CHINA-LAOS RAILWAY SERVES AS VITAL LINK

In early winter, as beans at the coffee plantations in Simao district of Pu'er city begin to ripen, tourists flock to experience the entire process — from harvesting to roasting, grinding, hand brewing and tasting. Across the city, businesses integrating coffee and tourism add punch to the local economy.

Dai Xiaoyan, general manager of a coffee estate, said that during the National Day holiday in October, the daily number of visitors to her operation hit 1,000. While sampling the local coffee culture, tourists also enjoy Yunnan's ethnic specialties, such as wood carvings and Wa ethnic group brocades. The booming coffee industry is also driving the development of dining and accommodation.

By the end of October, it was picking season for Pu'er tea. Hou Jianrong, head of a local tea estate, said that though tourism also integrates with tea selling, about half his company's sales rely on long-term repeat consumption.