Tea Capital of the World · Green Sea Heart

Puer Simao District — core area of the World Tea Source. A 2-day-1-night itinerary hiking the Tea Horse Road original section, boating on Meizi Lake plateau pearl, and exploring Sun River Forest Park. Feel the ecological and cultural charm of the World Tea Source core area.

1,300 Years

Tea Horse Road History

World Heritage

Tea Road Ruins

75%

Forest Coverage

China's Coffee Capital

City Title

Simao District Pu'er Tea Horse Road Original Section Landscape

Well-preserved Tea Horse Road ruins traversing primeval forest

Simao District Two Days One Night Tea Source Core Journey

Ancient road hiking + lake boating + rainforest exploration, feel the charm of the World Tea Source

                    
Duration
2 Days 1 Night

                    
Main Destinations
Pu'er Tea Horse Road, Meizi Lake, Pu'er National Park, Tea Horse Ancient City

                    
Suitable For
Nature Enthusiasts, Cultural Explorers, Photographers, Coffee Lovers

                    
Per Capita Budget
¥400-¥700

Ancient Road & Lake Journey

History & Ecology

Itinerary Highlights

Hike the Tea Horse Road in the morning, boat on Meizi Lake in the afternoon.

Attractions

Pu'er Tea Horse Road Scenic Area

A National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit, the best-preserved original section of the Tea Horse Road. The Banyapo section spans 5 km, traversing primeval forest and recreating the historical scenes of horse caravan culture.

Meizi Lake Park

A plateau lake scenic area with a water area of 3 square kilometers, 95% forest coverage around the lake, known as the "Pearl of Puer." Visitors can take boat tours, birdwatch, and fish.

Tea Horse Ancient City

A Tea Horse culture-themed district, recreating the风貌 of ancient post stations, featuring a tea culture museum, intangible heritage workshops, and horse caravan cuisine restaurants. Evening live-action horse caravan themed performances are held.

Practical Information

Travel Tips

Bring trekking poles for ancient road hiking
Bring sun protection for the lake area
Live performances require advance booking

Accommodation Recommendations

Meizi Lake resort hotels
Tea Horse Road forest cabins
City boutique hotels

Rainforest Exploration Experience

Nature & Ecology

Itinerary Highlights

Explore the National Park in the morning, taste coffee culture in the afternoon.

Attractions

Pu'er National Park (Sun River Forest Park)

China's largest national park pilot area, preserving northern tropical primeval forest, featuring areas such as "Wild Ox Valley" and "Rhinoceros Flat." Visitors can observe rare animals such as Asian elephants and gibbons up close.

Red Panda Manor

A core experience area of the National Park, where visitors can hike through primeval forest and interact with red pandas and other wildlife. Features an ecological education center and treehouse hotel.

Pu'er Coffee Manor

China's Coffee Capital experience base, featuring coffee plantations, roasting workshops, and a tasting center. Visitors can experience the entire process of coffee picking, roasting, and pour-over brewing.

Practical Information

Special Experiences

Rainforest zipline adventure
Red panda interaction & feeding
Specialty coffee tasting

Return Trip Suggestions

Allow time for souvenir shopping
Pu'er tea as gift
Pu'er coffee gift boxes

Simao District Must-Try Foods

Pu'er Coffee

A National Geographical Indication product, small-grain coffee with excellent quality, SCA specialty coffee certified, available in pour-over, cold brew, and other experiential forms.

Chicken Tofu

A Simao specialty, minced chicken mixed with egg white and steamed, resembling tofu in appearance, tender and smooth. Known as the "Number One Delicacy of Puer," it is listed in the provincial intangible cultural heritage directory.

Horse Caravan Cuisine

A traditional dish of the ancient road, blending Han, Yi, and Dai ethnic flavors. Signature dishes include Fire Ladle Beef and Tea-Fragrant Ribs, recreating the culinary culture of the horse caravan journey.

Simao District Travel Tips

Best Seasons