Tea Horse Mystery · Land of Wonders

Lincang Yongde County — a key town on the Tea Horse Road in southwestern Yunnan and a treasure trove of world-class geological wonders. A 2-day-1-night itinerary exploring the thousand-year-old Mangfei Ancient Tea Garden, deciphering the Xian'gen geological wonder, and stepping into the mysterious Lemo Tribe, experiencing the perfect fusion of multi-ethnic culture and natural wonders.

Millennium

Ancient Tea Garden

26 Ethnic Groups

Co-Inhabited

Geological Wonder

Enriched Zone

Tea Horse Road

Core Section

Yongde County Mangfei Ancient Tea Garden and Xian'gen Geological Wonder

Mist-veiled ancient tea tree clusters and karst geological wonders

Yongde County Two Days One Night Tea Horse Mystery Journey

Tea mountain exploration + geological wonders + tribal customs, feel the charm of southwestern Yunnan's secret realm

                    
Duration
2 Days 1 Night

                    
Main Destinations
Mangfei Ancient Tea Garden, Xian'gen Geological Park, Yongde Earth Forest, Lianzi Bridge Ruins, Lemo Tribe

                    
Suitable For
Nature Enthusiasts, Cultural Explorers, Photographers, Geological Researchers

                    
Per Capita Budget
¥330-¥580

Tea Mountain & Geological Exploration

Nature & Culture

Itinerary Highlights

Explore the ancient tea garden in the morning, decipher geological wonders in the afternoon.

Attractions

Mangfei Ancient Tea Garden

A core Pu'er tea producing area, preserving thousand-year-old ancient tea tree clusters, including ancient tea garden sightseeing boardwalks, tea-making experience workshops, and a tea culture exhibition hall, where visitors can participate in the entire process of tea picking and processing.

Xian'gen Geological Park

A karst geological wonder zone, featuring natural bridges, cave clusters, and stone forest landforms. The 108-meter-high "Xian'gen" stone pillar is a world-rare geological wonder, known as the "Geological Museum of Southwestern Yunnan."

Yongde Earth Forest

An earth forest landform formed by Yuan River tributary erosion, covering 8 square kilometers, featuring viewing platforms, a geological science museum, and a photography base — one of the most distinctive geological landscapes in southwestern Yunnan.

Practical Information

Travel Tips

Bring mosquito repellent for tea mountain areas
Wear slip-resistant shoes for geological zones
Respect tea farmers' customs

Accommodation Recommendations

Mangfei tea mountain B&Bs
Xian'gen scenic view hotels
County town boutique inns

Ancient Road & Tribe Journey

History & Customs

Itinerary Highlights

Explore the Tea Horse Road in the morning, experience Lemo culture in the afternoon.

Attractions

Lianzi Bridge Ruins

A provincial-level cultural relics protection unit, preserving Qing Dynasty iron-chain bridge remnants, including intact bridge piers, iron chains, and ancient road stone slabs — a witness to the Yunnan-Myanmar trade history and an important Tea Horse Road heritage site.

Lemo Tribe

A Yi ethnic subgroup settlement, preserving intact traditional villages and folk culture, including a dragon altar, totem square, and intangible heritage exhibition hall, where visitors can experience Lemo song, dance, and weaving traditions.

Menggong Hot Spring

A geothermal hot spring resort, featuring multiple natural hot spring pools, a therapy center, and a folk experience zone. The mineral-rich spring water is known as the "Hot Spring Pearl of Southwestern Yunnan."

Practical Information

Special Experiences

Ancient road caravan simulation
Lemo costume wearing
Hot spring therapy experience

Return Trip Suggestions

Allow time for souvenir shopping
Mangfei Pu'er tea
Lemo handicrafts

Yongde County Must-Try Foods

Yongde Mango

A National Geographical Indication product, featuring large fruit with small seeds, sweet and juicy — hailed as the "Fruit King of Southwestern Yunnan" and registered for agricultural product geographical indication protection.

Lemo Whole Roast Lamb

A traditional Lemo delicacy — highland black goat roasted with secret spices, crispy skin and tender meat, listed in the provincial intangible cultural heritage directory.

Tea Leaf Banquet

A tea hometown specialty — tea leaves infused into dishes, including tea-infused chicken and Pu'er tea-braised meat, embodying the culinary essence of Tea Horse Road culture.

Yongde County Travel Tips

Best Seasons