Last month, Viori’s team in Longsheng had the chance to join the annual Red Yao Tea Worship Festival — a tradition that’s been going strong for eight years now. It’s held every year around “谷雨” (Grain Rain), when the spring tea season begins, and it’s one of the most important cultural events in the area.
The day is about more than just tea. It’s about showing respect to nature, honoring the tea spirit, and coming together as a community. Local families dressed in their traditional clothing despite the heat and gathered for singing, dancing, and the festival’s iconic tea-picking performances.
One of the highlights is what locals call the “Flying Tea Picking.” Young Red Yao women are hoisted up into the ancient tea trees to pluck the freshest spring leaves. It’s part demonstration, part celebration — and it shows just how connected this community is to the trees and traditions that have been passed down for generations.
Just like other events the villagers were so welcoming to invite us to this one too. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, and the pride people take in their culture is clear in every detail of the event.
While Viori’s Beautiful Reason Initiative focuses mostly on projects like school support, healthcare, and infrastructure, we also recognize that preserving culture is just as important. Events like this remind us why we’re here — and why listening and showing up matters.
Thanks as always to our supporters. Because of you, we’re able to keep learning, showing up, and finding ways — big and small — to be a good partner to the Red Yao community.