Tea Ancestor Worship of Laowushan Mountain in Zhenyuan County, Puer

Chinese Name: 镇沅县老乌山祭茶祖/茶叶开采节
English Name: Tea Ancestor Worship/ Tea-leaf Picking Festival of Laowushan Mountain in Zhenyuan County, Puer

Location and Overview:

Lao Wushan Mountain spans across Zhenyuan County’s Zhen Tai Town, An Ban Town, and Meng Da Town, as well as Xiao Jing Gu and Feng Shan Towns in Jinggu County. It is a southern branch of the Wuliang Mountain range, historically known for its tea cultivation. The region is characterized by its diverse ethnic population, including Yi, Hani, and Lahu peoples.

Geographical Features:

  • Elevation: 1,500 to 2,200 meters above sea level
  • Average Temperature: Around 14°C
  • Annual Rainfall: 1,390 to 1,502 mm
  • Soil and Vegetation: The region boasts fertile, mineral-rich soils and excellent forest cover, which contribute to optimal tea growing conditions.

Tea Festival:

The 8th Lao Wushan Tea Harvest Festival will take place in An Ban Town, Zhenyuan County, celebrating the rich tea culture of the area. Lao Wushan is an important tea production region, renowned for its slender, willow-like branches that are compared to dancing fairies in the mist. This tea, known for its unique appearance and flavor, has earned the region the reputation of being the “Hometown of Vine Tea.”

Festival Events:

  • Dates: April 8th to 9th
  • Main Venue: Cao Pi Street, Luojia Village, An Ban Town
  • Activities:
    • Tea picking and tasting
    • Tea culture rituals
    • Local food and cultural performances
    • RV camping with scenic tea mountain views
    • Traditional and modern cultural events including folk songs, dance performances, and local cuisine exhibitions

Tea Production and Quality:

Lao Wushan’s tea trees are known for their delicate, vine-like branches and their unique flavor profile. The area’s tea is distinguished by its bright green color, rich aroma, and smooth taste. The local tea farmers use specialized picking methods to preserve the quality of the leaves.

Economic Impact:

The tea industry in Lao Wushan has seen significant growth. With 56 tea farmers involved, the estimated spring tea output is about 20 tons, generating approximately 5 million yuan in value. The festival promotes local tea and supports regional economic development by attracting tourists and enhancing the area’s tea industry.

Cultural and Economic Significance:

The festival highlights Lao Wushan’s tea culture and its integration with local geography, ethnic diversity, and cultural traditions. It serves as a platform for promoting the region’s tea brand and stimulating the local economy.

Community Development:

The event underscores efforts to support rural development and poverty alleviation through partnerships between local tea businesses and farming households. The cooperation model, including “company + service department + poor households,” has helped enhance local income and provided stable employment for over 6,000 villagers.

Additional Information:

  • Tea Tree Varieties: Lao Wushan’s tea trees are categorized under the “Qianjiazhai” series, notably the “Wu Ye” variety, known for its rich heritage and distinctive characteristics.
  • Auction Results: Tea produced from the Lao Wushan No. 2 and Purple Tea Tree King varieties fetched impressive auction prices, reflecting the high demand and value of Lao Wushan tea.

The Lao Wushan Tea Harvest Festival is not only a celebration of tea but also a vibrant showcase of the region’s cultural heritage and community spirit.