Ning'er Builds Two Specialty Coffee Estates in Yunnan

In the mountainous heart of Yunnan’s Pu’er region, just off Highway Moshie and a short drive past the Choushui toll station, lies the Tian Tian Coffee Estate in Lao Ma Qing — a place where coffee trees grow alongside cherry blossom trees, and winter brings a striking contrast of red fruit and pink blooms. It’s more than a farm: it’s part of Yunnan’s push to grow both coffee quality and rural tourism.

Yunnan’s Ning'er County now has over 10,000 acres of coffee, with 80,000 acres already in production by 2012, making it a core origin within Pu’er. Two model coffee estates — Man Ya and Tian Tian — are now under development to integrate production, processing, sales, and leisure, aiming to raise the region’s profile and economic returns.

A County Built on Coffee Since the 1980s

Coffee arrived in Ning'er in 1987, when trial plantings succeeded. By 1989, larger-scale cultivation began along the Bianshui and Xiaohei River valleys in townships like Puyi, Liming, Mohan, and Dehua. By the end of 2012, the county had over 100,000 acres of coffee planted, 80,000 of which were already producing. This made Ning'er one of Pu’er’s major coffee-growing regions.

The local government is committed to sustainable growth under the vision of “eco-county development and green economy.” From 2016 onward, the goal has been to maintain no less than 100,000 acres of productive coffee farms, aiming for over 13,000 tons of bean production and agricultural output valued at more than 300 million yuan.

Two Flagship Estates: Production Meets Experience

Ning'er is focusing development on two key coffee estates: Man Ya and Tian Tian. Man Ya is designed to focus on advanced processing, product R&D, and coffee science. Tian Tian, meanwhile, emphasizes plantation tours, leisure travel, and international trade.

The Tian Tian Coffee Estate, located near the Yuan-Mo Expressway in Lao Ma Qing, spans 350 acres and is already a winter spectacle: coffee cherries and cherry blossoms bloom in vivid contrast. The estate is just 50 minutes’ drive from central Pu’er. Its location offers easy access from both Kunming and Pu’er, year-round clean water, and scenic views. Every January, visitors can enjoy coffee tasting amid blooming coffee trees and cherry flowers.

By December 2014, Tian Tian had received over 50 million yuan in investment and was on track for completion by the end of 2015. Infrastructure including hardened roads, food and lodging services is under construction. A dedicated 24-acre coffee processing and experience exhibition center is also being built nearby in Nantoumen on Longtan Hill in Taida Village, near the Ning'er toll station. The center, with 72 million yuan invested, will showcase drying, processing, and hands-on experiences and is also due for completion in late 2015.

Coffee Tourism as Economic Engine

The twin estates aim to enhance both the visibility of Ning'er’s coffee and the economic sustainability of its production. Beyond selling beans, the model integrates tourism — allowing visitors to taste high-quality coffee while enjoying nature and learning about cultivation. This dual approach boosts brand recognition and extends the industry value chain.

Tian Tian’s chairman, Wang Zhengchun, has expressed strong confidence in the project. He highlights the estate’s accessibility, clean water supply, and photogenic seasonal beauty — all crucial for drawing both domestic and potential international visitors. Even in its unfinished state, the estate has begun attracting curious travellers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Tian Tian Coffee Estate located?

The Tian Tian Coffee Estate is in Lao Ma Qing, Ning'er County, Yunnan. It’s accessible via Highway Moshie, about 3 km north of the Choushui toll station and roughly 50 minutes’ drive from downtown Pu’er.

How many acres of coffee does Ning'er County have?

As of 2012, Ning'er County had over 100,000 acres of coffee planted, with 80,000 acres already in production. The goal is to maintain at least 100,000 acres of active coffee farming from 2016 onward.

What are the two coffee estates being developed in Ning'er?

Ning'er is developing two key estates: Man Ya, which focuses on coffee processing, R&D, and product innovation, and Tian Tian, which centres on coffee tourism, leisure, and international trade.

What is the target coffee production for Ning'er?

By 2016, Ning'er aims to produce over 13,000 tons of coffee beans annually, with an agricultural output value exceeding 300 million yuan from its 100,000+ acres of coffee farms.

What can visitors do at the Tian Tian Coffee Estate?

Visitors can tour coffee fields, enjoy the scenery of coffee cherries and cherry blossoms, taste coffee, and experience leisure and eco-tourism activities. A processing and experience centre is also under construction for further engagement.

When was the Tian Tian Coffee Estate project initiated?

The Tian Tian Coffee Estate was already under development by January 2014, with significant investment and construction ongoing. It was on track for completion by the end of 2015.

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