Things To Do
in Simao
Simao (思茅) is the urban district and administrative center of Pu'er City in southern Yunnan province, best known as a gateway to the famed Pu'er tea mountains and nearby ethnic minority communities. The town mixes provincial-level government buildings and markets with teahouses where aged Pu'er tea is sampled and traded. Rolling, tea-covered hills and subtropical forest surround the district, giving frequent misty mornings and strong agricultural character.
Simao is practical as a base for exploring ancient tea groves, ethnic villages, and the Lancang (Mekong) River valley while offering modest tourist infrastructure.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a stroll through the historic heart of Simao, where you can admire the intricate architecture of the colonial-era buildings. Stop by a local café to savor a traditional Yunnan breakfast, featuring rice noodles and fresh vegetables. As you wander, soak in the vibrant atmosphere filled with local markets and friendly vendors.
Visit the Simao Cultural Museum to delve deeper into the region's rich history and cultural heritage. After exploring the exhibits, enjoy a leisurely lunch at a nearby restaurant that offers authentic Yunnan cuisine, such as steam pot chicken. Spend the afternoon exploring the nearby parks, where you can enjoy the natural beauty and perhaps catch a glimpse of local wildlife.
As the sun sets, find a cozy restaurant that offers a terrace view of the city to enjoy dinner. Savor a meal of local specialties, including mushrooms and fresh fish, while listening to live traditional music. After dinner, take a leisurely walk through the illuminated streets, soaking up the vibrant night atmosphere.
Start your morning at Simao's beautiful Dongfeng Park, where you can enjoy a peaceful walk surrounded by lush greenery and colorful flowers. Take the time to engage with local residents practicing tai chi, and perhaps join in for a session. Bring a picnic breakfast to enjoy at one of the scenic spots within the park.
After your morning in the park, venture to the nearby Simao Wetland Park, where you can explore the unique ecosystem and spot various bird species. Rent a bicycle to cover more ground and take in the stunning views of lotus flowers blooming in the ponds. For lunch, choose a quaint café within the park that offers farm-to-table options using local ingredients.
End your nature day by visiting the tranquil area of the Simao River at dusk. Enjoy a boat ride on the river as the sun sets, providing a picturesque view of the surrounding hills. Dine at a riverside restaurant where you can indulge in fresh seafood while enjoying the soothing sounds of water.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| 🥘Three-course meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $20-40 |
| 🛏️Budget hotel (per night) | $20-45 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (3–5 km) | $2-6 |
| 🚌Local bus fare | $0.30-0.80 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Unique tea culture and easy access to famous Pu'er tea mountains and ancient tea trees.
- Rich ethnic diversity with authentic local markets and village experiences.
- Mild climate and lush, photogenic landscapes year-round.
- Limited international tourist infrastructure compared with larger Yunnan destinations.
- Language barrier for non-Mandarin speakers; fewer English-speaking services.
- Rainy season can make rural travel and hiking difficult due to mud and road conditions.
- "你好 (nǐ hǎo)" - Hello
- "谢谢 (xièxie)" - Thank you
- "我吃素 (wǒ chī sù)" - I am vegetarian
- "多少钱？(duōshǎo qián?)" - How much does this cost?
- "请问厕所在哪里？(qǐngwèn cèsuǒ zài nǎlǐ?)" - Excuse me, where is the toilet?
- "可以拍照吗？(kěyǐ pāizhào ma?)" - May I take a photo?
Places to Visit in Simao
Visit one of these nice places.
Misty tea terraces and ancient tea trees at dawn make iconic, atmospheric shots — best found on nearby tea mountains and older plantations.
Vibrant stalls, produce, tea cakes and candid portraits of vendors provide colorful street photography opportunities.
Large, gnarled Pu'er tea trees in protected groves offer dramatic close-ups and landscape compositions; seek local guides for access.
Riverside vantage points and bridges provide wide landscape scenes, especially during misty or golden-hour conditions.
Traditional costumes, architecture and festivals among Hani, Yi, Lahu and Bulang communities create excellent cultural photography—always ask permission first.
Food in Simao
Simao Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
The region’s signature product — available raw (sheng) or ripe (shou); try a tea-tasting session in a local teahouse or buy tea cakes in markets and factories.
Must-Try!
A local rice cake that can be grilled or stir-fried and served with savory toppings; widely available at street stalls and breakfast vendors.
A Yunnan classic — hot broth poured over noodles and ingredients at the table; hearty and widely served in Simao restaurants.
Seasonal wild mushrooms stir-fried or in soups — available at markets and restaurants when in season (spring–autumn).
Traditional preserved pork from local villages, often stir-fried with local vegetables or served as part of communal meals.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Bustling early-market atmosphere with stalls selling mushrooms, vegetables, tea cakes, fresh fruit, and local snacks — great for sampling erkuai, skewers and steamed buns.
Evening stalls selling noodles, skewers, fried snacks and sweets; an affordable place to try multiple small dishes and local beverages.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Show deference to older people in conversation and seating; accept invitations politely and thank hosts after a meal.
Remove shoes when entering private homes and follow local cues in rural households; in public places it’s not usually necessary.
Ask permission before photographing individuals, especially members of ethnic minority groups; a small gift or polite chat helps when requesting photos.
Avoid sensitive political topics; focusing on culture, food and local life is a safer route for friendly conversation.
Bargaining is acceptable in markets for souvenirs but be polite and reasonable; fixed-price shops expect cash at displayed prices.
Safety
Tipping in Simao
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in most small restaurants or teahouses and is not expected. In tourist settings (hotels, high-end restaurants, guides), small tips are appreciated but not mandatory.
Mobile payment (WeChat Pay, Alipay) is widely used across China but may be less convenient for foreigners without a Chinese bank account; cash (CNY) remains important in markets and rural areas. Major hotels and some restaurants accept international credit cards, but always carry cash for smaller vendors and taxis.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and flowering trees; popular time for tea picking and seeing fresh growth. Expect occasional rain; good for mushroom season starting late spring.
Warm and humid with the onset of the rainy season (May–October); heavy afternoon showers are common and the countryside is lush. Bring rain protection and waterproof gear for outdoor activities.
Cooler, drier and comfortable — a very pleasant time for hiking, tea tours and photography with clearer skies and less haze.
Mild daytime temperatures but cooler nights; not generally snowy in town though higher elevations get chilly. Tourist numbers are lower and discounted rates are sometimes available.
Simao at Night
Hiking in Simao
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Famous for ancient tea trees and old-growth forests; trails wind through plantations and provide opportunities to see traditional tea cultivation and panoramic views.
Region of high-quality Pu'er tea and rugged terrain; offers hikes through terraced tea gardens, remote villages and viewpoints over the valley.
Short guided hikes around nearby plantations and small forested areas ideal for learning about tea ecology and photographing misty landscapes.
Gentler riverside routes and lookout points that combine cultural stops and natural scenery with relatively easy terrain.
Airports
How to reach Simao by plane.
The nearest regional airport serving Pu'er / Simao with domestic flights (e.g., to Kunming and other Yunnan cities). Convenient for direct access to the district; taxis and transfers available to town.
Located in Jinghong (Xishuangbanna), about a few hours’ drive depending on route — useful if combining visits to tropical Xishuangbanna and Pu'er; offers more flight options to major Chinese cities.
The regional international hub (3–5 hours by road to Simao depending on transport); good for international connections and access to higher-level medical care and rail services.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority population in the urban district and many surrounding areas; involved in trade, administration and business.
One of the significant ethnic groups in the Pu'er region, with distinct festivals, terraced agriculture and traditional dress.
An important minority with rich textile and cultural traditions in parts of Yunnan and around Pu'er.
Smaller but culturally important groups in the area contributing unique languages, customs and cuisine; many live in rural and village communities around tea hills.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A popular urban pastime among young people, with informal games in parks and school courts.
Widely played and followed, especially at school and community levels.
Local ethnic groups hold seasonal competitions and cultural sports (traditional dances, regional games, sometimes archery or wrestling elements) during festivals.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Simao.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist (stir-fried vegetables, tofu and mushroom dishes), but many traditional dishes use meat or animal stock; carry a note in Chinese saying “I am vegetarian” (我吃素 / wǒ chī sù) and be explicit about no meat, fish or broth.
Cross-contamination and meat-based broths are common. If you have strict allergies, bring essential snacks and a translated allergy card; supermarket tofu, vegetables and rice are usually safe.
Halal options are limited but available in some towns; look for Muslim-run eateries or ask hotels for recommendations.