Discover the Hidden Gem of Lancang: Your Next Unforgettable Rural Getaway
Today is a public welfare piece.
For the second consecutive year, we have the privilege of collaborating with Alibaba and Fliggy’s public welfare team to bring you a particular topic that combines travel with meaningful impact. This marks our third article in our voluntary support for promoting underdeveloped countries across China. Our previous articles highlighted the splendors of Ping Shun in Shanxi and Yi County in Huangshan. This time, we delve into the enchanting Lancang Lahu Autonomous County in Yunnan.
In a remarkable achievement for Lancang, its region, the Ancient Tea Forest Cultural Landscape of Jingmai Mountain, was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2023, thrusting this nondescript county into the global spotlight.
Lancang, located in the southwestern province of Yunnan, is ancient, splendid, and replete with unheralded beauty and cultural richness. If you’re dreaming of an idyllic vacation filled with natural beauty, artistic depth, and community warmth, Lancang Yunnan is worth exploring.
UNESCO-Recognized Heritage: Jingmai Mountain
When it comes to Lancang, the Ancient Tea Forest Cultural Landscape of Jingmai Mountain inevitably becomes the center of attention. A significant achievement was made on September 17, 2023, when Jingmai Mountain became the world’s first tea-themed World Cultural Heritage site, filling a gap in the World Heritage List for tea-related sites and making it China’s 57th World Heritage Site. This region includes five extensive ancient tea forests, nine traditional villages, and three separated protective forests, creating a landscape where people and nature exist in serene harmony.
The Unique Splendor of Jingmai Mountain
To enter these ancient tea forests, you travel through a cobblestone mountain path flanked by towering banyan trees—an aesthetic choice to maintain the forest’s pristine nature and allow animals unimpeded passage. This approach strikes a rare balance between human needs and the environment, reflecting the region’s deep respect for nature.
Two ancient villages, Wengji Blang, and Nuogang, offer unforgettable glimpses into the local way of life. Wengji Blang Ancient Village, steeped in tea culture, provides a mesmerizing atmosphere with its tea-themed architecture and various visitor experiences, ranging from tea roasting to traditional tea meals. In Nuogang, a Dai village recognized by its yellow cow horn rooftops, the charm lies in its tranquility and untouched natural beauty. Experiencing these villages is like stepping back in time to witness life as it has been for generations.
Diving Deeper into Cultural Heritage
To fully grasp the significance of Jingmai Mountain, a visit to the Jingmai Mountain Heritage Display Center located at the foot of the mountain in Huimin Town is invaluable. The center offers detailed exhibits, documentaries, and numerous research materials about Chinese tea culture and the heritage site, providing both casual visitors and keen scholars with deep insights. One must-see at the center is a publication titled “Thousands of Mountains and Rivers, Why Jingmai Mountain?”—the most comprehensive resource on the site.
Cultural Intrigue: Old Dabo Village
Old Dabo, home to the Lahu ethnic group, is steeped in musical heritage. This ancient village houses many talented singers and dancers. Notably, its rich musical traditions are nationally recognized as an intangible cultural heritage under the listing of “Mupa Mipa.” During holidays, visitors might be lucky enough to witness traditional performances by the local performance company.
The Lively Lancang Weekend Market
Address: Lancang County, Lancang Street
Time: Every Saturday evening to Sunday morning
A visit to the Saturday Night Market in Lancang County is a bustling adventure. From Saturday afternoon until Sunday morning, this market is abuzz with activity. Here, one can find a host of Yunnan specialties—bursting tofu, colorful glutinous rice, mango with chili dip—at incredibly affordable prices. It’s a sensory overload that guarantees to fill both your hands and your stomach with delightful treats without breaking the bank.
The Rich Produce of Lancang
lancing’s Coffee and Tea
Lancang is not only a prominent tea-producing area but also a budding coffee powerhouse. Located near the Tropic of Cancer, it falls within the ideal latitude for coffee cultivation. Niu Xincun in Donghui Town exemplifies this. Undergoing development to cater to coffee enthusiasts will soon offer a comprehensive experience from coffee farming to cup, merging agricultural education with tourism.
A Taste of Lancang
Lancang’s culinary delights incorporate tea into various dishes, courtesy of the long-established tea culture. Ancient tree tea scrambled eggs, tea leaf stir-fried beef, and cold tea leaf salad are just a few examples of how tea influences local cuisine. Another surprising delicacy is a chicken stew with “crab legs”—actually flat-stemmed mistletoe that resides on ancient tea trees. This plant demands high ecological standards, emphasizing the pristine nature of Jingmai Mountain’s ecosystem.
Towards a Sustainable Future in Rural Tourism
Our partnership with Alibaba’s public welfare initiative and Fliggy aims to spotlight underdeveloped countries like Lancang. This collaboration involves integrating various resources to develop these areas into model counties for rural tourism, thereby promoting local tourism while addressing developmental challenges.
Our mission to uncover and promote these hidden gems is fueled by our passion for meaningful travel—highlighting beautiful, lesser-known destinations and supporting their communities. With its rich landscape, unique culture, and promise of authentic experiences, Lancang is indeed a destination that solves many problems for travelers seeking more prosperous, more rewarding journeys away from the overcrowded mainstream tourist spots.
Let Lancang be your next adventure. Whether you’re an avid tea enthusiast, a coffee aficionado, a culture seeker, or a nature lover, this hidden gem in Yunnan promises to offer an unforgettable, soul-enriching experience. So incredibly worthy of your visit, Lancang invites you to explore its treasures and immerse yourself in its serene, authentic rural beauty.