Menghai County

Nannuoshan is an ancient tea area located south of the Lancang River, belonging to Gelanghe Township, Menghai County, Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province. It is a significant source of high-quality raw materials for Pu'er tea. The saying goes, "The best tea comes from high mountains shrouded in clouds and mist." Nannuoshan has an average elevation of 1,400 meters, with towering peaks, deep valleys, and dense vegetation, providing the ideal environment for large-leaf tea trees. It is often enveloped in clouds and mist, resulting in exceptional tea quality. Its buds are plump, leaves robust, and white down prominent, characterized by a high aroma, mild bitterness, and pronounced sweetness. The history of tea cultivation in Nannuoshan dates back a long time. According to legend, the ancestors of Nannuoshan began planting tea during the Three Kingdoms period, learning the technique from Zhuge Liang during his southern campaign, over 1,700 years ago. The Nannuoshan tea mountain has always been cultivated and utilized by the ancestors of the Bulang people (Pu people, Pu barbarians). More than 1,100 years ago, the ancestors of the Bulang people migrated away from Nannuoshan, leaving their tea trees to be inherited by the Aini people who later arrived. Nannuoshan…

The terrain in the Menghai tea region is complex, forming small-scale ecosystems where tea trees grow. Through natural hybridization, natural selection, and artificial selection, these ecosystems have given rise to a rich variety of tea tree species with distinct botanical characteristics. Wild tea tree (Photographed by Zuo Lianjiang)The main locations for wild tea trees within the county are Xiding, Mengsong, Meng'a, Bulang Mountain, and Gelande, belonging to the Dali tea species. These trees typically grow singly and scattered throughout mountainous areas at an altitude of around 1,500 meters. Looking at their distribution pattern, it decreases from southwest to northeast. Generally, these trees are tall with upright or semi-spreading postures, small leaves, few veins that are not prominent, flat surfaces, thick and smooth leathery textures, sparse downy hairs on young shoots, long internodes, and serrated leaf margins that are sparse and not obvious. The posterior part of the leaf often lacks serrations, and there are few rounds of leaf sprouting. The quality of tea made from these leaves is generally poor, with a bitter taste and a light color. They have strong resistance. A typical example is the "Tea Tree King" in Bada, which is over 1,700 years old. The cultivated…

Menghai, recognized internationally as the center of the world's original tea tree habitat and a main production area for Pu'er tea that enjoys worldwide fame, as well as being the only "Famous Brand Creation Demonstration Zone for the Pu'er Tea Industry" in the country, has given birth to numerous famous ancient tea mountains such as Laobanzhang, He Kai, Nannuoshan, Naka, and Zhanglang. These areas are renowned for their "Menghai flavor," characterized by rich taste and strong tea aroma. The Menghai County People's Procuratorate closely follows the work layout of the county Party committee and government aimed at strengthening and improving the tea industry. It carries out its duties according to law in protecting ancient tea trees and promoting the tea industry, continuously contributing procuratorial strength. Improving political orientation and defining directions around the overall situation. Focusing on the overall development of the county Party committee and government, we actively incorporate service and protection of ancient tea trees and the tea industry into the important content of procuratorial work. We have held multiple meetings to study this, proposing a working approach where public interest litigation prosecution is the lead and all four types of prosecution work together. Following the brand-building approach,…

There is a saying in the Pu'er tea world: “If you don’t understand Bulang Mountain, you don’t understand Pu'er tea.” Many newcomers to the world of tea may wonder: Why does one need to understand Bulang Mountain to truly understand Pu'er tea? Bulang Mountain has become renowned worldwide for its tea. This ancient tea mountain, located within Menghai County, Xishuangbanna, is situated in the southwestern border region of China, closer to the Myanmar border than other famous mountains. It is a well-known Pu'er tea production area and one of the regions with the most preserved ancient tea gardens. The existence of Bulang Mountain and the age-old tea trees upon it are shrouded in mystery. Whether the mountain predates the ancient tea trees or vice versa remains unknown; however, the teas from Bulang Mountain have certainly gained global recognition. Bulang Mountain is named after the ethnic minority that resides there. The Bulang people have lived in the mountain and cultivated tea for over a thousand years. They are among the earliest known cultivators, processors, and consumers of tea in the world. The absolute elevation of Bulang Mountain ranges from 1,000 to 2,200 meters, with relative height differences of 500 to 1,000…

Pasha Tea Mountain is located in the Gelanghe Hani Ethnic Township, Menghai County, Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province. It is shrouded in mist and clouds all year round, with abundant rainfall, lush vegetation, rich undergrowth, fertile soil, a loose soil layer, and good water and mineral infiltration, which effectively enhances the completeness of nutrient supply. The special natural ecological environment allows the tea trees to grow vigorously, with an early sprouting period, a long picking season, long and plump leaves, visible downy hair, and excellent quality. The ancient tea trees in Pasha grow naturally without mixed growth of other trees, mainly distributed around the villages, making it the area in the Xishuangbanna tea region with the largest number of ancient tea trees that grow in dense clusters. These trees are over 800 years old, reaching about 4 meters in height, with densely branched trunks forming a natural canopy. Pasha tea is renowned for its clarity and sweetness; the higher the altitude, the more profound the tea's flavor and the better its quality. Its twisted tea leaves are uniform, with a verdant green color and visible downy hair. The tea liquor has a golden tinge to its green color, a…

In the embrace of lush tropical rainforests, Xishuangbanna, this ancient and mysterious land, has nurtured countless treasures of tea with its unique natural conditions. At the foot of Nannuoshan Mountain in Menghai County, known globally as the village of ancient tea trees, the air is filled with the fragrance of tea, weaving a splendid tapestry of history and modernity. On the morning of August 5th, the Xishuangbanna Tea Association's Nannuoshan Tasting Center for the Twelve Famous Mountain Teas was inaugurated at Nannuoshan. The establishment of the tasting center not only preserves and promotes the rich tea culture of Xishuangbanna but also serves as a vital window to showcase the beauty of Chinese tea to the world. (Address by Researcher Wang Yungang, President of the Xishuangbanna Tea Association) Yunnan Province is the core region where the world's tea trees originated, and Xishuangbanna is the birthplace of Pu'er tea. It is reported that by the end of 2023, Xishuangbanna had a tea plantation area of 1.4322 million mu, with a total production of 66,400 tons of dried tea leaves, generating a comprehensive output value of 32.635 billion yuan. There are 437,700 tea farmers in the prefecture, with an average annual per capita…

The He Kai ancient tea mountain is located in the Menghai County, Menghun Town, Xishuangbanna Prefecture, with an overall altitude ranging from 1,400 to 1,700 meters. The most distinctive feature of He Kai is that “the tea grows among the trees, and the villages are nestled within the tea gardens.” It is the largest contiguous area of ancient tea gardens in Xishuangbanna Prefecture, covering over 16,000 mu (approximately 1,067 hectares) with more than 2.3 million individual ancient tea trees. There are many villages under the jurisdiction of the He Kai Village Committee, including Manmai, Manlongxin and Manlong old village, Mantuan, Guanggang, and others. Among these, Manmai is at the highest elevation in the He Kai ancient tea garden and is considered to have the best quality and be the most representative village. The He Kai ancient tree tea is characterized by its sweet, rich, and full-bodied flavor upon entry into the mouth, strong tea essence, and powerful wild mountain notes. Overall, the taste of He Kai ancient tree tea is more balanced—it is not as bitter as Laoman'e nor as dominant as Lao Banzhang, making it highly acceptable and cost-effective. He Kai literally means “the place where the sun is…

Menghai County, Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture The unique natural resources Endow the ethnic groups living here from generation to generation with generous gifts. People here Are born on the tea mountains and grow up in the aroma of tea. The tea fragrance is lingering, as are their hearts. Recently, Menghai County has entered the spring tea picking season. In the tea gardens, lush and verdant; In the courtyards, bustling with activity. After picking the tea leaves, they proceed to make tea, And this process of making tea Is repeated hundreds of times each tea season by the tea farmers. Being with tea Is not only their profession, But also their way of life. In their leisure time, They steep a pot of tea, savoring a wisp of its clear fragrance, Whether strong or light, it's comfortable and romantic. According to information, Menghai County has a tea plantation area of 905,900 mu, An area of 56,200 mu for ancient tea trees, And 385,000 mu certified organic. Southern lands have fine trees, and Menghai produces good tea. Wandering through these tea forests and organic tea gardens, The stories of prioritizing ecology and green development Seem never-ending. Planning: Cao Lu, Bao Tao, Mu…

Bulang Mountain is a famous Pu'er tea production area and one of the regions with the most preserved ancient tea gardens. The Bulang Mountain tea region has numerous peaks, including Laobanzhang, Xinbanzhang, Laomane, Bakalong, Bakanan, Jiliang, Banpen, Manxindong, Guangbie Laozhai, and He Kai. Bulang Mountain teas vary significantly between villages, but overall, they are characterized by intense and robust flavors, dominant tea qi, and strong stimulation. Introduction to the Bulang Mountain Tea Region Saying that you don’t understand Pu'er tea without understanding Bulang Mountain is common. As the first mountain of Pu'er tea, those who have tasted Pu'er tea often think of it first. Familiar names like Laobanzhang, Laomane, and Xinbanzhang are located here. Bulang Mountain is situated in the southeastern part of Menghai County along the China-Myanmar border, about 70 kilometers from the county seat, covering a total area of 1016 square kilometers. It is home to 9505 mu of ancient tea gardens, making it one of the areas with the most preserved ancient tea trees. The Bulang Mountain Township is divided into seven village committees, including Meng'ang, Zhangjia, Xinlong, Man'nan, Jieliang, Manguo, and Banzhang. Bulang Mountain falls under a subtropical monsoon climate, enjoying ample sunlight and abundant rainfall.…

Old Manuo is one of the famous ancient tea gardens in the Bulang region, collectively known as the Five Ban Zhang Villages along with Old Ban Zhang, New Ban Zhang, Dakalong, and Dakanuan. Old Manuo has a long history of tea cultivation, and there are still over 3200 acres of ancient tea gardens left from our ancestors—a vast area. In fact, Old Manuo is the largest and oldest Bulang village in the Brown Mountain range. Let's delve into some knowledge about the Bulang people. Geographical Environment of Old Manuo Old Manuo is located in the heart of Brown Mountain within Menghai County, Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, China. The altitude here reaches over 1,600 meters, with rolling mountains and misty clouds. The unique natural environment provides ideal growing conditions for Old Manuo. In this magical land, tea trees coexist harmoniously with the forest, forming a unique ecosystem. The soil is rich in minerals, combined with a suitable climate and abundant rainfall, giving Old Manuo's tea leaves their distinct character. What are the Characteristics of Old Manuo Tea? The most distinctive feature of Old Manuo tea might be its bitterness. While some may try to describe it using other terms,…

In the midst of winter, the winter cherry blossoms covering thousands of mu sway in the wind at the peak of the tea mountain.Jingmai Mountain is located within Lanchang County, a region inhabited by the Lahu and other ethnic groups in Puer City. To its east lies Menghai County in Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, and to its west is Myanmar. It is one of the famous six major Puer tea mountains and is home to ancient tea forests that have been cultivated for thousands of years, which are among the most intact in the world. Cherry blossoms in full bloom on Jingmai Mountain The area boasts vast seas of clouds, rolling mountains, lush ancient trees, and clusters of traditional villages. In addition to these, this place, listed by UNESCO on the World Heritage List, also has a breathtaking pink spectacle that captures the heart at first sight. Cherry blossoms in full bloom on Jingmai Mountain Cherry blossoms in full bloom on Jingmai Mountain The ancient tea mountain consists of nine traditional villages inhabited by the Bulang, Dai, Hani, and other ethnic groups, including Jingmai, Mangjing, and Manghong. Here, the people are simple and respectful of nature. Apart from living examples…

Teams delving into the tea mountains, stages built at village entrances, technology reaching hearts, free clinics entering homes... Since July 2024, Menghai County in the Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture has focused on development goals and positioning. By telling the stories of five ancient tea mountains—Banzhang, He Kai, Nannuo Mountain, Zhanglang, and Nanben Old Village—the county has adopted the theme of "The 'Culture-Science-Health Three-to-the-Countryside' Activities Supporting the Integrated Development of First, Second, and Third Industries in Ancient Tea Mountains." It is progressively writing five major chapters on "Tea Leadership," "Tea Culture," "Tea Science and Technology," "Tea New Trends," and "Tea Ecology." This initiative provides accurate, rich, and vivid services to local residents. Focusing on the Core: Sharing the "Menghai Tea Fragrance" Together Menghai County fully leverages the important role of the "Three-to-the-Countryside" activities in promoting the comprehensive revitalization of rural areas. With a focus on "delivering ideology," "delivering culture," "delivering law," "delivering technology," "delivering policy," and "delivering services," the county aims to enhance the levels of industrial development, rural construction, and rural governance. It also seeks to increase the competitiveness of the tea industry, the influence of tea culture, and the support of tea science and technology. This effort enhances the…

In the depths of Brown Mountain, Menghai County, Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, lies a village brimming with historical charm and natural beauty—Ban Zhang Village. “Red wine is judged by its chateau, Pu'er by its mountain origin.” Photograph of ancient tea tree branches in Ban Zhang by Zhang Hongping Ban Zhang Village, a large family composed of five natural villages—Old Ban Zhang, New Ban Zhang, Laoman'e, Dakalong, and Dakanuan—each preserving unique cultural traditions of the Bulang, Hani, and Lahu ethnic groups. Here, ancient tea trees coexist with the forest, known for their great age and superior quality, earning Ban Zhang the title of "China's No.1 Pu'er Tea Village." Tea farmer Tu Mei has been involved with tea since childhood. Her life is closely tied to tea, and she holds deep feelings for it. She reflects, “The techniques for making tea have become increasingly sophisticated, allowing the tea to retain more of its essence and aroma, resulting in higher-quality tea production.” The unique geographical and climatic conditions here make the Pu'er tea a favorite among countless tea enthusiasts. Photograph of the ancient tea mountain trail in Brown Mountain by Zhang Hongping The unique natural scenery and rich cultural heritage of…

Rhinoceros Pond Pu'er tea production area is located in Pasazhong Village, Pasha Village Committee, Gelanghe Township, Menghai County, Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture. Rhinoceros Pond is locally known as Naiya Lang. Introduction to Pasha Rhinoceros Pond In recent years, with the rising reputation of “Pasha tea,” whether it be Old Pasha, Middle Pasha, or New Pasha, all have reaped a wave of benefits. Especially noteworthy is New Pasha, which introduced a niche mountain region—the Rhinoceros Pond. The Pasha Rhinoceros Pond is a niche regional cooperative brand created through the joint efforts of all villagers and cadres of New Pasha, attracting external investment. It has gained the favor of many tea enthusiasts and has become one of the few active regions among mountain teas in 2022. Not only did it liven up the atmosphere on the mountain, but it also successfully held ceremonies for the adoption and mining of the Rhinoceros Pond tea king tree. Ecosystem of Rhinoceros Pond Rhinoceros Pond is relatively far from the village and has seen very little human intervention. The ancient tea gardens are lush with vegetation, have thick layers of humus beneath the forest floor, and boast fertile soil. The tea produced here is rich in…

Menghai boasts a superior reserve of tea resources. The region encompasses expansive, fertile plains such as Mongzhai, Monghun, Menghai, and Monga, along with continuous mountain ranges. Each mountain is covered with trees, and every ravine has water, making it a verdant home. Tea mountains are scattered throughout, adding vibrant color to the landscape. Menghai County is rich in ancient tea tree resources, which include wild, cultivated types, and related species. Ancient tea trees can be found across all 11 towns in the county, mostly at altitudes between 1,300 and 2,060 meters, in areas with excellent natural ecological conditions. They are distributed in places like Laobanzhang and Laomane in the Bulang Mountain Township, He Kai in Monghun Town, Manxi in Daluo Town, Hesong, Manmai, and Zhanglang in Xiding Township, Pasha and Pazen in Gelande Township, and Nanuoshan, as well as Huazhuliangzi, Banglong, and Sanmai in Mengsong Township. These ancient tea gardens are concentrated and contiguous, with trees over 2 meters tall, strong growth vigor, gray-white trunks, and most have mistletoe and birdlime. Eco-friendly tea garden (photographed by Qiu Kaibei) The tea resources of Menghai not only include wild and cultivated ancient tea trees but also high-quality tea gardens cultivated after the…

Pu'er tea mainly originates from areas in Xishuangbanna, Pu'er, Lincang, Baoshan, and other places in Yunnan Province. Pu'er tea is a geographical indication product, and its protected region includes 11 prefectures (cities) and municipalities, 75 counties (cities, districts), and 639 townships (towns, subdistrict offices) across Pu'er City, Xishuangbanna Prefecture, Lincang City, Kunming City, Dali Prefecture, Baoshan City, Dehong Prefecture, Chuxiong Prefecture, Honghe Prefecture, Yuxi City, Wenshan Prefecture. Main Origin of Pu'er Tea 1. Xishuangbanna Among these, the production in Menghai County and Yi Wu in Mengla in Xishuangbanna is the most substantial. Menghai County's Mengsong, Nannuoshan, Pasha, He Kai, Bulang Mountain, Old Man'ao, Bada Mountain, and other areas are all important origins of Pu'er tea. Many villages and mountains within these origins have significant reputations. Among them, Bao Tang, Da Manlü, and Naka in Mengsong, Menghai; Banpo Village and Maidong Village in Nannuoshan; Manlong and Bangpeng in He Kai; Old Ban Zhang, New Ban Zhang, Old Man'ao, Manxinglong, and Man Nuo in Bulang Mountain; Zhanglang in Bada Mountain are all well-known in Pu'er tea origins. The Yi Wu tea area, with Goufengzhai, Dingjiazhai, Luoshuidong, Yishanmo, Machhei, Gaoshan Village, and others as representative famous villages, is highly sought after. 2. Pu'er…

Mangsong, a Dai language toponym meaning a plateau between high mountains, is located within the Mangsong Township of Menghai County, Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province. To its east lies Jinghong City and to its south, Gelanghe Township. It is one of the ancient tea regions in Menghai County and also one of the main tea-producing towns. There are over 3,000 mu of ancient tea gardens, widely distributed across several areas with the majority concentrated in Nanben Old Village, Baotang New Village, Baotang Old Village, Damei, and Xia Da'an Villages. Photographed by Yan FengtingThe ancient tea gardens in Mangsong are mostly planted by the Lahu people, who have a long history of tea cultivation, processing, and trade. Han Chinese settlers entered Mangsong during the Guangxu period of the Qing dynasty to engage in tea trading. In 1931 (20th year of the Republic of China), migrants from Yiwu, Mengla established a tea house in Manmai, Mangsong. In 1941, Fohai Tea Factory set up a preliminary tea processing facility and a tea purchasing station in Mangsong. In the early 1980s, when the Chinese Tea Research Institute and Yunnan Academy of Agricultural Sciences Tea Research Institute jointly surveyed tea tree resources, they discovered…

Rhinoceros Pond Pu'er tea is located in the Gelang River Township of Menghai County, Xishuangbanna Prefecture, Yunnan Province, China. It sits on a branch of the Nan Mountain range, at the highest point in Gelanghe Township. Within the ancient tea region of the entire Menghai tea mountain, Rhinoceros Pond's ancient tree tea is situated in the core area of Pasha, making Rhinoceros Pond the king of mountains within the Pasha ancient tea mountain. To Which Tea Region Does Rhinoceros Pond Belong? Within the ancient tea region of the entire Menghai tea mountain, Rhinoceros Pond is located in the core area of Pasha and can be considered the king of mountains within the Pasha ancient tea mountain. The name "Rhinoceros Pond" originates from a similar legend as Phoenix Nest; it is said to have been named after rhinos once inhabited the area. The average altitude of Rhinocerus Pond is above 1,700 meters, with clouds shrouding the area throughout the year, abundant rainfall, lush vegetation, fertile soil, and a unique environment. As a result, the teas produced here are rich in content, bold in flavor, and have a rich and full aroma. Pasha Rhinoceros Pond – an ancient tea garden hidden atop…

Manmaidui is part of Manmai Village, Xiding Township, Menghai County, in the Dai Autonomous Prefecture of Xishuangbanna, Yunnan Province. It is a large Bulang ethnic village that has gained more recognition outside for its love of football. It is said that the children in the village are very passionate about football, but due to its remote location, they did not have the facilities to play. So, they dedicated their own tea fields to build a standardized football field, providing a place for the children to play. Tea and football are two bright "calling cards" of the village. Manmaidui Ancient Tea Forest The ancient tea gardens of Manmaidui adjoin the village, extending from the roadside up to the hilltop. In the 1980s during the "high-to-low" conversion, most of the ancient tea trees by the road were transformed into one-meter-high shrub teas, with only a few on the hilltop remaining unchanged. Besides the ancient tea gardens, Manmaidui also boasts impressive modern tea plantations. In 1989, the Menghai Tea Factory established a ten-thousand mu tea mountain in Bada, with its No. 3 base located in Manmaidui. Most of the land along the road from Manmaidui to the Xiding Township government is covered by…