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WORLD HERITAGE TOUR | 世界遗产游

Savoring aromatic Jingmai Mountain tea

品味景迈山的茶韵悠悠

Through a single leaf, one can glimpse a local ecology, we have introduced the Bulang
mountain. Nestled among the steep peaks of ‘Dala banquet,’ allowing tourists to immerse
Lancang Lahu Autonomous County in Pu’er themselves in the daily life of the community,”
City, Yunnan Province, Jingmai Mountain has Yune explained.
remained steadfast for ages. Over a lengthy pe- “On Jingmai Mountain, the aroma of tea per-
riod, the local ethnic groups have cultivated tea, meates the air, and tea is woven into the fabric
fostering a unique cultural landscape that em- of daily life. Everything people talk about is
bodies the symbiosis of forests and tea, as well connected to tea,” said Yang Yi, a tourist from
as the harmony between people and the Earth. Beijing, as she listened to the rain, sipped a cup
On September 17, 2023, the Cultural Landscape of tea, and admired the scenery at Wengji No. 75
of Old Tea Forests of the Jingmai Mountain B&B. By enjoying a pot of Jingmai Mountain
in Pu’er was inscribed on the World Cultural tea, you’re not just savoring its flavor; you’re
Heritage List, marking it as the world’s first tea- also embracing a way of life—one that values
themed World Heritage site. tranquility and a measured pace. This sense of
This summer, this World Heritage site, which relaxation inherent in tea culture offers a mo-
harmoniously blends forests, tea plantations, and ment of peace and introspection amid the busy
villages, has attracted an increasing number of and often impatient rhythm of modern life.
tourists. In ancient villages such as Nuogan and As the autumn tea-picking season begins, the
Wengji, visitors can be seen everywhere—some ancient tea trees on the mountain are flourishing.
capturing beautiful moments with their cell Dai girls wander through the tea forests, baskets
phones, while others enjoy complimentary tea in in hand, humming traditional Dai melodies as
the homes of local villagers, savoring the rich, they joyfully harvest the first wave of autumn
mellow aroma. tea for 2024.
Jingmai Mountain offers a spectacular sea of “Generally, we only pick the very tip of each
clouds, breathtaking sunsets, and a chance to savor tea branch, which contains two or three of the ten-
local delicacies. According to Yune, a Bulang eth- derest tea leaves. We need to pick gently, using our
nic girl who runs a B&B, since the Cultural Land- fingers to grasp the leaves and move upward...”
scape of Old Tea Forests of the Jingmai Mountain On the tea mountain, many tea enthusiasts visit
in Pu’er was designated as a World Heritage site, specifically to enjoy the experience of picking tea
the area has welcomed a growing number of tour- alongside local farmers. Under the guidance of the
ists, often leading to her B&B being fully booked. tea girls, the tourists quickly become skilled at the
“In the past, our income mainly came from selling process. As they place the tender tea leaves into the
tea leaves. However, since last year, our tourism bamboo baskets, their joy is palpable.
revenue has tripled and now surpasses our tea Tourists flock here to enjoy Jingmai Mountain
sales,” she said. tea, attend tea feasts, and immerse themselves in
Wengji Village is witnessing a growing va- local culture at teahouses, restaurants, and B&Bs.
riety of tourism-related businesses, including This vibrant activity is transforming Jingmai
milk tea shops, B&Bs, restaurants, and cultural Mountain from a quiet retreat into a bustling des-
merchandise stores. “To ensure that our guests tination. The harmonious blend of forests and tea,
enjoy good food, comfortable accommodations, along with the connection between people and the
and engaging activities while experiencing the Earth, unfolds like a beautiful painting.