In the chilly weather of the western Con Linh region, on April 20, Cao Bo commune (Tuyen Quang) jubilantly organized the 3rd "Heritage Tea Region" festival in 2026. The space imbued with identity and the red-pink tea star stoves became highlights, attracting a large number of people and tourists.
From early morning, Dao ethnic people in brilliant traditional costumes excitedly came to the festival area. Laughter and laughter mixed with lively sounds created a vivid picture, imbued with the colors of highland culture, according to VNA.
Cao Bo has more than 95% of the population being Dao people, who have been associated with Shan Tuyet tea trees for a long time. The locality currently has nearly 1,000 hectares of tea, of which many ancient trees are decades or hundreds of years old. Tea trees not only bring livelihood but are also a part of the cultural soul.
Mr. Nguyen Van Duong, Chairman of Cao Bo Commune People's Committee, said that the festival aims to honor Shan Tuyet tea, a typical local product, and at the same time preserve the traditional handicraft tea making profession. This is also an opportunity to promote the Cao Bo tea brand, attract tourists, connect businesses and open up tourism development associated with local cultural experiences.
Under evenly lit stoves, artisans patiently stir each batch of tea in the cast iron pot that has been stained with time. The young tea buds just picked from ancient trees gradually "transform" into specialties with the flavor of the great forest. The hands of the craftsman are quick, sometimes gentle, sometimes decisive, showing the experience accumulated over many years.
Artisan Trang Van Nhui, Tham Ve village shared: "The tea needs to be steady and steady. Just being too steady or a little immature will make the tea immediately lose its flavor. This job is not only a technique but also a feeling." For him, each batch of tea is the crystallization of experience, perseverance and love for the profession.
According to artisans, making Shan Tuyet tea is a journey of accumulating experience and sophistication over the years. By the stove, tea makers quietly focus, entrusting their hearts into each stage. Young tea buds gradually curl, change color and emit a gentle fragrance - the characteristic flavor of the mountains and forests.
The meticulous handicraft process has created a unique value for Cao Bo Shan Tuyet tea - rustic but sophisticated, simple but profound. Each artisan is like a "fire keeper", silently preserving and transmitting the quintessence of the traditional craft.
Unable to hide her excitement, Ms. Vu Thi Hoa, a tourist from Hung Yen, shared: "I have drunk Shan Tuyet tea before, but this is the first time I have seen the tea stars live. The feeling is very special, from the scent to the way it is made, everything is attractive.
Besides experiencing tea stars, the festival is also bustling with folk games such as tug-of-war, stick pushing, attracting a large number of people to participate. Cheers and laughter create a warm atmosphere, connecting the community.
The "Heritage Tea Region" festival does not only stop at bustling moments but also spreads the value of "green gold" Shan Tuyet in today's life. From the red and pink fires, the traditional craft continues to be preserved, contributing to affirming the Cao Bo tea brand and opening up directions for local economic and tourism development.
