Experiencing Guizhou 1
I participated in the Zhen Tea - tea tour in 2026. Meeting in Shanghai in mid-April and then travelling through Guizhou and Yunnan provinces for 14 full days of all-things tea!
Planned travel route - map from Zhen Tea.
We departed from Pudong International Airport in Shanghai and flew directly to Guiyang. We were met by our hired driver, Yao, and after we loaded our bags and grabbed an ‘olive juice coffee’ from the Drive Cafe, we headed to Duyun (都匀) where we are to meet up with a master producer of the famed Duyun Maojian green tea.[1] We arrived at Luo Si Ke (Sky Mountain - at about 1300m elevation) and stopped for an incredible dinner of salmon and sturgeon before heading to meet with 张子全 Zhang Ziquan to watch him demonstrating the making of the green tea.
At dinner, the local Bu Yi people welcomed us with a gift of a selection of prickly pear tea and a piece of local (Ya Zhou Tao clay) pottery - a beautiful tea cup.[2] I will really treasure this gift.
Mr Zhang turned this local tea cultivar and 40 years of experience into some incredible tea. It was amazing to witness a master hand-process this tea first hand.[3] I purchased some of the mao jian (green) tea and a package of their (hong cha) black tea as well.
We spent the night at this wonderful lodge on the mountain. In the morning we visited the lodge owner’s (Mr. Xu Shaolong) tea garden. The view from the peak was breathtaking. We then tasted some tea he brewed for us before heading out.
Our incredible accommodation at Duyun
Yi Pin Ming Cha Ye - tea setting
Thanks to everyone at Duyun who were so friendly, and shared their knowledge. You have given me many wonderful memories.
We headed to Kaili for lunch to try a local Guizhou speciality - sour fish soup.[4] Then we proceeded to Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village for an overnight visit.
Recommended video: @Little Chinese Everywhere - Hidden Gem of China: Guizhou's Mountain Majesty & Rapeseed Fields(2025)
You can see my pre-trip research here: Pre-planning for Guizhou.
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duyun_Maojian; Allen Teas History and Culture of Duyun Maojian
[2] Wood & Grain (2025) Yazhou Pottery: Secrets in the Cracks of Clay
[3] Traditional tea processing techniques and associated social practices in China - Inscribed as Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2022; Yang Feiyue (2023) Brewing up a career. Online May 19, 2023.
[4] I will write a separate blog post about the incredible cuisine of Guizhou🌶️ and Yunnan….stay tuned!
