea Culture Tours, Muslim Culture Tours, Puer Education Tours, etc. You can choose different themes to discover profound tea culture, taste the famous Puer Tea, or learn about the history of the Ancient Tea Horse Road in Puer.

Tea Culture Tours

Ancient Tea Horse Road Tour

Minority Discovery

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