Luofo Village strengthens tourism through tea
Yichang’s Luofo Village is embarking on a new path of developing tea tourism by leveraging its unique geographical environment and abundant industry resources.
The village is comprised of 986 mu (65.7 hectares) of tea gardens, accounting for roughly 90 percent of the village's arable land. With the help and technical guidance of the local cooperative, both the quality and quantity of tea output have continuously grown. In 2022, the output of tea reached 300 tonnes, with an output value of 3 million yuan (US$416,487). The flagship brand for new tea "Xiazhou Zao" was often sold at high prices during auctions, proving its high quality.
In addition to the tea industry, Luofo Village is also promoting the integration of agriculture with tourism, attracting many tourists to experience tea picking and tasting local delicacies.
At the Bishuiyunjian Tea Cooperative, the head of the cooperative Mr. Wang stated: "Luofo Village has a long history of tea cultivation and excellent tea quality. Now, we hold tea-picking activities every year, attracting many tourists to come and experience the fun of picking fresh tea leaves."
Tourists were brought to pick tender green tea leaves in the gardens, enjoying the experience of rural farming life. Villagers help the visitors by teaching them proper picking techniques and amidst laughter, the leaves gradually become their treasure.
After picking, tourists could visit the Chafogu Professional Tourism Cooperative in the village. The specialty cuisine here has attracted many diners. Villager "Aunt Li" said: "We have many specialty dishes in our village, such as tea cakes, bamboo-tube rice with green tea, and tea-steamed dumplings. All dishes utilize tea as a key ingredient. Visitors can taste authentic tea-based cuisine and feel the warmth and hospitality of us villagers."
At the cooperative’s restaurant, tourists can taste tea-based delicacies that are both visually appealing and flavorful. The tea cakes are soft and have a lingering taste; the bamboo-tube rice with green tea emits a fragrant aroma; the tea-steamed dumplings are filled with the aroma of tea, leaving a mouthful of tea fragrance with each bite. The restaurant has received much praise from visitors for its services and dishes.
