Nanlong township values integration of industry, ecology, and culture

Nanlong township in Kaiyang county has been working to transform its unique natural resources and historical heritage into development momentum, exploring a distinctive and sustainable path for rural vitalization.

Nanlong has a long history of tea cultivation, tracing back to the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). The township harvests over 4,000 metric tons of fresh tea leaves annually, producing more than 1,000 tons of dry tea, placing it among the county's top producers by scale and output.

Its unique geographical features – high altitude, low latitude, frequent clouds and fog, and limited sunshine – contribute to the superior quality of its tea. "Kaiyang Selenium-rich Tea" has obtained national geographical indication protection. Nanlong plans to build a modern tea industry system that integrates planting, processing, sales, and services.

Nanlong's beauty lies in its landscapes, with a forest coverage rate of 62.4 percent, the highest in the county. Scenic areas like Nangong River are filled with natural charm and vitality. Since the beginning of 2026, more than 10,000 tourists have visited to experience spring tea picking and outdoor adventures. Nanlong is also developing mountain outdoor sports projects such as waterfall rappelling and cycling, aiming to build a renowned outdoor adventure destination.

People from Nanlong township perform Yangxi Opera. [Photo/WeChat account of Kaiyang county]

Yangxi Opera, a national intangible cultural heritage, has been passed down for generations in Nanlong, with 11 traditional theater troupes and over 300 enthusiasts active in the township. Nanlong Yangxi Opera received the "Excellent Inheritance Award" at ethnic traditional theater performances held across the provinces of Guizhou and Yunnan, and Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region.