Robert Tea Garden Village of Gonglang Town in Nanjian County, Dali

Chinese Name: 大理白族自治州南涧县公郎镇罗伯克茶园茶园村
English Name:Robert Tea Garden and Robert Tea Garden Village of Gonglang Town in Nanjian County, Dali
Location:罗伯克生态茶园地处公郎镇凤岭村委会的无量山腹地小波乐箐

Robert Tea Garden (罗佰克茶园) is located in Gonglang Town (公郎镇), Nanjian County (南涧县), part of Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture (大理白族自治州), Yunnan. Situated in the Wuliang Mountain (无量山) region, this ecological tea garden covers 2,360 acres and is known for its ancient tea trees, some over 50 years old. The village surrounding the tea garden, Robert Tea Garden Village, was included in the second batch of the China Traditional Village List (中国传统村落名录) in 2013.

Location and Climate

The Robert Tea Garden is positioned on the hillside terrace between XiaoBoLe Valley (小波乐箐) and AMuZhu Road (阿母助路), nestled within the Wuliang Mountain region. It is located at an altitude of 1,600 meters above sea level, with an average annual temperature of 15°C and annual precipitation of 1,200 mm. The ideal climate and fertile soil make it perfect for cultivating tea, walnuts, and other crops. This region offers a blend of natural beauty and agricultural abundance.

Altitude: 1,600 meters

Average Annual Temperature: 15°C

Annual Precipitation: 1,200 mm

Village Overview

Administrative Details

Administrative Affiliation: Robert Tea Garden Village is part of the Fengling Administrative Village (凤岭行政村) under Gonglang Town.

Distance from Town Center: 3 km

Size: 0.82 square kilometers

Economic Status: The village is recognized as an impoverished area, relying heavily on animal husbandry as the primary source of income.

Economic Activities

Main Crops: The village produces tea, potatoes, and livestock. The local economy is significantly bolstered by tea cultivation, with recent developments in tea tourism helping to improve the financial situation for local farmers.

Annual Income (2006): The rural economy earned 1.295 million yuan, with an average per capita income of 1,511 yuan.

Recent Developments: Over the past years, the fusion of tea and tourism has helped 560 tea farmers earn 2.86 million yuan through the local tea industry.

Special Resources and Attractions

Tea Garden Landscape

Tea Plantation: The Robert Tea Garden spans 2,360 acres, with 80% of the tea trees being over 50 years old.

Ecological System: The tea garden is part of an integrated "tea-forest-creek" ecosystem.

Experiences: Visitors can participate in traditional tea picking and processing activities during spring, while summer offers a cool respite for sightseeing.

Cultural Heritage

Yi Ethnic Group: The village showcases vibrant Yi ethnic group culture, including Yi ethnic dances (Yi族跳菜). The village can accommodate up to 500 visitors per day for cultural performances.

Cultural Facilities: The village features a Tea Culture Experience Center and a traditional Tea Processing Workshop where visitors can learn about local tea-making techniques.

Infrastructure

Transportation

Road Access: The village is accessible via an unpaved dirt road, which can be challenging to navigate, especially in inclement weather.

Communication: 52% of households have telephone service, and the village is fully electrified and connected to TV services.

Housing: 96% of the village’s buildings are made from earth and wood, reflecting traditional architectural styles.

Development and Policies

The village has benefited from national funding of 14.3 million yuan for village renovations and infrastructure improvements.

It has been included in the Traditional Village Conservation Project, aimed at preserving the cultural heritage and promoting sustainable tourism.

New facilities such as scenic viewpoints and eco-tourism walking trails have been developed.

Tourism and Visitor Information

Best Time to Visit

Tea Picking Season: March to May, offering the opportunity to pick fresh tea leaves.

Summer Escape: June to August is ideal for a cooler retreat from the heat, as the region’s temperate climate provides a refreshing atmosphere.

Special Experiences

Traditional Tea Making: Visitors can try their hand at traditional tea processing, including tea picking, drying, and pressing into tea cakes. A tea-making experience costs 200 RMB per person, which includes a tea cake to take home.

Cultural Performances: Enjoy traditional Yi ethnic dances and other local performances.

Travel Tips

Mountain Roads: Be cautious when driving on unpaved mountain roads, especially in wet conditions.

Cultural Respect: Visitors should be mindful and respectful of the local Yi customs and traditions.

Historical and Cultural Significance

The Robert Tea Garden is not only a significant agricultural site but also rich in history and cultural heritage. Nearby, you'll find several notable historical sites, including:

ZhouJia Tomb Mountain: A site where a bronze drum from the Warring States period was discovered. This drum is now a national second-class relic.

GongLang Stone Arrow: A stone-carved arrow located 3 km from the tea garden in the river valley.

Neolithic Stone Axes: Unearthed around the area, indicating that the region has been inhabited for thousands of years.

The village also celebrates Yi ethnic festivals, such as the February 8th and Torch Festival, which play a key role in preserving the local culture.

Tea Garden Overview

Establishment and Area

Established: 1964

Tea Cultivation Area: 1,600 mu (approximately 267 acres)

Other Crops: In addition to tea, the garden also grows walnuts, cherries, and holly trees.

Environmental Conditions

The terrain’s suitable humidity and temperature provide optimal conditions for tea growth, ensuring the production of high-quality tea.

Recognition and Achievements

The garden has gained a reputation for high-quality tea production and a pristine natural environment.

Li Zhenglin, the tea factory director, has played a significant role in promoting the garden’s tea beyond the province.

In 2012, the garden was named a Modern Agricultural Park by the Provincial Department of Agriculture and has been recognized as a Characteristic Tourism Village by the province.

Robert Tea Garden offers visitors a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural immersion, and a chance to experience traditional tea-making methods in one of the most picturesque regions of Dali. Whether you’re interested in tea, culture, or simply enjoying the stunning views, this is an ideal destination for travelers seeking an authentic, off-the-beaten-path experience.