Meitan County "China Tea Sea"

Meitan is located in the north of Guizhou Province and is known as the "Little Jiangnan of Guizhou" and the "No. 1 Tea County in Guizhou." It attracts tourists with its spectacular tea sea, profound history and culture, and unique northern Guizhou customs. The following is a detailed travel guide to Meitan: **I. Must-Visit Attractions** 1. **China Tea Sea** - The world's largest contiguous tea garden (approx. 43,000 mu). Climb the Guanhai Tower to overlook the boundless green tea waves, perfect for taking pictures and experiencing tea picking. - **Best Season**: April–May for spring tea picking season or October when the autumn is crisp and refreshing. 2. **World's First Teapot Tea Culture Park** - A landmark building, 48.2 meters high, certified by Guinness World Records. Inside, there is a tea culture exhibition hall, and the observation deck on the top floor offers a panoramic view of Meitan. The night view light show is particularly stunning. - **Tickets**: CNY 50, open 8:00–20:00. 3. **Meijiang Lake Scenic Area** - The Meijiang River runs through the city, and the riverside trail is suitable for cycling or walking. You can go boating in the summer, and the winter is surrounded by mist. The stilted guesthouse by the lake is very distinctive. 4. **Zhejiang University Westward Relocation History Exhibition Hall** - During the Anti-Japanese War, Zhejiang University moved to Meitan for seven years. The museum displays precious documents and objects, which is suitable for history buffs. 5. **Yongxing Ancient Town & Colorful Tribe** - **Yongxing Ancient Town**: Retains the style of the Ming and Qing Dynasties commercial port. You can taste traditional roasted tea in the old teahouse. - **Colorful Tribe**: The houses are painted in colorful colors and surrounded by tea gardens, which is suitable for taking pictures and experiencing ethnic minority customs. **II. Featured Food Recommendations** - **Oil Tea Soup**: Salty and fragrant tea soup made from glutinous rice, tea, and peanuts, served with crispy pork or Ciba (glutinous rice cake). - **Scrambled Eggs with Tea Leaves**: Fresh tea leaves are stir-fried with local eggs, with a refreshing aroma. - **Mung Bean Noodles**: Smooth rice noodles served with chili sauce or sour soup. - **Farmhouse Pig Slaughter Feast** (winter limited): You can experience traditional farmhouse banquets in places such as Lanxin Manor. **III. Accommodation Recommendations** - **Guesthouses around the Tea Sea**: Such as Lanxin Manor and Huxiao Guesthouse, where you can see the tea garden when you open the window. - **County Hotels**: Tianhu International Hotel, Meitan Hotel, cost-effective. - **Hot Spring Hotel**: International Hot Spring Hotel offers natural hot spring pools, suitable for health preservation in winter. **IV. Transportation Guide** - **External Transportation**: - Airplane: Fly to Zunyi Maotai Airport, then take a bus to Meitan (approx. 1.5 hrs). - High-speed train: To Zunyi Station, then transfer to a bus (approx. 1 hr). - **Internal Transportation**: You can take a taxi or charter a car to various attractions in the county. Some scenic spots have direct buses. **V. Itinerary Suggestions** - **2-Day Tour**: - **Day 1**: China Tea Sea → World's First Teapot Tea Culture Park (night view). - **Day 2**: Zhejiang University Westward Relocation Exhibition Hall → Yongxing Ancient Town/Colorful Tribe. - **3-Day In-Depth Tour**: Add Meijiang Gorge hiking, Xiangushan Town, or hot spring experience. **VI. Travel Tips** - **Best Season**: April–May (tea picking season), October (autumn scenery). - **Precautions**: It rains a lot in the mountainous area, so prepare rain gear; respect the tea garden and do not trample on it at will. The unique charm of Meitan lies in the integration of tea fragrance and slow life. Whether it is the morning mist in the tea garden or the atmosphere of the old street, it can make people completely relax. If you have enough time, it is recommended to stay in a tea mountain guesthouse and deeply feel the tranquility and poetry of this land.