Khounsavath finds the Pu'er harmony in coffee, tea

In 2022, Khounsavath Phetsamone, a resident of Vientiane, Laos, travelled by the China-Laos Railway for the first time to Yunnan for tourism. He was delighted by the ease of travel: “In the past, the journey home to China took two days. Now, it only takes five hours by high-speed train, allowing me to be back in time for dinner with my family.” This convenient “one-day living circle” inspired him to settle and build a career in China. That same year, after completing his master’s degree, Khounsavath joined Pu’er College as a Lao language teacher, beginning his “dual-city life” in Pu’er.

Khounsavath Phetsamone speaks at a event in Yunnan.

Initially, Khounsavath’s first impression of Pu’er was its lush, mountainous landscape. However, what truly captivated him was the local culture’s wisdom of living in harmony with nature. He was particularly impressed by the under-forest tea cultivation methods in the ancient tea forests of Jingmai Mountain, which demonstrated a fascinating ecological approach. “The respect for nature and the moderate use of resources by the various ethnic groups in Pu’er have given me a true understanding of sustainable development,” he remarked.

Pu’er College, a vibrant hub for intercultural exchange, has allowed Khounsavath to not only establish deep roots in his new home but also to flourish as an educator, nurturing students from diverse backgrounds. As a college situated along the China-Laos Railway, Pu’er College has, in recent years, trained numerous professionals proficient in Lao, Thai, and other less commonly used languages.

 

A view of Pu’er city in Yunnan

The school offers “language pus vocational skills” training programs and collaborates with Lao businesses to expand employment opportunities, providing valuable prospects for both international teachers and students. Khounsavath said, “The railway has not only shortened the geographical distance but has also normalized the flow of talent and cultural exchange.”

Now, Khounsavath has fully embraced the lifestyle of starting his day with a cup of Yunnan Arabica coffee and ending it with a pot of Pu’er tea. “Yunnan’s inclusivity has allowed me to find a harmonious balance between my career and personal life,” he shared.

By Chang Yuan