5 Days Lincang Tea Culture Tour with Dianhong Black Tea, Baiyingshan, Xigui and Mengku
Tour Overview
Beginning a journey to discover the rich tea culture of Yunnan Province, where two iconic teas, Dianhong Black Tea and Puer Tea, take center stage. As you delve into...
Code of Tour: YET0000059463
Length of Travel: 5 Day
Destinations of Tour: Dali-Nanjian-Xiaowan-Fengqing-Baiyingshan-Yunxian-Dachaoshan-Xigui-Lincang
Departure City:
Price of Tour: $ 8300
Type of Tour:
Features of Tour: Tea culture tours
Beginning a journey to discover the rich tea culture of Yunnan Province, where two iconic teas, Dianhong Black Tea and Puer Tea, take center stage. As you delve into the world of Yunnan’s tea heritage, you’ll experience a unique and special aspect of Chinese culture that will leave a lasting impression. The mystical aura surrounding Yunnan’s tea production methods and traditions will transport you to a bygone era, making your tour an unforgettable adventure.
Introduction
Step into the enchanting world of Yunnan’s tea culture, where the storied traditions of Dianhong Black Tea and Puer Tea await. As you explore the region’s rich heritage, you’ll gain insight into the unique and captivating aspects of Chinese culture that have been passed down through generations. The ancient techniques and customs surrounding tea production in Yunnan will transport you to a nostalgic era, making your journey an unforgettable experience that will leave a lasting impression on your senses and soul.
Highlights
- Explore the production process of Dianhong Black Tea, a famous Yunnan tea variety
- Visit tea plantations and learn about the history and techniques of tea cultivation in Baiyingshan
- Discover the traditional tea-making techniques and ancient architecture of Xigui
- Learn about the production process of Puer Tea, one of China’s most famous fermented teas, in Mengku
- Enjoy tea-tasting sessions and traditional Chinese lunches at local tea houses and restaurants
- Visit local markets to purchase souvenirs
Breif Itinerary
- Day 1 Dali-Weishan-Nianjian-Xiaowan
- Day 2 Xiaowan-Fengqing
- Day 3 Fengqing-Baiyingshan-Yunxian
- Day 4 Yunxian-Dachaoshan-Xigui-Lincang
- Day 5 Lincang-Mengku-Lincang
- Day 6 Departure from Lincang
Google Map
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 Dali-Weishan-Nianjian-Xiaowan (227KM/4-5 hours)
Sightseeing and Activities: Weishan Old Town, Nanjian Tulin Tea Factory, Xiangzhuqing Acient Tea Trees
Accommodation: Xiaowan
Meals: Breakfast
- Arrival and Transportation
- You will arrive in Dali this morning and be greeted by your local tour guide and driver at Dali train station.
- After breakfast, you will be driven to Weishan Old Town, a charming historic town with a rich cultural heritage dating back to the 7th century.
- Exploring Weishan Old Town
- Weishan Old Town was once the cradle of the Nanzhao Kingdom, established by the Yi Minority. You will have the opportunity to explore this off-the-beaten-path destination and experience its unique traditional architecture and culture. As an important stop on the ancient tea and horse road, you will also learn about its significance in China’s history.
- Tea Factory Visit
- Next, you will visit Nanjian Tulin Tea Factory, one of the largest tea companies in Dali. This will give you a chance to learn about the production process of tea and gain insight into the industry.
- Lancang River and Xiaowan Dam
- In the afternoon, you will transfer to Lancang River, the upper reach of Mekong River in China.
- You will visit Xiaowan Dam, a magnificent arch dam that generates hydroelectric power and supports a 4,200 MW power station. This impressive structure is one of the world’s highest arch dams and third largest hydroelectric power station in China.
- Ancient Tea Tree and Xiangzhuqing Village
- After visiting the dam, you will continue driving to Xiangzhuqing village in Xiaowan township of Fengqing County. Here, you will visit the renowned Xiangzhuqing Ancient Tea Tree, also known as Jinxiu Ancient Tea Tree. This massive, ancient tree is estimated to be over 3,200 years old and is considered “the Mother of Tea Trees.” You will also have the opportunity to explore this picturesque village and learn about its rich history.
- Tea Factory Visit and Organic Dinner
- In the late afternoon, you will visit the tea factory of Li Ruowen in Xiangzhuqing village. Afterward, you will enjoy an organic dinner with a local family, giving you a chance to experience authentic local cuisine and culture.
Day 2 Xiaowan-Fengqing (56KM/1.5 hours)
Sightseeing and Activities: Anshi Village dian Dianhong tea garden, Fengqing Tea Research Institute, The Former Fengqing Tea Factory, Dianhong Tea Factory, Dianhong Tea Museum
Accommodation: Fengqing
Meals: Breakfast
- Morning Exploration
- Begin the day by taking in the breathtaking views of Xiaowan Dam on the Lancang-Mekong River. Afterward, drive to Fengqing County and visit the Dianhong Tea Museum, former Fengqing Tea Factory, and Fengqing Tea Research Center. This historic site is a must-visit for tea enthusiasts, offering a glimpse into the region’s rich tea-making traditions.
- Tea Factory Tour
- Following lunch, embark on a tour of the Dianhong Tea Factory and Anshi tea village and plantation. Here, you can indulge in tastings of the renowned Yunnan black tea and learn about the drying process of the tea leaves and production methods.
- This is an opportunity to discover the unique characteristics of Yunnan black tea, also known as “Dianhong,” which gets its name from the deep red color of its brewed liquor.
- You will have dinner at Tongxin Fine Food Restaurant (同心美食楼) by Li Dehua(李德华) who is Charlie’s classmate.
- About Yunnan Black Tea
- Yunnan black tea, grown at high elevations between 1680-1900 meters above sea level, is a fully oxidized tea renowned for its distinct flavor profile. The region’s mild climate and extended growing season (March to November) allow for a complex taste experience, featuring notes of caramel, cocoa, and a hint of smokiness on the finish. If you’re new to Yunnan black tea, this is an ideal chance to discover its unique charm.
Day 3 Fengqing-124KM/4 hours-Baiyingshan-90KM/3hours-Yunxian
Sightseeing and Activities: Bai Ying Shan Mountain, Baiyingshan Tea Plantation, Ergazi Tea, Lancang-Mekong River
Accommodation: Yunxian
Meals: Breakfast
- Morning Delight
- Begin your day by sipping on Dianhong milk black tea at the hotel reception.
- This fermented and roasted Yunnan black tea is renowned for its unique flavor profile and potential health benefits.
- Drinking it with milk can help reduce inflammation and protect the stomach lining, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a soothing brew.
- Bai Ying Shan Adventure
- After breakfast, embark on a journey to Bai Ying Shan Mountain, a scenic spot located in Manwan Town of Yunxian County.
- Visit the tea factory and tea mountains, where you’ll have the opportunity to learn about the production process and sample some of the region’s finest teas.
- Enjoy a home-cooked lunch with a local family before transferring back to Yunxian for an overnight stay.
- A Must-Visit for Pu-erh Lovers
- For those who adore pu-erh tea, Bai Ying Shan is a must-visit destination. I’ve had the pleasure of savoring a 2007 vintage pu-erh tea from this region, which was truly exceptional due to its sweetness and robust flavor.
- The Birthplace of Yunnan Big Leaf Tea
- Bai Ying Shan is a lesser-known but significant tea mountain in Yunnan’s Lincang Region.
- As a branch mountain of Wu Liang Shan, it’s home to some of the oldest tea trees in the world, with one tree reportedly over 3,000 years old.
- The biological characteristics of these ancient tea seeds prove that Bai Ying Shan is indeed the birthplace of Yunnan Big Leaf Tea.
- The region’s farmers cultivate various tea species, including Ben Shan Cha, Hei Tiao Cha, Er Ga Zi Cha, Meng Ku Zhong, Bai Ya Cha, Liu Ye Cha, He Zhuang Cha, and Teng Zi Cha.
- Unique Tea Trees and Climate
- The tea trees in Bai Ying Shan Village are spaced far apart, but many are remarkably large and ancient.
- The village’s unique location on the mountain peak, facing northeast, receives direct sunlight throughout the day and experiences significant temperature drops at night.
- The moisture from Lancang River rises to the mountain, forming clouds and mist that create an ideal climate for tea production.
- This perfect combination of weather conditions contributes to the high quality of the tea grown here.
Day 4 Yunxian-Dazhai-100KM/3 hours-Xigui-60KM/30minutes-Lincang
Sightseeing and Activities: Chafang Township, Dazhai Township
Accommodation: Lincang
Meals: Breakfast
- Morning Transfer
- Begin your day by transferring to Bangdong Town via Xiaojie town(晓街乡), Chafang Town(茶房乡), Dazhai Town(大寨乡), and Dachaoshan Xizhen Town (大朝山西镇), and arrive at Xigui after passing through ancient tea tree forests, including Huangshahe Ancient Tea Trees(黄沙河古茶树群) .
- Take in the breathtaking views of Huangshahe River and the majestic tea trees, including Nuowu King of the Tea Tree(糯伍千年茶王), Zhishanqing(纸山箐), Xiyuan(昔元), and Wangjiadi(王家地) in Dachaoshan(大朝山口),.
- Xigui Adventure
- After arriving at Xigui, enjoy a delicious lunch and visit Manglu Tea Mountain, located along the bank of the Lancang-Mekong River. Explore the Xigui tea factory and indulge in a home-cooked meal with a local family.
- Visit Nahan (纳罕) and Manggan (曼岗) tea villages for a deeper understanding of the region’s tea culture.
- Xi Gui: A Tea Lover’s Paradise
- Xi Gui is a charming town situated along the Mekong River in Lincang county, Lincang city, Yunnan.
- The fertile soil brought by the river is rich in calcium, making it an ideal location for tea production. With its improved road condition, Xi Gui has become a popular destination for high-amateur and tourist tea enthusiasts from China and abroad.
- However, many visitors may not be familiar with evaluating the quality of tea.
- As a result, teas with floral scents are often favored. This type of flavor can be achieved by lightly frying the tea and retaining more enzymes that develop during enzymatic fermentation.
- However, teas produced using this method are not suitable for long-term storage and may develop a bitter taste over time.
Day 5 Lincang-Mengku-Lincang
Sightseeing and Activities: 5 Villages of Bingdao villages, Xiaohusai Village, Bingdao Lake
Accommodation: Lingcang
Meals: Breakfast
- Explore the Origins of Chinese Tea in Bingdao Village
- This morning, embark on a journey to Mengku Township, followed by a visit to Bingdao Village (冰岛), a 2000-year-old Luhu tribal village nestled amidst lush green mountains. T
- he village is the cradle of tea plantation in China, where you’ll discover ancient tea trees over 2000 years old.
- Discover the Vibrant Culture of the Lahu People
- As you explore the 5 villages of Bingdao, including Dijie (地界）, Bingdao Laozhai(冰岛老寨), Bawai (坝歪), Nanpo(南迫), and Nuowu (糯五), immerse yourself in the traditional culture of the Lahu people.
- Marvel at their colorful attire and experience the art of tea-making in Dijie village. Enjoy a hearty lunch in this picturesque setting.
- Learn About Bing Dao Puerh Tea
- Bing Dao Puerh tea is named after its birthplace, Bing Dao Village in Mengku County, Yunnan Province.
- This ancient tea has a rich history dating back to the 15th century, cultivated by local villagers who are predominantly Thai. The tea is made from trees over 300 years old and is pressed using traditional stone methods.
- Its unique characteristics include a sweet, rich flavor, a pleasant refreshing quality, and a lingering sweetness that quenches your thirst.
- Afternoon Delights
- In the afternoon, visit Xiaohusai Tea Village and Dahusai Village before returning to Lincang City in the late afternoon. Say goodbye to this enchanting region and take back memories of your unforgettable tea adventure.
- Servie ends.
Recommended Hotels
| City | 5 Star | 4 Star | 3 Star | Hostel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaowan Township | Xiaowan Hotel (Local best) | |||
| Fengqing County | Wyndham Hotel | |||
| Lincang City | Three Rivers Island Hotel | |||
| Kunming | Yueshang Botique Hotel | l |
Service Included:
1. Admission fees for all of the sightseeing spots listed in the itinerary;
2. Meals as listed in the itinerary;
3.Accommodation with breakfast as listed in the itinerary;
4.Private English-speaking tour guide and vehicle for transfers & sightseeing;
5.Service charge & government taxes;
6. Luggage transfers between airports and hotels;
7. Two bottles of mineral water each day;
8.Travel Agency’s Responsibility Insurance.
9. Train tickets from Kunming to Dali;
10.Domestic air tickets from Lincang to Kunming(Economy Class).
Service Excluded:
1.Any arrival and departure international airfares or train tickets;
2.Chinese visa fees;
3.Excess baggage charged by Airlines;
4.Single room supplement;
5.Tips to guides and drivers;
6.Personal expenses and gratuities to service staff;
7.Personal travel accident insurance;
8.All optional programs.
