At 82, Su Guowen stands as the last Blang prince and a living link to his people's 1,000-year-old tea garden traditions. For centuries, a simple ancestral teaching – “Leave them tea gardens, so your descendants may harvest from them forever” – was passed down by elders but never recorded.
Guided by a deep sense of purpose, Su turned oral histories into written records, mapping ancient tea terraces and documenting rituals once at risk of fading. His meticulous work provided the backbone for listing Jingmai Mountain as a World Heritage Site, shining a global spotlight on this cultural gem.
Beyond preservation, Su champions youth engagement. “As long as we pass the baton well, the younger generation will surely surpass us,” he says, envisioning a future where aspiring tea stewards blend innovation with tradition. His story resonates with young global citizens, entrepreneurs, and cultural changemakers seeking real-world impact.
From coffee-fueled startups to immersive sustainable travel, todays digitally savvy generation strives to balance preservation with progress. Su Guowens journey reminds us that safeguarding heritage can ignite new opportunities—where ancient wisdom fuels tomorrows innovation.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
