Pu'er

Located in southwestern Yunnan Province, Pu'er City is the largest prefecture-level city in Yunnan by area (45,000 square kilometers). It administers 1 district and 9 counties with a total population of approximately 2.34 million (end of 2023), where ethnic minorities account for 61.2% of the population, including 26 ethnic groups such as Hani, Yi, and Lahu. Its unique geographical position borders Vietnam, Laos, and Myanmar, with a 486-kilometer-long national boundary, featuring 4 border counties and 2 national-level ports (Simao Port and Mengkang), making it a frontier hub "connecting three countries with one city." Pu'er is renowned as the "Emerald of the Green Sea," with a forest coverage rate of 68.23%, preserving nearly one-third of China's species. It boasts 1 national wetland park, 3 national forest parks, and 18 nature reserves, with an excellent air quality rate of 100% and extremely high negative oxygen ion concentrations, earning it the title of "Natural Oxygen Bar." In 2023, the Cultural Landscape of Old Tea Forests of Jingmai Mountain in Pu'er was successfully inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, becoming the world's first tea-themed World Heritage Site. Attractions Natural and Ecological Landscapes Pu'er National Park (AAAA-rated) A paradise for flora and fauna on the Tropic of Cancer, covering 216 square kilometers of pristine forest, offering close encounters with wildlife and immersive nature experiences. Sun River Forest Park Famous for its virgin forests and Tea Horse Road culture, highlights include the Red Panda Manor and Rhinoceros Plateau Scenic Area, ideal for families and nature lovers. Jingmai Mountain Ancient Tea Forests A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring millennia-old tea tree groves and rich cultural heritage of the Tea Ancestor Pa Ai Leng, where visitors can experience tea picking, processing, and Bulang ethnic customs. Cultural and Historical Sites Tea Horse Road Tourist Area (AAAA-rated) The starting point of the ancient tribute tea route to Beijing, with well-preserved post roads. Visitors can watch the intangible cultural heritage "Cormorant Fishing" and enjoy hot air balloon rides over tea plantations. China Pu'er Tea Expo Garden (AAAA-rated) Combining vast tea plantations with a tea culture museum, it offers insights into Pu'er tea history and hands-on tea-picking and processing experiences. Wengji Ancient Village A thousand-year-old Bulang ethnic village with well-preserved ancient tea gardens and traditional stilt houses, perfect for experiencing authentic ethnic culture. Featured Experience Routes "World Tea Origin · Wellness & Mindfulness" Tour: Covers Tianshili Dibo'er Bio-Tea Valley, China Pu'er Tea Expo Garden, and Pu'er National Park, blending tea culture, biodiversity, and forest wellness experiences. Food Recommendations Pu'er is known as the "Coffee Capital of China" and the "Tea City of China," with cuisine combining ethnic flavors and organic ingredients. Must-try dishes include: Signature Cuisine Simao "Eight Bowls" Must-try: Chicken Tofu (steamed with free-range chicken and pork fat), Water Crisp (fried glutinous rice), and Sour-Spicy Fish (wild fish cooked with tree flowers). Caravan Cuisine Highlights: Bronze Pot Rice (outdoor-cooked dry rations), Three Ways with Beans (soy milk, tofu, and bean residue), and Dried Beef Strips with Wild Vegetables, showcasing caravan culinary wisdom. Mojiang Purple Rice Feast Recommendations: Purple Rice Chicken (stewed with free-range chicken) and Purple Rice Cakes, offering a soft, glutinous texture with natural fragrance. Lahu Hand-Torn Rice Glutinous rice, grilled meat, and wild vegetables wrapped in banana leaves, served with spicy dipping sauce for an ethnic dining experience. Recommended Restaurants Lancang Lahu Dingding Chicken: Dingding Chicken (stir-fried chicken cubes with wild vegetables) paired with hand-torn rice, ~¥30 per person. Nakeli Xinyuan: A caravan cuisine specialist, featuring tofu sausage and fermented beans with wild vegetables, recreating ancient road flavors. Yunxian Farmer’s Dalu Mountain Angelica Chicken: Herbal beef hotpot and angelica-stewed chicken for nourishing meals. Bainian Yinji: Sour Tamarind Ripe Pu'er Tea and Spicy Litsea Cubeba Frog, appetizing and flavorful. Travel Tips Best Season: Year-round; spring (March-May) for flowers, autumn (September-November) for cool weather. Transport: Connected by China-Laos Railway and Kunming-Bangkok Expressway, with direct flights from Simao and Lancang Jingmai Airports to major cities. Cultural Experiences: Participate in Pu'er tea-making, Lahu Lusheng dances, and Wa wooden drum performances—intangible cultural heritage activities.