Discover the Ancient Tea Capital: Top 3 Tourist Attractions in Pu’er, China

Located in China’s Yunnan Province, Pu’er City shares borders with Myanmar, Laos, and Vietnam. Pronounced “Pu-er” or “Pu-’ar,” this city is world-famous as one of the renowned production areas of Pu’er tea. For centuries, Pu’er has thrived as a center for tea cultivation and trade, yet it remains a hidden gem that many travelers know little about. In this guide, we’ll introduce some of the must-visit attractions in Pu’er City—perfect for adding to your travel itinerary when exploring this fascinating tea capital of China.

1. Nakeli Tea-Horse Ancient Road

In ancient times, tea produced in Yunnan Province was traded with Tibet for horses through a historic trade route that extended to Tibet, Myanmar, and beyond. Originating as early as the Tang Dynasty, this path was famously known as the Tea-Horse Road, and Pu’er City was one of its key stopovers.
The Nakeli Tea-Horse Ancient Road in Pu’er City is a scenic heritage site where the original ancient path remains well-preserved. While the area has been developed as a tourist attraction, it undeniably holds deep historical value as a centuries-old trade route. Visitors can still see relics such as old barrels and lamps used during the trading days. Alongside the Silk Road, the Tea-Horse Road was one of the most important trade routes in history—making it a must-visit for history lovers and cultural explorers.

2. Tropic of Cancer Memorial Park

Mòjiāng Hani Autonomous County in Pu’er City is intersected by the Tropic of Cancer, and to commemorate this geographical landmark, the Tropic of Cancer Memorial Park was built. The Tropic of Cancer is the northernmost latitude where the sun appears directly overhead, which happens during the summer solstice—when shadows disappear for a moment. This park celebrates that unique phenomenon with multiple attractions to explore.
Covering a vast 1,500-square-kilometer area, the park blends astronomy, geography, and science with horticulture and cultural arts. It is divided into eight themed zones, featuring monuments that symbolize the four seasons, astronomy, and more. Located less than two hours by car from downtown Pu’er, it is an accessible and fascinating side trip for travelers.

3. China Pu’er Tea Expo Garden

For many travelers heading to Pu’er City, the main attraction is the world-famous Pu’er tea. The city embraces its tea heritage, promoting tea plantations and scenic landscapes as key tourism highlights. Among its top attractions is the China Pu’er Tea Expo Garden, an ideal destination for those wanting to immerse themselves in the rich tea culture of Yunnan Province.
Inside the China Pu’er Tea Expo Garden, visitors can explore a tea museum, tea-picking areas, and tea production workshops, allowing you to experience Pu’er tea from leaf to cup. The region is home to many ethnic minority groups, each with its own unique tea traditions. This makes a visit not only about tasting authentic Pu’er tea but also about discovering diverse cultural practices and histories.

◎ Summary

Interestingly, until 2007, Pu’er City was known as Simao City. The name change reflected the global fame of Pu’er tea, which has a long history and is said to have been discovered by chance. The city’s tea culture is deeply intertwined with the lives of its many ethnic communities, making them an essential part of its history. When visiting Pu’er City, be sure to include the China Pu’er Tea Expo Garden in your travel plans for a truly enriching cultural and tea-tasting experience.

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Discover the Ancient Tea Capital: Top 3 Tourist Attractions in Pu’er, China