Beijing, May 12 (Youth.cn) - On May 10, 2025, in Bainiu Village, Luoxiang Township, Jinxiu Yao Autonomous County, Laibin City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, members of the Yao ethnic group scaled vertiginous "sky ladders" to pluck leaves from centuries-old tea trees nestled in the remote peaks of the Dayao Mountains. To protect the pristine forests, the community has revived this traditional harvesting method - using bamboo ladders secured to cliffs - to gather wild tea leaves without damaging the ecosystem. The rare, organically grown tea, prized for its rich flavor and cultural heritage, is highly sought after in China’s southeastern coastal regions and the Yangtze River Delta, becoming a key driver of local Yao livelihoods.

In recent years, Jinxiu Yao Autonomous County has pioneered an "enterprise + cooperative + base + farmer" model to develop its ancient tree black tea industry. By partnering with cooperatives, the county has branded its tea as a premium product, linking traditional practices with modern markets. According to statistics, the county now boasts 55,500 mu (about 3,700 hectares) of tea plantations, producing 1,400 tons of tea annually with an output value exceeding 180 million yuan. Photo/CFP