Imagine stepping into a lush world where tea trees stretch as far as the eye can see, their leaves dancing in the breeze under a cathedral of green 🌳. Welcome to Jingmai Mountain, in the Chinese mainland’s Yunnan province, where nature and culture have intertwined for over a thousand years.
Here, five ethnic groups—Bulang, Dai, Hani, Wa, and Lahu—gather in harmony, sharing not just the land but a deep reverence for these ancient tea forests. Their traditions flow together like a perfectly brewed cup of tea, each bringing unique stories, songs, and rituals to the same sacred groves.
The iconic “two leaves, one bud” totem embroidered on Bulang clothing is more than a design; it’s a symbol of gratitude and respect for the tea ancestors. Every stitch whispers tales of generations who lived, loved, and learned beneath the canopy.
Spread across five tea forests, nine traditional villages, and three protective forest belts, Jingmai’s living landscape is a testament to sustainable wisdom. Local communities work together to guard these groves, ensuring that future generations can wander the paths where their forebears once walked.
“Among trees we dwell, tea has deep roots here,” shares a Bulang elder, reminding us that in this green sanctuary, culture and nature thrive as one 🍃.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
