Lincang Becomes China’s Second-Largest Coffee Region

When coffee lovers seek out Chinese-grown beans, most think of Yunnan—but which part of Yunnan? While regions like Pu’er, Baoshan, and Dehong get the spotlight, another area has been quietly expanding its coffee fields at remarkable speed. By the end of 2013, one region had leapt ahead to become the country’s second-largest coffee producer.

As of the end of 2013, Lincang City in Yunnan Province had developed 55,420 hectares (about 554.2 square kilometers) of coffee plantations, making it the second-largest coffee-growing region in China.

How Lincang’s Coffee Industry Took Root

Coffee cultivation in Lincang dates back to China’s “Ninth Five-Year Plan” period. In 1996, under the provincial “18 Bioresource Development Projects,” 2,330 hectares of coffee were planted. A second wave followed in 1998, but by the early 2000s, global market shifts caused a decline. By 2006, only 4,600 hectares remained under proper management, yielding around 300 metric tons of dried coffee beans.

Why Lincang’s Climate Fits Coffee

Lincang’s agricultural officials point to ideal conditions. “Lincang’s altitude and latitude are very similar to Colombia’s, which is one of the world’s major coffee-producing countries. That makes the climate quite suitable for coffee,” said Wang Kuirong, then Director of the Lincang Agriculture Bureau. Approximately one-third of Lincang’s 24,000 square kilometers lies below 1,300 meters in elevation—terrain well-suited to coffee growing. Building on the 6,960 hectares already planted by 2011, a citywide push expanded production to 55,420 hectares by the end of 2013.

Government and Industry Support Fuel Growth

The growth of Lincang’s coffee sector is driven by a government-led model with strong support from companies and farmer cooperatives. Key players include Linxiang Lingfeng Coffee Industry Development Co., Ltd. and Linxiang Hougu Coffee Co., Ltd. Using a “company + base + cooperative + farmer” structure, these firms provide stability and funding. This model has encouraged many local families to shift from migrant work to coffee farming. “Since our land can grow coffee, we don’t have to go out to work anymore. We have our own industry,” said Li Zhonghe, a former migrant worker from Matou Township.

“Coffee is a green and ecological industry. It allows Lincang to develop both its ecology and economy together. It’s a sunrise industry that truly embodies the idea of ‘industrializing ecological construction and ecologizing industrial development,’” said Xiong Wanpeng, Vice Mayor of Lincang, at the city’s coffee industry promotion conference.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current rank of Lincang in China’s coffee production?

By the end of 2013, Lincang had become the second-largest coffee-growing region in China, with 55,420 hectares of coffee plantations.

When did coffee farming start in Lincang?

Coffee planting in Lincang began during China’s “Ninth Five-Year Plan” period, with the first major planting efforts in 1996 under the “18 Bioresource Development Projects.”

Why is Lincang’s climate suitable for coffee?

Lincang has an altitude and latitude similar to Colombia’s, with about one-third of its land below 1,300 meters in elevation—conditions favorable for coffee cultivation.

How did Lincang expand its coffee plantations so quickly?

A combination of government policy, corporate investment, and farmer participation led to rapid expansion, growing from 6,960 hectares in 2011 to 55,420 hectares by the end of 2013.

What role do local companies play in Lincang’s coffee industry?

Companies such as Linxiang Lingfeng and Linxiang Hougu support farmers through a structured model that includes financing, technical support, and stable market access, encouraging sustainable coffee farming.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffee Beans from Yunnan

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