Xishuangbanna, Yunnan: Dadugang
The tea mountains of Yunnan have a mysterious charm, and Dadugang（大渡岗） in Xishuangbanna is a shining gem in this tea-rich land. As part of the Chinese Tea Alliance’s tea journey in Yunnan, we ventured into this vast sea of tea, exploring the environment where tea grows, experiencing the tea-making process, and visiting Mutongchan（牧童蝉） Tea Industry Co., Ltd.. We had the privilege of meeting Chairman Yang Enfu, who shared the fascinating history and craftsmanship behind these tea gardens.
Encountering the Vast Tea Gardens & Staying Among the Tea Fields
Leaving the bustling world behind, we traveled through the rolling hills of Xishuangbanna and finally arrived at Dadugang Township, where we stayed at Mutongchan Tea Garden Inn, a guesthouse built within the tea fields.
In the morning, as we pulled back the curtains, layers of lush green tea trees stretched toward the horizon, bathed in soft sunlight. Mist lingered over the distant mountains, birds chirped melodiously, and the air was filled with the fresh aroma of tea leaves. Standing on the balcony, we took a deep breath, inhaling the cool, refreshing scent—nature’s own gift from the tea gardens.
In the afternoon, we strolled along the newly built Tea Garden Rainbow Road, taking in the breathtaking vastness of the ten-thousand-mu tea plantation. The neatly arranged tea bushes spread across the hills like flowing green ribbons, creating a picturesque landscape. More than just a perfect spot for photography, this place offers a deep connection to tea—its cultivation, its traditions, and its soul.
Tea Picking: Selecting Thousands of Leaves with Care
Our first hands-on experience was tea picking, an essential step in understanding the tea-making process. Dressed in traditional tea attire and wearing wide-brimmed straw hats, we followed the guidance of experienced tea farmers, learning how to identify the most tender tea buds and gently pluck one bud and two leaves, placing them into our baskets.
At first, everyone was busy taking photos, lost in the beauty of the tea fields. But when a tea farmer gently reminded us, “Each person must fill a basket before leaving the mountain,” we realized that tea picking was much harder than it seemed.
Under the golden sunlight, the tea bushes swayed gently in the breeze. Squatting between the rows, we carefully searched for the best tea buds, our hands moving through the green foliage. Beads of sweat trickled down as our baskets gradually filled up. Holding a handful of freshly picked tea leaves close, we inhaled their sweet and delicate fragrance. In that moment, we truly understood the phrase, “One leaf, one world.”
The Art of Tea Processing: Transforming Fresh Leaves into Fragrant Tea
If picking tea is about connecting with nature, then processing tea is about bringing it to life. At Mutongchan Tea Industry’s workshop, we learned about the traditional Pu’er sun-drying process. From pan-firing to rolling, every step required patience and precision.
Tea master Yang guided us through the pan-firing process, explaining, “This is like cooking—controlling the heat and stirring rhythm determines the aroma of the tea.” As the tea leaves softened in our hands and released a gentle fragrance, it felt like we were engaging in an ancient conversation with the land itself.
Next, we tried the rolling process, where we carefully shaped the tea leaves into slender strips. The leaves were then spread out on bamboo trays, left to dry under the sun, allowing time and nature to work their magic and enhance the tea’s complexity.
Nighttime Tea Gathering: A Fireside Conversation with Tea
As night fell, the tea gardens were bathed in soft moonlight, and the air carried the faint scent of burning wood. We gathered around a traditional firepit, where we experienced Yunnan’s ancient “roasted tea” ritual.
Fresh tea leaves were placed in a clay pot over an open flame, slowly releasing their unique toasted fragrance. When the tea was poured, its rich, smoky aroma filled the air. The tea was thick, full-bodied, and carried the warmth of the fire—a flavor unlike any we had tasted before.
With each sip, conversation flowed effortlessly. Some shared their personal tea stories, while others simply gazed at the glowing embers, letting their thoughts drift with the rising steam. That evening, tea was more than just a drink—it became a bridge between people, nature, and time.
A Morning in the Tea Fields: Awaking to the Scent of Tea
On our final morning, we stepped into the misty tea gardens at dawn. The morning dew glistened on the tea leaves, reflecting the first rays of sunlight. Birds in the nearby forest began their morning songs, their melodies blending with the gentle rustling of the tea trees.
Looking over the rolling hills covered in endless rows of tea, we finally understood what the locals meant when they said, “Tea has its own spirit. It understands light, water, and even people.”
Perhaps this is what makes Dadugang so special—it is not just a tea plantation, but a living story of tea, nature, and tradition.
From the vibrant green fields to the rich flavors of freshly brewed tea, from the quiet night under the stars to the morning mist rolling over the hills—every moment in Dadugang was a lesson, a connection, a story in itself.