Chongqing- Ba'nan District has commenced a series of events under the banner ‘Laowai @Chongqing,’ which offers foreign residents in Chongqing the opportunity to learn about local intangible cultural heritage and rural traditions.

Towns and villages around Ba'nan District are hosting uniquely themed events on weekends over May, June, and July, with alternate locations planned each time to offer the widest variety of experiences.

On May 30 In 2020, the third scheduled event of Laowai@ Chongqing was held in the town of Er'sheng. Participants from countries as wide as South Korea and Ethiopia experienced tea picking traditions, and saw the local achievements in ecological and rural development.

On May 30 In 2020, the third scheduled event of Laowai@ Chongqing was held in the town of Er'sheng. Participants from countries as wide as South Korea and Ethiopia experienced tea picking traditions, and saw the local achievements in ecological and rural development.

At Dingxin Tea Plantation, the lush trees stretched gracefully over thousands of acres upon the gentle slopes of Baixiang Mountain. A woman carried a wicker basket that soon piled up with tender green leaves as her dexterous fingers nimbly pinched, lifted, and broke off the best picks.

'Tea picking is an art form. The leaves must have one leaf, one tip and one bud, and are best to pick when they grow to around 1.5 centimeters.'

The 10 overseas participants listened attentively before scattering eagerly to pick their own leaves. Later, rapturous feedback included the following comments.

Foreign guests listened attentively to tea plantation workers before scattering to find the best leaves among the lush trees that span thousands of acres on the gentle slopes of Baixiang Mountain.

'It's my first time to visit such a large-scale tea plantation, and it felt great to witness the misty slopes and taste the green leaves. I have already sent out photos and videos to friends in my hometown. I hope that they will also have the opportunity to experience this.'

Later, the group traveled to Tianlin Scenic Area by Tianping Mountain, where small village buildings adorn picturesque surroundings covered with lush trees and flowers that release a rich fragrance through the country air.

Participants learn the secrets to brewing Chinese green tea at the plantation in Banan District.

Another guest commented, ‘I thought the country roads would be bumpy and inconvenient, but this wasn't the case at all. The rural environment here is very good, and the air is fresh. It’s been a real surprise. The living environment of farmers here is very modern, pleasant and beautiful.’

Before the event reached its conclusion, organizers took their foreign guests to pick blueberries, and they even enjoyed an idyllic boating trip on a nearby lake under yet another day of clear azure skies.

Laowai @Chongqing took foreign guests for a gentle boating trip upon the lake this day at Tianlin Scenic Area in Ba'nan District

Upcoming events for Laowai @Chongqing

Below are the proposed dates and locations of upcoming events themed on intangible cultural heritage and rural traditions. There are 20 places available for foreign guests in each event and are free of charge.

Overseas residents interested in attending one or more events may contact Mr. He Liujin at bntqw@126.com, or by telephone 66231839 (English available).

June 7th – East Hot Spring Town and Jieshi Town

June 13th – Shitan Town and Shengdeng Mountain Town

June 20th – Shilong Town and Jielong Town

June 23rd – Fengsheng Town and Shuanghekou Town

July 4th – Tianxingsi Town and Jiangjie Town

July 11th – Huimin Area and South Hot Spring Area

July 18th – Lijiatuo Area and Maliuzui Town

July 25th – Longzhouwan Area and Yudong Area