NEW: from December 23rd, 2024

Winter tea tour: Yunnan

Xishuangbanna-Nannuo-Kunming-Dali-Yiwu-Menghai-Jingmai-Laoman'e-Laobanzhang-Hekai

The sweetest season

Winter in Yunnan is gentle and quiet: the weather in the valleys is mild, with the occasional cloud framing trees and flower fields; the tea has been pressed and is on each tea table, ready to be tasted; and everyone's soul is ready to welcome you.

This new itinerary explores the diversity of our beloved Yunnan in tea, geography, and culture: we cross its high-mountain geography from north to south, through its two most important kingdoms of Nanzhao (Tang dynasty, 618-907) and Dai (Song dynasty, 960-1279), indulging in the best leaves that the locals who inhabited these lands refined over centuries.

It is a tour of study, with the workshop we prepare for you on brewing, ancient incense, and Tang dynasty cakes; of exploration, with mountains, forests and new encounters; of awe, thanks to the breathtaking landscapes of Yunnan; of people: we will brew together with the producers their best teas, and we will be hosted by pottery masters and tea professionals, freely interacting with their humanity and work.

In the winter, it is possible to travel over the majority of the tea roads and trails, and all of the new teas in both maocha and pressed bricks are waiting to be brewed.

Temperatures in the Xishuangbanna valley are expected to range between 18°C and 25°C, while Kunming and Dali, where we will be attending the majority of the professional seminars, will be between 5°C and 16°C.

This journey will take you through everything that makes Eastern Leaves: our Yunnan, a deeper understanding of Chinese culture, and all of the people that make our tea journey meaningful. 


Dec 23rd, 2024 - Janaury 5th: The gentle winter in Yunnan

Info and booking

From farmers and tea scholars

In our travels we bring all that we are: our years of technical experience as tea growers and scholars in Yunnan, our long-term relationships with like-minded growers in other Chinese provinces and ceramic artists, and all the our passion.

Attentive organisation

We organize our travels with the same care that we use for our teas and our courses: we consider our activities as a whole, a multidimensional exploration of the leaves we love that needs careful and passionate support to reveal all its beauty.

Independent

We organize our itineraries with our own resources, without relying on any travel agency: we visit the places that shaped our tea journey and that still make us wonder, sitting at the tea table with the tea professionals we esteem the most.

Itinerary

Day #1 - Kunming

Kunming, December 23rd

We welcome our guests to  Kunming, the capital of Yunnan, located at 2,100 meters above sea level between the tropical south and the Himalayan north.

Thanks to its gentle climate it is called Spring City, and it is the capital of pu'er tea, where twenty-five cultural groups still live and thrive.

Photo gallery: Kunming

Day #2 - Tea studies in the heart of Yunnan

Kunming, December 24th

We meet Li Haibo and Li Jiajia, the teacher who teaches gongfucha practise and ceremony: we study technique and movements to brew Chinese teas properly, preparing some leaves from his impressive collections. 

In the afternoon we study the history of incense through the Chinese dynasties, guided by one of the most prominent schools, and we learn how to prepare and fire our own traditional incense.

Photo gallery: Kunming

Day #3 - Of mountains ridges and kings

Dali, December 25th

We arrive in the Dali highland by train: in front us the Erhai Lake, that for the 40Km of its majestic length is crown by the Cang Mountain Range, one of the most spectacular in China.

This land flourished since the VIII century with the Nanzhao Kingdom, and all around the shores of the Erhai there multiple, preserved remains of many dynasties.

The landscape sweeten our day dedicated to history, culture and tea: we are going to taste pu'er teas that once transited here through the Ancient Tea Horse Road paired with local delicacies, tea leaves, and medicinal herbs, that grow in this incredible biodiversity.

Photo gallery: Dali

Day #4 - Flavors of ancient civilisations

Dali, December 26th

We wake up with sunrise on the crystal clear lake, and we head to the Zhang Family Residence: it is an architectural masterpiece that best represents the Bai architectural art in place in this same location since Tang dynasty.

We continue our day visiting one of the most stunning Chinese landmarks: the Three Pagodas that surrounds the Chongsheng Temple, a symmetrical complex built in the 9th century and survived intact until nowadays.

We end our days in the hot-springs nourished by the Cang mountains spring water, to restore us and to sweeten the evening chill.

Photo gallery: Dali

Day #5 - The contemporary tea scene

Dali to Kunming, December 27th

In the morning we leave Dali and we travel to Kunming by express train.

We visit the local tea market for professionals, with multiple chances to review and enrich the leaf-based experiences we had during our travel. It is an important place to feel the contemporary tea-scene in Yunnan: here every notable company is represented, with the best of its production.

Photo gallery: Kunming

Day #6 - The Dai kingdom of Xishuangbanna

Kunming to Xishuangbanna, December 28th

We head to Xishuangbanna, the thousand-year old old capital of the Dai kingdom.
Here the Dai minority culture is still lively and spread until nowadays: we visit a local market, immersing in local fruit and products; we delve into the local fabrics, and we visit a Dai village.

We visit a lush tropical garden surrounded by forest, which houses the ceramic workshop of an innovative master we love: Qiu Laoshi and his creations. His work is deeply rooted in his territory: he uses only local sands and plant-based ashes for his glazes, and each of his production-season has a different hue.

Gallery: Qiu Laoshi's gallery

Day #7 - The enchanted mountain

Nannuo forest, December 29th

In the morning we plan a 10Km walk to explore the height of Nannuo and reach its Bama side, the most prestigious and isolated; note: for whoever feels uncomfortable with the hike, most of the walk can be supported by SUV.
We will explore different tea-gardens and forests, cultivars and species, and we will picnic on the mountain.

During our day, we pay homage to the oldest 800 years old tree, and immerse ourselves in the forest that surrounded it for almost a thousand years.

Gallery: Nannuo mountain

Day #8 - Treasures of Bulang mountain

Laoman'e and Laobanzhang, December 30th

In the morning we head to Laoman’e village, the most historical and cultural village of the area, with a lively ancient temple that is the old keeper of the local culture and pu’er tea.

After lunch we visit the most famous village in the area, a symbol of the skyrocketing prices of pu'er tea: Laobanzhang, with its historic trees, evidence of ancient domestication, and the maximum security village that protects its treasure.

Gallery: Laobanzhang and Laoman'e

Day #9 - The heart of tea trade

Menghai and Jingmai mountain

Menghai is the center of the most renowned - and busiest - area for the production of pu'er tea: it is surrounded by the Bulang area with Laobanzhang and Laoman'e, Pasha, Nannuo, Naka and many others, and brings together all the best professionals and factories.

We visit a pu'er tea refining workshop and explore the local economy while dedicating our day to sampling the greatest teas.

We continue our travel heading to Jingmai Mountain, climbing a stone path. Around us, the mountain looks frozen in time: the houses have kept their original wood, the tea trees are century-old, and people

Gallery: Menghai and Jingmai

Day #10 - The gentle forest

Jingmai mountain, January 1st

We wake up surrounded by a ancient tea trees, and by the fragrance of now of the most gentle and charming pu'er teas.

We dedicate the first part of the day to explore its most important trees, and the local culture: here we find great examples of preserved Dai mountain villages, several temples, and some delicacies for our palate.

Gallery: Jingmai

Day #11 - A journey between valleys

Menghai to Xisangbanna

We slowly descend the Jingmai mountain crossing the Menghai valley, among seasonal crops, Dai gates, and ancient Dai culture temples.

In the afternoon, on the way to Xishuangbanna, we stop by our Pu'er shupu master for a specialised tasting, to smooth our way in the night - and in the new year.

Gallery: Menghai

Day #12 - The harmonious leaves

Yiwu

We head southeast toward the border with Laos, with the Yiwu peaks as our destination. They are home to a diverse range of tastes, landscapes, and producers.

We visit two different tea villages and forests: Luoshuidong, with its remarkable trees, a sanctuary to its king, and the ancient road; and Mahei, an old Han culture village that determines what Yiwu means and taste.

Gallery: Yiwu

Day #13 - Flowery fragrance and pu’er tea

We wake up surrounded by the peaks and scents of Yiwu, and after a proper tea session we walk among the most historically significant homes and lanes, the square where pu'er tea was loaded and traded for generations, and the local museum, which is located at the first stop of the Ancient Tea Horse Road.

We then head to one of the farthest villages, according to the weather and road conditions, that may be the prestigious Bohetang or Guafengzhai, surrounded by lush, green valleys.

Gallery: Yiwu

Day #14 - A Journey of Fragrance

Xishuangbanna

It is time to wrap-up all the tastes, teas, people, places and experiences we have encountered through our travel: we meet in the morning in our tea studio to brew together the very best mountains and vintages; we will make some Guanguan tea on the fire to warm up our soul before going on the way back home - or to continue your travel somewhere else. 

Our travel is designed by us, and it is independent by any travel agency: we bring you with us on Eastern Leaves routes, guided by a farmer and tea scholar, through places, tastes and people that are most meaningful for us.

From our travelers

I still can't believe I was in all these amazing places

"I am drinking a rock tea from Wuyishan at home, a month after our trip. Brewed in a beautiful Yixing pot that I bought in actual Yixing, and tea from the mountain that I hiked on. I still can't believe I was in all these amazing places... I am reminiscing about this holiday a lot. It was just perfect. People were incredibly nice. We had wonderful encounters with lots of lovely different tea people and the people in our group where the best. Tea people are so nice. We saw incredible things, drank the best teas and had so much fun together. Everything that was abstract for me beforehand, became concrete while traveling. It's hard to capture my feelings in words, but but I am back home for a month now and there was not a single day that I didn't think about the trip. I wasn't homesick while traveling, but I am tripsick now.

And all of this took place under the caring and enthusiastic guidance of Vivian and Lorenzo, truly two of the most kind, warm-hearted and knowledgeable people that I know."

W.E., from The Netherlands

We have become more sensitive and have touched beauty

"I want to consider a different approach. I don't want to make a review of what went well and what didn't go well. I don't want to dwell on individual stages and describe a fantastic world. I reject any image of travel, tea, an extraordinary country and all that. I want to forget any kind of knowledge I have. Tea lovers already know all about these things. I want to tell them that they don't need "yesterday" because it is the necessary condition to savor any moment with its different temperatures, colors and fragrances. Isn't this what happens when you drink forgotten tea? Isn't it like drinking a new tea, after all? When we abandoned the concept of tea bags, what did we do? We entered an ancient forest for the first time. We put our hands in the clay. We tasted food with a sparkling and surprising flavour. We have become more sensitive and have touched beauty. And this is where the world of Eastern Leaves becomes real"

D.N., from Italy

Our travel package includes accommodation in selected, cosy hotels, all the internal transportation, and meals. It doesn't include the flight from/to your country of origin, visas (but we support your application), and insurance.

Once you decide to travel with us, we assist you in everything we can, following our experience with travellers from all over the world.

We apply special rates for our Eastern Academy alumni: contact us to choose a date and customise together your travel at the origin of tea!

Food: Learn through tasting

Along with tea and culture, we place a high value on food: we select the most interesting meals and, above all, to immerse you in our reality of people and places. Whenever possible, we cook in our studio to chill between excursions and to sample foods discovered along the way.
Vegetarian options are plentiful, including numerous variations on tofu, beans, and cooking techniques that are part of the Chinese tradition.

Accommodation

We spend the majority of our nights in a small private villa adjacent to our studio, making it easy to begin each day with tastings and studying.
In every other city, we stay in trusted hotels on which we have come to rely over the years, and in some cases, they have become second homes to us due to their excellent service and tea with a view.

Transportation

We travel through the East Coast cities by rapid train (and yes, tea on the train is a must-have feature in our tours!) and then by private car to each destination; we fly to Yunnan and then drive our own private SUV to ensure the highest level of safety, comfort, and flexibility.

Contact us

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Further travel options

Spring Tour

March 9th - March 22nd, 2025

The tour starts at the vigil of spring, when the tea leaves, the trees and the mountains all are waiting for the first rain: the buds will sprout, and new fragrances and aromas will be discovered.

We explore all the most important mountains and tea-forests of Yunnan: we will brew together the best teas, we speak with the producers and assist them in their work, we walk their lands; we will be hosted by skilled pottery masters and professionals, we will attend to scholars' workshop on Gongfucha and Yixing, and we will live of our passion for tea.

Itinerary and booking

China Tea Tour - May

May 1st - May 20th, 2025

This tour crosses the historical tea line of the east coast, before immersing in our Yunnan: it starts from Yixing, before proceeding to Huangshan and Qimen valley, where we visit extensively the most important production areas.

From there we travel to the Wuyishan valley, where we visit extensively the most important production areas, and from where we start to Tongmuguan, the birth-place of red tea, and Jianyang, the ancient site of production for the Jianzhang teaware, Tenmoku in Japanese.

For the second part of the tour we fly to our Yunnan, where we'll immerse in pu'er lands of Xishuangbanna, following the traces of pu'er tea from the ancient days until the contemporaneity.

Itinerary and booking

summer Tour

August 2025

For this summer we have many ideas and inspirations; we will explore the mountains, we will hike and meditate, together with people we love.

It will be a new itinerary among teas and cultures, immersed in the Chinese west, where boundaries means few in front of culture, geography, and flavors.

We plan to publish the complete itinerary during Spring 2025; in the meanwhile fell free to write us to express your preferences: we will be happy to hear from you, and plan together our trip.

Pre-booking and suggestions

Travel's FAQ

To join our tours it is requires a tourist visa: for travels up to 15 days, for most countries is not required; for tours longer than 14 days, it is a straightforward process that requires between 3 and 10 business days, according to the country and the processing way.

We offer all possible assistance based on the experiences of the travellers we have welcomed over the years from all over the world.

For the most recent news on China visa policy, we recommend visiting the website of the China Visa Application Center.

Sure! Food is an important part of our experience (and of our lives), so we plan it carefully.

Chinese cuisine is extremely diverse: it includes countless varieties of tofu and a variety of vegetable cooking techniques; we will encounter tuberoses and radishes, wild herbs and flowers: a plant-based diet, in addition to a onnivore diet, is entirely possible.

We also have experience with various dietary restrictions, such as gluten-free, lactose intolerant, and religious restrictions; when you contact us, please let us know your needs and preferences, and we will gladly plan your meal accordingly.

As you are probably aware, we are huge fans of photography, particularly when done slowly and with passion: if you, too, enjoy cameras and pictures, it would be wonderful to share our enthusiasm along the way.

Photos and videos are permitted as long as they do not disrupt the flow of travel for our farmers and experts, ensuring a pleasant experience for all of our guests.

If you want a tour specifically designed for documentary purposes, complete with filming mics and equipment, please contact us in advance to plan a customised trip.

When you decide to book we advise to keep in touch with us, we will assist you as much as possible with flights from your country of origin, visas, and any preparation you may need. 

Visas for China have recently become easier to obtain for the majority of nationalities; for the most up-to-date visa rules, we recommend checking the official Chinese website and your local Chinese Embassy or Consulate.

Yes, if you wish, we can provide you with a digital or printed certificate for your travel experience into tea.

For travellers, China is one of the safest countries in the world, with extremely low crime rates, including pickpocketing.

Our commitment along the route is to keep you as safe as possible, both physically and mentally.

For our longer tours, we usually offer the option to join only a portion of the tour, for at least 12 days, based on availability.

If this is your wish, please contact us so that we can plan your trip together.

Find us

Xishuangbanna, Yunnan, China

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