Page 16 - YunnanTourismCultureTimes (115)

15 CITY LIFE | 城事

Ecological wisdom of The “lucid waters and lush mountains” of Jingmai al geographical indication status and building a distinctive
millennia-old tea forests Mountain are underpinned by compelling data: a forest brand, Jingmai Mountain tea has not only weathered market
coverage rate of 83.14%, roughly 1,500 species of seed
fluctuations but also achieved steady, sustainable growth.”
千年古茶林有智慧 plants across 134 families, over 250 species of wild ver- The fusion of tea culture and tourism has further diversi-
tebrates, and more than 150 nationally protected wildlife fied the local economy. Attracted by the heritage of tea, do-
On September 17, 2023, the Cultural Landscape of Old species. Within its core area, the 1,867 hectares of ancient mestic and international visitors flock to Jingmai Mountain,
Tea Forests of the Jingmai Mountain was officially inscribed tea gardens, millennia-old, and acknowledged as the world’s where activities like tea tasting, village walks, and cloud-sea
on the World Heritage List. In the same year, on October largest, most continuous, and best-preserved cultivated tea viewing have become essential experiences. This surge has
27, it was designated as China’s seventh “Lucid Waters forests, have earned Jingmai the title of “the world’s natural fueled the growth of homestays, catering, and cultural-cre-
and Lush Mountains Are Invaluable Assets” Practice and museum of tea trees.” At the heart of its successful model of ative businesses. Er Ken, a post-1990s entrepreneur who
Innovation Base. Behind this dual recognition lies the mil- human-nature harmony lies a solemn commitment passed runs a visitor service center in Mangjing Village, brightened
lennia-old ecological wisdom of Jingmai Mountain and a down through generations: to cherish Jingmai Mountain just as she detailed her finances: “Income from tea: 150,000
living example of harmonious coexistence between people, as our ancestors did. yuan; from our restaurant: 170,000 yuan; from tour guiding:
tea, and forest. 20,000 yuan... In the past, villagers mainly just sold tea
Taking advantage of the clear morning weather, Yue Pax- leaves. Now, young people are returning home to start busi-
ian, a resident of Jingmai Village in Huimin Town, Lancang Heritage and far beyond nesses, opening homestays, tea shops, and restaurants. Every-
County, set out with her sisters on motorcycles, tea baskets one’s earnings have grown significantly.” The restaurant she
on their backs and traditional Dai melodies on their lips. “遗产 +”的多种可能 runs with her husband is thriving. Beyond that, they have also
Laughing and chatting along the way, they soon reached the formed a local tour guide team and opened an ethnic costume
Dapingzhang ancient tea forest to begin this year’s autumn The successful World Heritage inscription has unlocked rental shop, offering tailored services to individual visitors and
harvest. Such tea-picking scenes have unfolded on Jingmai boundless possibilities for “Heritage+” at Jingmai Moun- groups alike, guiding them through villages to ensure an au-
Mountain for over a thousand years. Here, tea cultivation, tain. With the ancient tea forests at its heart, Pu’er City thentic, immersive Jingmai experience.
harvesting, and processing remain seamlessly woven into has embarked on a path of brand-driven, standardized, and As interest grows, local businesses are actively collab-
the forests and villages, creating a distinctive way of life scaled development, turning millennia of tea culture into orating to upgrade their services. Several inns have jointly
in which production, daily living, and ecology exist in har- tangible prosperity for local communities. designed immersive tour itineraries, transforming the visitor
mony. It is this enduring ethic of respecting nature that has Brand building has become key to breaking new ground. experience from merely “seeing” to truly “understanding”
sustained Jingmai Mountain across the millennia. Local authorities established a task force dedicated to Jingmai Mountain. Associations for catering, accommo-
“In recent years, more and more tourists and tea mer- building the “Jingmai Mountain Tea” brand, setting up spe- dation, and tourism homestays have also been established,
chants have come to Jingmai Mountain, and our incomes cialized groups for unified branding and standard setting. encouraging cooperation, raising standards through self-reg-
have risen,” Yue observed, echoing a sentiment widely shared Efforts to promote the “Pu’er Tea” geographical indication ulation, and shifting the model from isolated offerings to
among local villagers. “But we all know that if we fail to logo have been coupled with active applications for certi- coordinated, collective support. The “Lalong Cloud-Dwell-
cherish this land as our ancestors did, the good life we enjoy fications and trademarks, including “Jingmai,” “Jingmai ing Cottage” inn in Manghong Village, Mangjing, is highly
today may one day disappear.” Even with growing demand for Mountain,” “Jingmai Ancient Tea,” and “Lancang Tea.” sought after for its window-framed sea of clouds. Owner
Jingmai Mountain tea, farmers continue to follow the tradition- These coordinated measures have consistently strengthened Dao Yanliang said, “Occupancy now remains consistently
al practice of picking only in spring and autumn, while letting the brand’s reach and overall influence. Yan Sailuan, Party high throughout the year. By the time National Day ap-
the ancient tea trees rest in winter and summer. This rhythm Secretary of Jingmai Village, expressed strong appreciation proaches, rooms are almost entirely booked.”
maintains a sustainable balance between livelihood and the for this progress: “Our World Heritage inscription has un- The influx of youthful energy is bringing fresh dyna-
preservation of their ecological heritage. locked broader markets for Jingmai tea. By securing nation- mism to the local industry. Amid the ancient tea gardens