The World No.1 China Tea Culture Expo Park in Zunyi

The World No.1 China Tea Culture Expo Park (天下第一壶茶文化公园) is located at the summit of Huoyanshan Mountain (火焰山) in Meitan County (湄潭县), Zunyi City (遵义市), Guizhou Province (贵州省). The park is a national AAAA-level tourist attraction and is home to the World's Largest Tea Pot sculpture, which stands at 48.2 meters (73.8 meters including the base). This iconic tea pot has earned the title of the "Largest Tea Pot Shape" from the Shanghai Guinness World Records Headquarters. Covering an area of over 60,000 square meters, the park includes five major functional areas: the Tea Culture Museum, Chinese Tea Ceremony Pavilion, Water Park, and more. The tea pot's top is equipped with a laser light system capable of reaching 20 kilometers, creating a stunning night view. As one of the Top 10 Charm Scenic Spots in Guizhou, the park contributes to the new tourism pattern in Zunyi, known as "one building, one pot, one bottle, one forest."

Overview

• Location: Meitan County (湄潭县), Zunyi City (遵义市), Guizhou Province (贵州省), by the Meijiang River (湄江河)

• Total Area: 60,000 square meters

• Main Height: 73.8 meters (including the base)

• Opening Hours: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM (2025)

• Ticket Price: 50 RMB (2025)

• Scenic Area Level: National AAAA-level

Architectural Features

The World No.1 Tea Pot is made of reinforced concrete, with a diameter of 24 meters and a volume of 28,360.23 cubic meters. The total building area exceeds 5,000 square meters, with the tea pot standing at a height of 73.8 meters. The structure consists of three parts: the base, the pot body, and the lid. The base stands 25.6 meters high and includes an observation elevator. The top of the pot is equipped with a laser projection system capable of reaching 20 kilometers, creating a breathtaking "tea mist" night view.

Cultural Functions

The park is not just a marvel of architecture but also a hub of tea culture:

• Chinese Tea Ceremony Pavilion: Inside the pot, this pavilion offers a comprehensive display of Tang (唐) and Song (宋) Dynasty court tea ceremonies, Zen tea culture, and the tea history of Meitan (湄潭).

• Tea Art Gallery: The gallery showcases Ming (明) and Qing (清) dynasty tea ware.

• Tea Cultural Plaza: This space hosts regular cultural events such as the "Tea Sacrifice Ceremony" (茶祭大典).

• Giant Sculptures: The park features large-scale sculptures like the "Prosperous Tea Drinking Scene" (盛世品茗图) and "Tea Fighting Scene" (斗茶图), which depict the evolution of Chinese tea culture.

Tourist Facilities

The park is equipped with a variety of amenities to enhance visitors’ experiences:

• Water Park: Includes a wave pool and water slides, with an adult ticket priced at 10 RMB (2025).

• Restored Tea-Horse Road: The park recreates scenes from the ancient Tea-Horse Road (茶马古道), with tea performances and unique souvenir shops.

• Observation Deck: The pot's top offers a 360-degree view of Meitan, with a rotating restaurant that can accommodate up to 200 people.

Development History

The park was initiated by the Zunyi Old Village Group in 2006 and officially opened to the public on October 20, 2010. In 2022, the park upgraded its night lighting system and added a holographic projection tea culture exhibition. By June 2025, the park will have welcomed more than 89.54 million visitors.

Honors and Certifications

• 2007: Recognized by the Shanghai Guinness World Records for the "Largest Tea Pot Shape".

• 2015: Named one of the "Top 10 Charming Scenic Spots of Guizhou" (贵州十大魅力景区).

• 2021: Designated as a Guizhou Provincial Intangible Cultural Heritage Transmission Base (贵州省非物质文化遗产传习基地).

• 2024: Successfully passed the National AAAA-level Scenic Area re-certification.

Transportation

• By Air: The park is located about 78 kilometers from Zunyi Xinzhou Airport (遵义新舟机场), with airport shuttles operating 4 times daily.

• By Bus: Direct bus routes from Meitan Bus Station (湄潭汽车站) to the park are available from 6:30 AM to 8:30 PM, with a travel time of around 15 minutes.

• By Car: Visitors can reach the park directly via the Hangrui Expressway, Meitan Exit, and there are parking facilities for tourist buses (up to 8 buses) and small vehicles (up to 40 cars). Parking fees are 10 RMB or 20 RMB.

The World No.1 China Tea Culture Expo Park offers a unique blend of modern architecture, tea culture, and scenic beauty, making it a must-visit destination for tea enthusiasts and tourists alike.