As February 2026 unfolds, Yunnan's mountainous landscapes buzz with activity during peak coffee harvest season. Farmers across China's southwestern province are hand-picking ripe cherries through March, maintaining the region's dominance as the source of over 97% of the Chinese mainland's coffee production.
The mild climate and high-altitude terrain create ideal growing conditions, with this year's harvest poised to meet rising global demand for specialty Asian coffee. Local growers emphasize sustainable practices, using traditional bamboo baskets to collect cherries without damaging delicate ecosystems.
Economic analysts note Yunnan's coffee industry has become a vital export engine, with beans increasingly featured in premium international blends. "This season's yield could strengthen China's position as Asia's fastest-growing coffee origin," said a Kunming-based agricultural economist.
The harvest also holds cultural significance, with many ethnic communities incorporating coffee cultivation into seasonal traditions. Travelers visiting the region can witness processing demonstrations at family-run estates, where sun-drying platforms transform red cherries into export-ready beans.
