Wenshan Tea and Bamboo Shoots Folk Culture Festival (茶笋文化节)

The Wenshan Tea and Bamboo Shoots Folk Culture Festival has a colorful lineup of creative activities. One and all are invited to come learn the art of drinking spring Tieguanyin, and head out with local farmers into the fields, where they’ll show visitors their tong blossom lined paths, how to pick good tea and teach them about Muzha bamboo shoot ecology (advance registration required).

Wenshan Tea and Bamboo Shoots Folk Culture Festival is a celebration held in Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, located in southeastern Yunnan Province, China. Wenshan is renowned for its Puer tea and high-quality bamboo shoots, which are integral parts of the local economy and culture.

Festival Highlights:

• Tea Culture: Wenshan is famous for its Puer tea, and during the festival, there may be tea-tasting sessions, presentations on the art of tea making, and opportunities to learn about the history and cultural significance of tea in the region.

• Bamboo Shoot Cuisine: Bamboo shoots from Wenshan are a delicacy, and the festival often features dishes and culinary competitions highlighting this ingredient. Visitors can taste various bamboo shoot dishes and learn about traditional cooking methods.

• Folk Performances: The festival typically includes performances of traditional music, dance, and other folk arts by the Zhuang, Miao, and other ethnic groups in the region.

• Cultural Exhibitions: There might be exhibitions showcasing local handicrafts, including items made from bamboo and tea-related products.

• Agricultural Fair: The festival also serves as an agricultural fair, where local farmers and producers can display and sell their tea and bamboo products.

Travel Tips:

• Timing: The festival usually takes place in the spring when the bamboo shoots are harvested, but the exact dates can vary. It’s best to check with local tourism resources for the current year’s schedule.

• Accommodation: Make sure to book your accommodation in advance, as festivals can attract many visitors and fill up local hotels quickly.

• Local Customs: Learn about the customs of the Zhuang and Miao peoples to show respect for their culture. For instance, it’s polite to accept tea when offered, as it is a sign of hospitality.

• Language: While Mandarin Chinese is widely spoken, knowing a few phrases in the local dialect or the language of the ethnic groups can be appreciated.

• Transportation: Wenshan has an airport with connections to major cities in China. There are also bus services, but the mountainous terrain can make travel times longer than expected.

Address and Exact Location:

To attend the Wenshan Tea and Bamboo Shoots Folk Culture Festival, you would typically head to Wenshan City, which is the administrative center of the Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture. Since the festival may take place at multiple locations within the prefecture, it’s advisable to check with the Wenshan tourism board or local travel agencies for precise venues and event details.

Participating in the Wenshan Tea and Bamboo Shoots Folk Culture Festival not only allows visitors to enjoy the local flavors of tea and bamboo shoots but also provides a window into the rich tapestry of ethnic minority cultures in Yunnan.

Chinese Name: 南涧无量山采茶节
English Name:Tea-leaves Picking Festival of Wuliang Mountain in Nanjian County, Dali

Nanjian Yi Autonomous County, located in the southern part of Dali Prefecture and nestled in the longitudinal valley area of the Hengduan Mountains, is renowned for its favorable natural conditions for tea cultivation. Historically, it has been one of the original production areas for Yunnan Pu’er tea, with Nanjian green tea being especially famous, making it a tea-producing region in Dali Prefecture.

In March, when the spring tea buds emerge, I was invited to attend the Nanjian Wuliang Mountain Ten Thousand Mu Ecological Tea Garden Tea Picking Festival. The event was a delightful experience, including tea mountain tours, tasting of spring tea, trying local dishes, and immersing in Yi ethnic customs.

Tea Picking Ceremony: On April 11, amidst the joyful Yi songs and dances, the “Thousand-Year Tea King” ancient tea tree in Gud Village of Wuliang Mountain Town welcomed this year’s spring tea picking.

Key Highlights:

• Tea Industry Significance: The tea industry is a pillar of Wuliang Mountain Town’s economy. The town has 30,100 mu of tea gardens and over 10,000 ancient tea trees. The concentrated ancient tea trees are primarily found in Baoping Village, De’an Village, Xinzheng Village, and Gud Village. The oldest ancient tea tree, known as the “Thousand-Year Tea King,” is about 1,200 years old. It is located at an altitude of approximately 2,100 meters in Gud Village and stands about 16 meters tall, with a canopy spreading over 20 square meters and a base circumference of about 2.1 meters.
• Tea Production and Quality: Each year, numerous tea enthusiasts visit Gud Village to admire the “Thousand-Year Tea King,” participate in tea picking, tea making, and tea tasting. The “Thousand-Year Tea King” tea, processed manually, is known for its durability, rich flavor, and strong aroma. It is considered high-quality ancient tree tea, generally priced between 6,000 to 8,000 yuan per kilogram.
• Recent Developments: In recent years, Wuliang Mountain Town has focused on developing its tea industry, aligned with Nanjian County’s goal of becoming a “Green and Beautiful Tea Region” and a model for agricultural-tourism integration. Leveraging its unique geographical and resource advantages, the town has expanded its tea industry through tea garden construction, ancient tea tree protection, and product promotion. Efforts are aimed at creating a “one village, one product” model, extending the tea industry chain, and exploring tea-tourism integration.

  As of now, Wuliang Mountain Town has 19 initial tea processing sites, 13 tea processing enterprises, 3 refined processing factories, and 2 tea trading markets. In 2023, the tea production in Wuliang Mountain Town reached 2,149.65 tons with a value of 32,330.86 million yuan, making tea a significant contributor to rural income.

• Wuliang Mountain Tea Valley: The Wuliang Mountain Tea Valley, centered around Gonglang Town’s Fengling and Longping Villages, covers 2 townships and 9 village committees. It features a tea plantation area of approximately 30,000 mu (with over 5,200 mu certified as green and organic tea gardens). The annual tea production is nearly 2,000 tons, involving over 7,000 households and 23,000 people. The valley consists of 6 tea enterprises, 6 tea gardens, 2 refined processing sites, 19 initial processing sites, 11 tea cooperatives, and 3 state-level modern agricultural estates. It is an important node on the “Tea Horse Road” and a hub for raw tea collection in Dali, Pu’er, and Lincang.

Future Goals:

Nanjian County aims to become a model for tea-tourism integration and rural revitalization. The county emphasizes:

• Green and Organic Base Construction: Developing green and organic tea bases.
• Ancient Tea Tree Protection: Protecting and utilizing ancient tea trees.
• Green Processing and Branding: Promoting green processing and creating green tea brands.
• Industry Integration: Combining tea production with tourism, building a comprehensive tea-tourism project, and developing scenic routes that connect tea gardens and enhance ecological value.

By focusing on these areas, Nanjian County seeks to transform tea regions into scenic areas, tea mountains into financial assets, and tea farmers into stakeholders, demonstrating a successful model of industry integration and rural development.

Overview

Chinese Name: 盐津“茶马古道·印象滇川”茶文化旅游节
English Name: The Ancient Tea Horse Road-Impression Yunnan-Sichuan Tea Culture Tourism Festival in Yanjin County, Zhaotong

Dousha Town in Yanjin County, formerly an important checkpoint on the Tea Horse Road and now known as Doushaguan Pass, boasts a rich historical and cultural background. This area is renowned not only for its historical significance on the Tea Horse Road but also for its distinctive local snacks.

Background of Dousha Town on the Tea Horse Road

1. Historical Background
   • Shimen Pass and Doushaguan Pass: Dousha Town was historically known as Shimen Pass, which was renamed Doushaguan Pass during the late Yuan Dynasty. It was the first treacherous pass on the route from ancient Sichuan to Yunnan and an important node on the Southern Silk Road. The Tea Horse Road passed through this region, facilitating trade between Yunnan and inland areas.
   • Tea Horse Road: As a critical location on the Tea Horse Road, Doushaguan Pass was not only a necessary transit point for merchants and travelers but also an essential supply station for ancient mule caravans.
2. Local Snacks
   • “Shimen Three Cakes”: The three distinctive local snacks—piggy cake, tung tree cake, and yellow cake—are collectively known as the “Shimen Three Cakes.” These snacks were traditionally used as provisions for mule caravans due to their ability to satisfy hunger and ease of heating. Today, these traditional treats remain popular local specialties enjoyed by visitors.

Longcha Village Tea Culture Tourism Festival

1. Tea Culture Experience
   • Tea Garden Visits: Longcha Village in Niuzhai Township is a hotspot for tea culture tourism. Visitors can explore the verdant tea mountains, enjoy the lush tea garden scenery, pick tea leaves by hand, and immerse themselves in the joys of tea culture.
   • Tea Processing Craft: Visitors can also tour tea processing workshops to learn about traditional handcrafting techniques and experience the entire process from tea leaf picking to tea production.
2. Events and Festivals
   • Tea Culture Tourism Festival: The “Tea Horse Road · Impression of Yunnan and Sichuan” Tea Culture Tourism Festival, themed around “green, natural, healthy, and leisure,” features various activities, including industry integration and rural revitalization forums, tea ceremonies, live tea tastings, tea culture dance performances, and tea variety guessing games.
   • Tea Garden Fun: On the opening day, visitors can participate in tea-picking competitions, enjoy the tea garden experience, and deepen their understanding of tea culture.
3. Industry Integration and Rural Revitalization
   • Tea Industry Development: Niuzhai Township has been updating tea planting techniques through “excellent varieties + excellent methods,” with tea cultivation now exceeding 4,000 acres. The tea culture tourism festival aims to promote the deep integration of the tea industry with tourism, boost the local economy, and contribute to rural revitalization.

Dousha Town and its surrounding areas, with their rich tea culture resources and unique snacks, attract numerous visitors each year. The tea culture tourism festival not only showcases traditional tea processing techniques but also drives local economic development, becoming an important platform for the inheritance and advancement of Tea Horse Road culture.

Overview

• Chinese Name:中国临沧（凤庆）红茶节
• English Name: China Lincang (Fengqing) Black Tea Festival

Lincang (Fengqing) Black Tea Festival was firstly held in Fengqing County, Lincang, China, 2016, hosted by China Tea Circulation Association, Yunnan Tea Circulation Association Lincang Tea Association and Fengqing Tea Association, and mainly discussed reservation and development of ancient tea tree.

Fengqing is renowned as the “County of Yunnan Black Tea in the World.” Located in the southwest of Yunnan, Fengqing County is the core area for the original Chinese tea tree, boasting a long history of tea cultivation and production.

Notably, Fengqing is home to the 3,200-year-old Jinxiu King of Tea Tree. The region also serves as a GenBank for tea trees, preserving over 1,600 samples of tea tree varieties from around the world. Yunnan Black Tea was first produced here in 1939 and has been presented as a gift to the British Queen and the President of Sri Lanka. This history justifies Fengqing’s title as the “County of Yunnan Black Tea in the World.”

Fengqing Dianhong Black Tea

Fengqing Dianhong Black Tea is a renowned variety of black tea originating from Fengqing County in Lincang, Yunnan Province, China. Often simply referred to as “Dianhong,” this tea is celebrated for its rich flavor, bright reddish-brown infusion, and golden-tipped leaves. The name “Dianhong” combines “Dian,” the short name for Yunnan, and “hong,” meaning red in Chinese, which refers to the tea’s reddish infusion (black tea is called “red tea” in China due to the color of the brewed tea).

Fengqing Dianhong is produced in the core tea-growing region of Yunnan, an area known for its ancient tea trees and long history of tea cultivation. The tea is made from large-leaf Yunnan tea varieties, which are highly prized for their robust flavor and smooth finish.

Dianhong black tea is often used in blends but can also be enjoyed on its own, where it offers a malty, slightly sweet flavor with subtle floral notes. Its high quality and unique taste have made it a popular choice both in China and internationally.

Overview

• Chinese Name: 普洱市中国国际普洱茶节
• English Name: China International Puer Tea Festival in Simao District, Puer

The China International Pu’er Tea Festival, held in the Simao District of Pu’er, is a premier event celebrating the rich history and cultural significance of Pu’er tea. Originating from the Spring and Autumn and Warring States Periods, Pu’er tea has long been an integral part of Chinese culture. With a history spanning several thousand years, the festival aims to both preserve and promote the traditional tea culture while introducing Pu’er tea to a global audience.

History and Development:

• Inception: The festival has been celebrated for 18 years and has grown into an international, open, and public welfare event within the tea industry.
• Impact: It has played a significant role in promoting Pu’er tea culture, enhancing the tea’s popularity and recognition, and supporting the development of the Pu’er tea industry. The festival also contributes to the economic and social development of ethnic border regions in China.

Economic and Cultural Contributions:

• Economic Growth: The festival drives economic development for Pu’er tea, with past events featuring extensive trade fairs and sales activities for tea enterprises, ethnic tourism commodities, and related products. Total sales have reached hundreds of millions of yuan.
• Cultural Enrichment: The festival has fostered communication of Pu’er tea culture, enriched its cultural connotations, and contributed to the tea’s global recognition. It has transitioned Pu’er tea through various eras, from “agricultural Pu’er tea” to “cultural Pu’er tea” and now to “scientific Pu’er tea.”

Festival Themes and Goals:

• Themes:
  • Scientific Pu’er Tea: Focuses on the health benefits and scientific advancements related to Pu’er tea.
  • The World of Tea Source: Highlights the origins of tea and its cultural significance.
  • China Tea City, Pu’er Tea Capital: Celebrates Pu’er as a central hub for tea culture in China.
• Goals:
  • Preservation and Promotion: Protect and promote traditional Pu’er tea culture.
  • Innovation and Development: Showcase innovative products and scientific research achievements in Pu’er tea.
  • Cultural Heritage: Promote and release achievements related to Pu’er tea’s scientific research and non-material cultural heritage.
  • Global Outreach: Expand Pu’er tea’s global presence and recognition.

Key Activities:

• Trade Fair: Exhibitions and sales of Pu’er tea and related products.
• Cultural Performances: Showcasing traditional and ethnic performances related to Pu’er tea.
• Innovative Product Launches: Introducing new scientific and technological advancements in Pu’er tea production.
• Cultural and Scientific Presentations: Demonstrations of research achievements and cultural heritage related to Pu’er tea.

Conclusion:

The China International Pu’er Tea Festival serves as a significant platform for celebrating and advancing Pu’er tea culture. By highlighting its historical roots, promoting scientific advancements, and integrating cultural and economic development, the festival continues to enhance the global reputation of Pu’er tea and support the growth of the industry.

Overview

• Chinese Name: 西双版纳勐海县茶王节
• English Name: King of Tea Tree Festival in Menghai County, XishuangBanna
• Location: Menhai County, XishuangBanna

In May, Menghai is bathed in green tea hues and rich tea aromas. The streets and alleys of Menghai County are already bustling with activity, as tea companies, tea merchants, and esteemed guests from all over the world gather in Menghai as scheduled to continue their tea journey, discuss tea matters, and explore the tea industry. The Tea King Festival is a stage for tea enthusiasts to meet, discuss tea, promote tea culture, and develop the tea industry. On May 16th, the 13th Menghai Tea King Festival, themed “A Lifestyle Called Yunnan | Drink Menghai Tea · Enjoy Menghai Flavors,” was held in Menghai County. The festival lasts from May 16th to 22nd, with venues in Menghai and Guangzhou. The Guangzhou venue features a Spring Tea Expo Menghai Pavilion, forums, product promotions, and a mass tasting of Menghai tea. In Menghai, the festival includes the opening ceremony of the 13th Menghai Tea King Festival, the inauguration of the China Menghai Pu’er Tea Digital Museum, the Menghai Tea King competition, and over 20 festival events such as the “Ten Thousand People Tea Mountain Walk.”

Menghai has a long history of tea cultivation, production, consumption, and trade, with abundant ancient tea tree resources and numerous high-quality varieties. The tea industry is not only a traditional pillar industry of Menghai but also a significant industry in advancing the new era of border prosperity and people’s enrichment. In 2023, Menghai achieved a comprehensive tea industry output value of 25 billion yuan, ranking first in the province in terms of output value, production, and taxes, benefiting 260,000 tea farmers with an average income increase of 13,100 yuan. Over the years, Menghai County has earned several prestigious titles, including Top Ten Chinese Tea Brand Influence Counties, Top 100 Chinese Tea Counties, Top Ten Tea Industry Development Counties of the 13th Five-Year Plan, Advanced County in “Three Teas Coordination,” and Yunnan Province’s “One County, One Industry” Demonstration County.

Since the successful hosting of the first Menghai Tea King Festival in 2010, the festival has effectively enhanced Menghai’s reputation and won the title of “Most Beautiful Tea Town in Western China” in 2014. The 12th Menghai (International) Tea King Festival was held in Menghai County, Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture from September 30 to October 4, 2023. The 13th Menghai (International) Tea King Festival will be held from May 16 to 19, 2024.

Festival Culture

Menghai County is internationally recognized as a central area of origin for tea trees and one of the birthplaces of Pu’er tea. It has a long history of tea cultivation, production, consumption, and trade, with abundant ancient tea tree resources and numerous high-quality varieties. Menghai boasts the oldest tea tree kings, ancient tea gardens, tea-growing villages, and the most mellow Pu’er tea, as well as the most prominent Pu’er tea brands in the domestic and international markets.

On October 23rd, the 16th China Tea Economy Annual Conference and the 12th Menghai (International) Tea King Festival press conference were held in Beijing. During the press conference, Menghai County’s mascots “Mengmeng” and “Haibai” were unveiled for the first time. The mascots are based on the white divine elephant from Menghai legends and continue the city’s brand elephant design, with the slogan “Tea King Menghai · Home of the Brave.” The mascots’ ears and legs feature seven colors matching the Menghai city logo, symbolizing the colorful Yunnan. “Mengmeng” represents “the brave,” incorporating Pu’er tea as a main design element, with leg patterns reflecting traditional Dai cultural motifs and typical architecture (octagonal pavilions). “Mengmeng” wears a magical “Banyan Leaf” bracelet representing banyan leaf culture, safeguarding Menghai’s pristine land. “Haibai” features tea flowers as a main design element, holding “one bud, two leaves” of Pu’er tea, embodying Menghai’s hospitality, and wears a “Seven Pieces” bracelet representing the symbolism of seven pieces of tea cake and Menghai tea culture. The leg patterns of “Haibai” are designed with water motifs, symbolizing Dai water culture. The mascots showcase Menghai County’s dual honors as “China’s Pu’er Tea First County” and “Spring City of Xishuangbanna.” They have a sweet smile, rhythmic and aesthetic design, and strong visual impact. After anthropomorphic design, the mascots are lively, energetic, and confident, embodying “ecology, culture, dynamism, vitality, and harmony,” reflecting Menghai County’s ecological development concept of “ecology, green, health,” and the core advantages of “brave spirit, tea industry, and ethnic customs.” “Mengmeng” and “Haibai” will share “Menghai tea, Menghai flavor” with people from around the world. The mascots were designed by Dongdao Brand Creative Group Co., Ltd., the exclusive supplier of official brand design services for the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics and Winter Paralympics.

Festival Activities

The “Tea Competition Conference” is a traditional event of the Menghai Tea King Festival, where “Tea Kings” from various Pu’er tea regions will engage in intense tea competitions to select the “Menghai Tea King” for 2015. The awarded teas will be auctioned on-site, with the proceeds and auction company’s commission donated to support Menghai County’s educational endeavors. Additionally, the festival will showcase traditional tea rituals and ethnic folk tea art performances.

12th Festival

On September 15, 2023, the press conference for the 12th Menghai (International) Tea King Festival was held in Kunming. The festival took place from September 30 to October 4 in Menghai County, Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture. The event was divided into three aspects: firstly, “Tea King Competition,” with public tastings. The “Tea King Competition” assessed the annual Tea King on September 30 through public tasting and professional evaluation, providing a platform for tea enterprises, merchants, tea enthusiasts, and lovers. Secondly, expanding Menghai’s reach by hosting the Tea King Festival in Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Ordos, further enhancing the influence of Menghai Pu’er tea culture and economy. Thirdly, a comprehensive and lively shopping event with both offline and online exhibitions and sales.

13th Festival

On April 13, 2024, the press conference for the “A Lifestyle Called Yunnan · Tea King Menghai Brave Home Cool Water Splashing Festival” was held in Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province. According to the press conference, the 13th Menghai (International) Tea King Festival will be held from May 16 to 19, 2024. This year’s “Tea King Festival” will also be hosted simultaneously in Guangzhou, the main sales area of Pu’er tea.

Festival Origins

Menghai has made considerable efforts to establish itself as “China’s Pu’er Tea First County,” successfully creating renowned Pu’er tea brands such as “Dayi,” “Colorful Yunnan,” “Chen Sheng Hao,” “Octagonal Pavilion,” and “Lao Ban Zhang.” Since the successful hosting of the first Menghai Tea King Festival in 2010, the festival has effectively increased Menghai’s visibility and earned the title of “Most Beautiful Tea Town in Western China” in 2014. “Menghai Tea” has also received the National Administration for Industry and Commerce’s Geographical Indication Certification Trademark.

Yunnan Travel Guide

Things To Do

• Yunnan Overview
• Yunnan Attractions
• Yunnan Tours
• Yunnan Shopping
• Yunnan Culture
• Festivals and Activities

Travel Information

• Yunnan Travel Tips
• Yunnan Climate
• Yunnan Transportation
• Yunnan Maps
• Yunnan Photos
• Yunnan Dining
• Yunnan Accommodation
• Yunnan Education
• Yunnan Travel News
• Administrative Divisions

Create My Trip

You Might Like

• 10 Days Western Yunnan Border Tour with Tropical Forest and Nujiang Grand Canyon
• 2 Days Lijiang Lugu Lake Tour and Matriarchal Society Discovery
• 24 Days Thailand-Laos-China Motorbike Tour to Discover Shangri-La
• 15 Days China-Laos Overland Tour with Yuanyang Rice Terraces from Kunming to Vientiane
• 1 Day Lijiang Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Hiking Tour from Yuhu Village to Ganheba Valley
• 1 Day Kunming Stone Forest Tour with The Flowers and Birds Market
• 11 Days Yunnan Classic Tour with Jianshui Old Town and Yuanyang Hani Rice Terraces
• 1 Day Yingjiang County Kuoshi Festival Tour to Xiamengpi Lisu Ethnic Village

Tea Festivals

Tea Festivals

Wenshan Tea and Bamboo Shoots Folk Culture Festival

Wenshan Tea and Bamboo Shoots Folk Culture Festival (茶笋文化节) The Wenshan Tea and Bamboo Shoots Folk Culture Festival has a colorful lineup of creative activities. One and all are...

Festivals and Events    Veiw

• Tea Festivals
• Wenshan

Tea-leaves Picking Festival of Wuliang Mountain in Nanjian County, Dali

Chinese Name: 南涧无量山采茶节 English Name:Tea-leaves Picking Festival of Wuliang Mountain in Nanjian County, Dali Nanjian Yi Autonomous County, located in the southern part of Dali Prefecture and nestled in the...

Festivals and Events    Veiw

• Dali
• Tea Festivals
• Wuliang Mountains

The Ancient Tea Horse Road-Impression Yunnan-Sichuan Tea Culture Tourism Festival in Yanjin County, Zhaotong

Overview Chinese Name: 盐津“茶马古道·印象滇川”茶文化旅游节 English Name: The Ancient Tea Horse Road-Impression Yunnan-Sichuan Tea Culture Tourism Festival in Yanjin County, Zhaotong Dousha Town in Yanjin County, formerly an important checkpoint on...

Festivals and Events    Veiw

• Tea Festivals
• Yanjin County

China Lincang (Fengqing) Black Tea Festival

Overview Chinese Name:中国临沧（凤庆）红茶节 English Name: China Lincang (Fengqing) Black Tea Festival Lincang (Fengqing) Black Tea Festival was firstly held in Fengqing County, Lincang, China, 2016, hosted by China Tea...

Festivals and Events    Veiw

• Fengqing County
• Tea Festivals

China International Puer Tea Festival in Puer City

Overview Chinese Name: 普洱市中国国际普洱茶节 English Name: China International Puer Tea Festival in Simao District, Puer The China International Pu’er Tea Festival, held in the Simao District of Pu’er, is...

China Tea Expositions    Veiw

• Puer
• Tea Festivals

King of Tea Tree Festival in Menghai County, XishuangBanna

Overview Chinese Name: 西双版纳勐海县茶王节 English Name: King of Tea Tree Festival in Menghai County, XishuangBanna Location: Menhai County, XishuangBanna In May, Menghai is bathed in green tea hues and...

Festivals and Events    Veiw

• Menghai County
• Tea Festivals
• XishuangBanna