13 Days Best Yunnan Tea Tour with Xilinshan Tea and The Ancient Tea Horse Road Hiking

Day 1 Arrive in Kunming

Sightseeing and Activities: Arrive in Kunming
Accommodation: Kangle and Bangsheng Tea Wholesales Markets
Meals: None

• Welcome to Kunming, the Spring City of China! Discover the Charm of Kunming!
  •  If schedules allow, you will venture to the bustling Kangle Tea Wholesale Market and Bangsheng Tea Wholesale Markets in southern Kunming, where the vibrant atmosphere and colorful stalls offer a sensory experience like no other.

Day 2 Kunming to Dali by Train

Sightseeing and Activities: Kunming to Dali by Train
Accommodation: Dali
Meals: Breakfast

• Arrival in Kunming: The Gateway to Yunnan’s Hidden Gems
  • As you arrive in Kunming, the friendly driver will be waiting for you at the airport or train station, ready to whisk you away to the city’s central train station.
  • From there, you’ll board the high-speed train to Dali, a scenic 2-hour journey that whisks you away to a world of ancient charm.
• Exploring the Flavors and Landscapes of Yunnan
  • Your journey begins with a visit to the Xiaguan Tuocha Tea Factory, where you’ll delve into the art of tea-making and discover the secrets behind Dali’s famous tea blends.
  • Afterward, you will make your way to Dali Ancient Town, a historic gem steeped in tradition and surrounded by breathtaking landscapes.

Day 3 Dali-Xiaowan-Fengqing

Sightseeing and Activities:Xiaowan Dam, Lancang-Mekong River, Xiangzhuqing Ancestor Tea
Accommodation: Fengqing
Meals: Breakfast

• Embark on a Journey Along the Lancang-Mekong River
  • Meet your driver and local guide, and you will set off on an adventure along the majestic Lancang-Mekong River, the upper reach of the Mekong River in China.
  • The first stop is the stunning Xiaowan Dam, an arch dam that soars 292 meters (958 ft) above the river. Completed in 2010, this engineering marvel is one of the world’s highest arch dams and supports a massive 4,200 MW power station.
• Unveiling the Secrets of Ancient Tea Trees

Day 4 Fengqing

Sightseeing and Activities: Dianhong Tea Factory, Anshi tea plantation, Fengqing Cunfucius Temple, Fengqing Black Tea Market
Accommodation: Fengqing
Meals: Breakfast

• Delving into Yunnan’s Tea Heritage
  • This morning, you will start a journey through Yunnan’s rich tea culture by visiting the Dianhong Tea Museum, former Fengqing Tea Factory, and Fengqing Tea Research Center(凤庆县茶科所).
  • Get an insider’s look at the history and production of Yunnan black tea, also known as Dianhong.

Day 5 Fengqing-Ancient Tea Horse Road Hiking-Xilinshan Tea Garden-Anhe

Sightseeing and Activities: Daxueshan Mountain, Dawanshui River, Sanchahe River, The Ancient Wild Tea Forest, Wanshoushan Montain, Xilinshan Tea Mountain
Accommodation: Xilinshan Tea Factory
Meals: Breakfast

• Aromatic Beginnings
  • In the morning, indulge in a rich and creamy cup of Dianhong milk black tea at the hotel reception.
  • Did you know that Yunnan black tea is fermented and roasted, allowing its unique flavor profile to shine?
  • Drinking it with milk can even have health benefits, such as reducing inflammation and protecting the stomach lining.
• Embarking on a Journey
  • Then you will start our adventure with a drive to Shidongsi Temple, also known as Stone Cave Temple(石洞寺).
  • From there, you’ll start a scenic hike along the Ancient Tea Horse Road, tracing the route from Shidongsi to Fengqing Big Snow Mountain. Along the way, you’ll visit ancient tea trees in their natural habitat within Wanshoushan Mountain.
  • After six hours of hiking, we’ll reach Jiuyaojie Mountain Pass and enjoy breathtaking views of the Xilinshan tea area.
• Camping under the Stars
  • As the day comes to a close, you’ll arrive at Tangzikou Village(塘子口) and complete our Ancient Tea Horse Road hiking adventure.
  • You’ll set up camp near a tea garden, surrounded by the serene beauty of nature.
  • Tonight, you’ll gather around a roaring bonfire, courtesy of our local tea farmer friends, and enjoy a night under the stars in Anhe Village, the birthplace of Xilinshan Ancient Tea.
• A Special Treat
  • The local government has kindly supported our tea tour and arranged for a unique experience in Anhe Village of Xueshan Town.
  • Let’s relish the opportunity to explore this charming village and enjoy activities with Charlie Lee, the creator of Xilinshan Ancient Tea.

Day 6 Xilinshan Tea Factory-Anhe -Xueshan Town-100KM/3 hours-Lincang

Sightseeing and Activities: Xilinshan Tea Plantation, Xilinshan Tea Factory, Tea Picking and Tea Making, Xueshan Town Tea Resourses Forum
Accommodation: Lincang
Meals: Breakfast

• A Morning of Tea Delights
  • Today, you’ll immerse ourselves in the art of Dianhong Black Tea making and tea picking in Xilinshan tea plantation, nestled in the picturesque Anhe Village(安和村).
  • Get ready to experience the serene beauty of the tea fields and learn about the traditional tea-making process.
• A Sip of Culture
  • After your tea adventure, you’ll head to Xueshan Town for a delicious lunch, followed by a tea culture conference with local officials.
  • Take this opportunity to gain insight into the rich cultural heritage of the region.

Day 7 Lincang-Xigui-Bingdao-Mengku

Sightseeing and Activities: Xigui Tea Mountain, Bingdao Tea Mountain
Accommodation: Mengku
Meals: Breakfast

• A Journey to Xi Gui’s Ancient Tea Charm
  • You’ll begin a morning drive to visit the enchanting Xigui Ancient Tea Garden, a haven of tranquility nestled along the banks of the Lancang-Mekong River.
  • The fertile soil and rich calcium content of the riverbed create an ideal environment for tea cultivation.
• Exploring Manglu Tea Mountain
  • As you make your way to Xigui, we’ll stop at Manglu Tea Mountain, where the scenic views of the riverbank and lush greenery await.
  • Visit the Xigui tea factory and indulge in a delightful lunch at a local family’s home.
  • You’ll also explore Nahan and Manggan tea villages, immersing ourselves in the region’s rich tea culture.
• A Taste of Bing Dao’s Unique Charm
  • Bing Dao Puerh, named after its village of origin, Bing Dao Village in Mengku County, Yunnan Province, is a rare and unique tea experience.
  • This tea is made from ancient tea trees over 300 years old, grown on the sunny side of Bang Ma Mountain at an altitude of over 2500 meters.
  • With its sweet, rich flavor and pleasant aftertaste, Bing Dao is a true delight.
• A Day of Tea Discovery
  • After exploring Bing Dao Village, you’ll visit Dijie Village and experience the traditional tea-making process firsthand.
  • Enjoy a delicious lunch amidst the picturesque surroundings and immerse yourself in the local culture. Visit five other villages in the area: Bingdao Laozhai, Bawai, Nanpo, Nuowu Village, and Dijie Village.
• Unwind in Mengku Town
  • As the day draws to a close, you’ll return to Mengku Town, where you can unwind at a local hostel amidst the serene surroundings of the tea mountain.
  • For those interested, an optional visit to Xiaohusai Tea Village and Dahusai Village awaits in the late afternoon.

Day 8 Mengku-Jingmai

Sightseeing and Activities: Lancang County, Menglian County, Jingmai Tea Mountain
Accommodation: Jingmai
Meals: Breakfast

• A Morning Adventure to Jingmai Mountain
  • Begin your day with a scenic drive of approximately five and a half hours to Bing Dao Puerh, nestled between Menglian and Lancang Counties.
  • As you ascend the hill, you’ll have the opportunity to witness the bustling activity of the “tea bosses” at work.
• Exploring Jingmai’s Ancient Tea Gardens
  • Upon reaching the top, marvel at the stunning ancient tea gardens, the largest of their kind in the world.
  • Situated deep in the Southwest corner of Yunnan Province, Jingmai’s remote location has allowed it to preserve its unique biodiversity and traditional tea cultivation methods, untouched by modernization.
• A Hidden Gem of Tea Production
  • Jingmai’s ancient forests border Burma and conceal hidden smuggler trade routes still in use today.
  • This enigmatic region has remained unchanged for centuries, offering a glimpse into a bygone era.
  • The Chinese government has recognized Jingmai’s significance and submitted an application for “Ancient Tea Plantations of Jingmai Mountain” to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013.

Day 9 Jingmai Tea Mountain

Sightseeing and Activities:Learn Puer tea-making process,  Wengji Village, Jingmai Village and Mangjing Village
Accommodation: Jinghong
Meals: Breakfast

• Mount Jingmai’s Morning Awakening
• • Start your day with a breathtaking sunrise view of Jingmai Tea Mountain, and then embark on a leisurely hike through the tea mountains. Visit Wengji Village, Jingmai Village, and Mangjing Village, immersing yourself in the local culture and natural beauty.
• Embracing the Mountain Air
  • Awaken to the crisp mountain air and take a stroll through Jingmai Village, experiencing the authentic local culture firsthand.
  • Take the opportunity to visit some families and learn about the traditional tea processing methods that have been passed down through generations.
• Jingmai Mountain: The Birthplace of Pu’er Tea
  • Located in Huimin Township, Lancang Lahu Autonomous County, Pu’er City, Jingmai Mountain is situated at the intersection of Xishuangbanna, Pu’er, and Myanmar. This picturesque region is renowned for its Pu’er tea production, with ancient tea gardens sprawling across 28,000 mu in Jingmai and Mangjing.
  • The region comprises 28 villages, including Banggai Village (帮改村), Longbang Village(笼蚌村), Nanzuo Village(南座村), Nanai Village (那耐村), Jingmai Dazhai Village(景迈大寨村), Mengben Village(勐本村), Manggeng Village(芒埂村), Nuogan Village(糯干村), Manghong Village(翁哇村), Wengwa Village (翁哇村), Wengji Village(翁基村), and Laojiufang Village (老酒房村). Each village produces its own unique tea leaves, collectively known as “Pu’er Tea in Jingmai Mountain”, offering a distinct flavor profile.

Day 10 Jingmai-Menghai County-Jinghong

Sightseeing and Activities:Jingzhen Octagonal Pavilion, Nannuoshan Mountain
Accommodation: Jinghong
Meals: Breakfast

• A Morning Drive to Menghai County
  • Begin your day with a scenic drive to Menghai County, where you’ll have the opportunity to visit the historic Jingzhen Octagonal Pavilion.
• Exploring Nannuoshan Mountain Tea Plantation
  • After a two-and-a-half hour drive, arrive at the renowned Nannuoshan Mountain tea plantation in Menghai County.
  • This world-famous tea plantation is home to the legendary “King of Tea Tree,” a majestic 800+ year old tree that has been carefully cultivated by humans.
  • The region’s unique combination of fine tea tree varieties and superior natural conditions yields exceptional Nannuo Mountain tea products.
• Nannuo Mountain Peacock Tea: A Delightful Brew
  • Indulge in the exquisite Nannuo Mountain Peacock tea, a 400 gram fresh Pu-erh cake with a green, glossy luster.
  • The plump, strong, and tender leaves and buds unfurl with prominent fine hair when brewed.
  • The resulting tea liquor is a bright golden yellow with a strong yet mellow and refreshing flavor, featuring a sharp kougan (feeling in the mouth) and stimulating salivation. The tea boasts a robust and distinctive aroma that will leave you wanting more.
• Jinghong City Awaits
  • After your tea-filled morning, continue your journey to Jinghong City, where new adventures await.