The Paper's ongoing investigation into Luo Dayou, who claims to be the "National Chief Intangible Cultural Heritage Inheritor of Chinese Tea Culture," has led to another locality revoking his development advisor title. On January 30, the People's Government of Baojing County in Hunan's Xiangxi Prefecture announced on its official website that, following government review, it has decided to revoke Luo Dayou's title as "High-Quality Development Advisor for Baojing Golden Tea's 'Three-Tea Integration'" effective immediately, rendering his letter of appointment invalid.
It was noted that the Baojing County Media Center had previously published a video showing Luo Dayou participating in the "Baojing Golden Tea 'Three-Tea Integration' High-Quality Development Conference and the Provincial Showcase Launch Ceremony for Village Chefs and Artists," where he was introduced as the "Dean of the Chinese Tea Culture Research Institute." By February 3, this video had been deleted.
Media reports describe Baojing Golden Tea as an ancient, unique, and rare local tea plant variety resource, long celebrated with the saying "an ounce of gold for an ounce of tea." It has obtained the national geographical indication certification trademark, the Hunan Famous Trademark, and has been included in the China-EU Agreement on Geographical Indications protection list. In 2025, the National Intellectual Property Administration announced a list of 54 national geographical indication protection demonstration zones, with the Baojing Golden Tea National Geographical Indication Protection Demonstration Zone making the list.
Earlier reports revealed that Luo Dayou claims numerous prestigious titles, including "National Chief Intangible Cultural Heritage Inheritor of Chinese Tea Culture," President of the "Chinese Tea Culture Research Institute," registered health expert at Zhang Zhongjing Museum, expert and advisor for the CCTV New Film "Middle School Students" channel, and senior researcher at the Chinese Academy of Management Science. However, the "Chinese Tea Culture Research Institute" initiated by Luo shares its name with an institution under the China Folk Literature and Art Association, though the former is not registered with civil affairs departments, and the latter has issued statements clarifying it has no relationship with Luo.
Regarding his appointment as "Chief Advisor" for the CCTV New Film "Middle School Students" channel, staff responded that the appointment has been terminated and personnel have contacted him directly. Luo's claim of receiving a training certificate from Peking University was also refuted by the university, which stated the program organizer had no cooperative relationship with them.
Concerning Luo's alleged identity as a senior researcher at the Chinese Academy of Management Science, it was learned that the involved institution had its operational license revoked in 2024 for improperly issuing honorary certificates. After inquiries to Zhang Zhongjing Museum about Luo's authoritative qualifications, the museum removed his information from its website. Following discussions between the Fujian Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism and the Fujian Tourism Association, the association dismissed Luo from his position as senior advisor.
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