Qianjiazhai

Introducing Qianjiazhai

Qianjiazhai Scenic Area is located in the northeast corner of Zhenyuan County, Pu'er City, on the western slope of the northern middle section of the Ailao Mountain Nature Reserve. It stands at an altitude of 2,000 to 3,137 meters and is a provincial-level scenic spot. The area comprises three districts, Qianjiazhai, Wanhe, and Zhedong, and the Enle-Shuitang tourist route, totaling 49 scenic spots. The area is characterized by majestic mountains, beautiful waters, tranquil forests, and unique natural landscapes.

Qianjiazhai is surrounded by rolling hills and vast forests. The Dulu River, meandering through the primeval forest, is crystal clear. The "Da Diaoshui" waterfall cascades down a steep cliff, plunging nearly 100 meters into a deep pool. To the north lies the mysterious ruins of Qianjiazhai, featuring the remains of a stone-clad pass gate and the surviving stone walls of the houses.

Approximately 2 kilometers north of the site, within the dense primeval forest, there are tens of thousands of acres of scattered wild tea trees. Among them is a large wild tea tree, 18.5 meters tall and 2.82 meters in girth. According to experts, it is 2,700 years old, making it the oldest wild tea tree ever discovered. From the summit of Qianjiazhai Mountain, you can take in the breathtaking beauty of nature.

Climate and best time to travel

Qianjiazhai has a subtropical monsoon climate. The primeval forest is lush and green, with winding roads and streams, towering ancient trees, creeping green vines, blooming mountain flowers, and chirping birds. It is a good place to travel in all seasons.

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

Wild Tea Tree King, Qianjiazhai Ancient Battlefield Ruins, Dadiaoshui Waterfall, Feilai Temple, Monk Cave;

It is recommended to play for 3-4 hours

Tickets

Free and open

Attraction opening hours

Open all day

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Most Popular FAQs for Qianjiazhai

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

Qianjiazhai is a village/tea-forest area in Zhenyuan County, Pu’er City, Yunnan Province, China, known for its extremely old wild tea trees. The “Qianjiazhai No.1 Ancient Tea Tree of Ailao Mountain” is reported to be more than 2,700 years old, making it among the world’s oldest known tea trees.
The region is significant for tea-culture heritage, biodiversity of wild tea forests and the production of high-quality Pu’er tea from wild large-leaf varieties. It represents both ecological heritage and traditional tea industry in this part of Yunnan.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

Qianjiazhai is located in Zhenyuan County (镇沅) within Pu’er City (普洱市), Yunnan Province, China. The ancient tree sits in the Ailao Mountain region.
Getting there:

• From the county town of Zhenyuan, take a local road uphill toward the Ailao Mountains to Qianjiazhai village/tea forest region.
• Use taxi or hire car from major nearby town/county seat as public transit may be limited.
• Walking inside the forest/tea-area will be required once you arrive at the village/forest access point.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

There is no formal “opening hours” listed for the area; it is a natural village/tea-forest destination rather than a gated theme park.
Best time to visit: early morning for mist and forest atmosphere, or spring/early summer when vegetation is lush. Avoid heavy rainfall seasons for safer walking.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

No publicly listed ticket price or formal entrance fee has been identified for Qianjiazhai in accessible sources. It appears more like a natural/heritage forest village area rather than a heavily commercialised scenic site.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

Given the “natural village/forest” nature of Qianjiazhai, advance booking does not appear mandatory. However if you plan to use a guide, stay overnight nearby or access restricted forest areas, it may be wise to arrange in advance.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

Plan for 2 to 4 hours if visiting the tea forest and walking around the village. If you want to hike deeper, photograph extensively, and relax in the forest, then consider half a day.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

• The “No. 1 Ancient Tea Tree” of Ailao Mountain in Qianjiazhai—very large trunk, ancient.
• The wild tea-forest slopes around the village, featuring large-leaf wild tea trees, moss, forest understory, and biodiversity.
• The village itself: rural tea-culture lifestyle, local ethnic houses, tea picking paths and forest trails.

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

There is no specific indication that formal guided tours or audio guides are available in English for Qianjiazhai in the sources consulted. If you need a local guide, arranging via the county tourism office or local guesthouse is advisable (likely Chinese-language).

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

• A vantage spot facing the massive trunk of the No. 1 ancient tea tree, showing scale and forest surroundings.

• Forest trail shots with tea-trees, mossy roots, and misty understory in the Ailao mountain region.

• Overlooking the village and tea slopes from above (if accessible), capturing village + forest + tea trees in one frame.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Start at the village entrance of Qianjiazhai, walk into the forest tea-area, go first to the ancient tea tree, then explore surrounding tea slopes and forest trails, return through the village for a rest, tea-tasting or photo session.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

No information indicates that night visits, light shows, or special tours are available for Qianjiazhai. The site is best experienced in daylight.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

As a relatively remote and less-commercialised destination, Qianjiazhai is likely not crowded. The quietest times would be weekdays and outside major holiday periods. Early morning visits will also provide more solitude.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

Facility details are limited. Being a rural/forest-village area:

• Basic village toilets likely available but expect rural standard.
• Small local tea-shops/tea-houses may exist in the village for resting and snacks.
• No major commercial shops or cafés listed in the sources.

Be prepared with water and snacks.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

The terrain involves rural forest trails and uneven ground (tea slopes, roots, natural forest paths). For children and elderly: feasible if walking ability is good; for disabled visitors (wheelchairs) accessibility may be limited.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Since no formal ticketing is noted, cash may only be needed for local tea purchases or village snacks. In Yunnan many rural areas now accept mobile payments (Alipay/WeChat) but you should carry some cash just in case.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

Within the village of Qianjiazhai you may find simple local eateries or tea-houses serving local tea and snacks. In the nearby county town of Zhenyuan there will be more restaurants/cafés.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Specific vegetarian/vegan/halal listings are not found for Qianjiazhai. In rural Yunnan villages you can ask for simple vegetarian local dishes; for halal you would need to check with individual restaurants.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

Accommodation likely exists in the village or in nearby Zhenyuan County – guesthouses or rustic inns rather than luxury resorts. It’s advisable to book ahead, especially in peak season.

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

• The broader Ailao Mountain region offers other ancient tea-forest sites and nature walks.
• Tea-culture villages in Zhenyuan County or neighbouring counties in Pu’er Prefecture.
• Ethnic villages and scenic nature in Pu’er region — combining tea forest + ethnic culture + nature.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

Typical local souvenirs include wild-tree Pu’er tea cakes/ leaves harvested from Qianjiazhai, ethnic handicrafts from local villages, tea-culture items. Tea from Qianjiazhai is highly prized and could be purchased locally.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

After your visit you can:

• Return to Zhenyuan County town via taxi/ride-hail or private vehicle.
• Continue on to other parts of Pu’er Prefecture (e.g., tea-forest tours, ethnic culture sites) using your hire car or local transport.
• If self-driving, you can continue into the Ailao Mountain scenic route or tea-forest hiking trails.