What to Drink during Your Yunnan Trip?

During your trip to Yunnan, you can enjoy a variety of drinks that reflect the region’s diverse cultural and natural landscapes. Here are some recommendations on what to drink during your Yunnan trip:

Traditional Yunnan Beverages

  1. Pu’er Tea: Renowned worldwide, Pu’er tea is a fermented tea that comes in two varieties: raw (sheng) and ripe (shou). It’s often served in tea houses and is known for its earthy and rich flavors.
  2. Yunnan Black Tea: Also known as Dianhong, Yunnan black tea is famous for its golden buds and robust flavor. It’s enjoyed both locally and internationally and can be found in tea houses and markets across Yunnan.
  3. Herbal Teas: Yunnan is rich in herbal teas made from local plants and flowers. Examples include chrysanthemum tea, jasmine tea, and various medicinal teas known for their health benefits.

Specialty Coffee

  1. Yunnan Coffee: As China’s largest coffee-producing region, Yunnan offers excellent opportunities to taste locally grown coffee. Look for specialty coffee shops and farms in places like Pu’er and Baoshan for a unique coffee experience.

Local Alcoholic Beverages

  1. Yunnan Baijiu: Baijiu is a strong distilled liquor popular in China. Yunnan has its own varieties, often infused with local herbs and flavors, making it a distinctive choice for those interested in local spirits.
  2. Fruit Wines: Yunnan is known for producing fruit wines using local fruits such as kiwi, peach, and mulberry. These wines are often sweet and refreshing, perfect for enjoying during leisurely meals.

Fresh Fruit Juices

  1. Tropical Fruits: Yunnan’s warm climate allows for the cultivation of a wide variety of tropical fruits. Enjoy freshly squeezed juices made from fruits like mango, papaya, and pineapple, available at markets and street stalls.

Unique Cultural Experiences

  1. Butter Tea (Po Cha): In Tibetan areas like Shangri-La, try butter tea, a savory drink made from tea leaves, yak butter, and salt. It’s a staple beverage enjoyed for its warming properties.
  2. Local Craft Beers: Yunnan has a growing craft beer scene, with breweries producing a range of beers using local ingredients. Look for bars and pubs in cities like Kunming and Dali to sample these beers.

Water and Refreshments

  1. Spring Water: Yunnan is known for its natural springs and mineral water. Some tourist spots offer bottled mineral water sourced from local springs, known for their purity and crisp taste.

Recommendations

  • Kunming: Explore Nanping Pedestrian Street for cafes and tea houses, and try Yunnan coffee or Pu’er tea.
  • Dali: Visit Foreigner Street (Yangren Jie) for local teas and fruit wines, or enjoy craft beers in bars around the Old Town.
  • Lijiang: Experience traditional Naxi tea culture and try local fruit wines while enjoying the picturesque surroundings of Lijiang’s ancient town.

By exploring these drinks, you’ll not only taste Yunnan’s flavors but also immerse yourself in its rich cultural and natural heritage.