Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture

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…

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…

Banpen ancient tree tea features:full-bodied dry leaves, with an appearance of glossy, fat, and downy strands. Taste: sweet and fragrant upon entry, with a slight bitterness when swallowed, followed by a lingering sensation of sweetness and comfort throughout the mouth. Qi (energy): restrained, subtle, and not showy. Bitterness and Astringency: the bitterness is mild, and the astringency is weak. Aftertaste: the return to sweetness is slow but more enduring, profound, and enduring. Introduction to Banpen Ancient Tree Tea The Banpen tea mountain is located in Menghai County, Menghun Town, Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, and is a Laohu ethnic village. It is about 3 kilometers away from the Ban Zhang Village, at an altitude of 1760 meters, just 100 meters lower than Old Ban Zhang. Its ancient tea garden is tightly connected to the Ban Zhang ancient tea garden. Banpen was originally considered only a companion to Ban Zhang. However, in recent years, Banpen has gained a reputation that makes it a sought-after destination for tea lovers, elevating its status significantly! The old Banpen Village sits at an altitude of 1760 meters, with yellow-brown soil, clouds and mist, abundant rainfall, and a dense canopy of primary forest providing moderate…

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…

The tea mountains are fresh and clean after the rain; the summer heat does not deter the tea farmers from their diligent work. In the verdant tea gardens, villagers can be seen everywhere, busy picking tea leaves. Recently, when reporters visited Mannuodazhai in Mangwang Township, Manghai County, Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, known for its ancient tea trees, they saw Yu Bing, a 100-year-old resident living at No. 33, sitting under her eaves, carefully sorting out yellowed leaves from raw tea. "In the past two to three years, we haven't let her do any work, but she still thinks we're not serious enough in our sorting and insists on doing it herself," said Tao Haiying, the elderly woman's daughter-in-law. Currently, her family has an annual income of more than 400,000 yuan. Not only have they moved into a spacious house, but they also own two cars. Their life is prosperous, and they don't lack for labor. Although her mother-in-law now has seven generations under one roof, she can still see well enough to thread a needle and do needlework. The clothes she wears, traditional Bulang attire, are made by herself. "I'm 86 this year, and I still go up the mountain…

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…

Baihua Tan is one of the representative production areas of the wild aroma type in Yiwu, located in the Yao Autonomous Township of Mengla County. The tea here is characterized by its robust quality, wild flavor, strong burst, and ample tea energy. Baihua Tan's Geographical Location Baihua Tan is situated in the Yao Autonomous Township of Mengla County, Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province. The environment for producing Pu'er tea here is uniquely distinctive. It is located at the confluence of the Tongjing River, Bulong River, and Jinguang River, forming a special "tan" or pool. This area boasts dense primeval forests, high altitude, abundant water systems, and a favorable ecological environment, providing ideal conditions for the growth of ancient tea trees. The ancient tea trees grown in such an environment absorb the essence of nature, creating Pu'er tea with unique qualities and flavors. The Ancient Tea Garden in Baihua Tan The ancient tea garden in Baihua Tan is a place full of mystery and charm. Hidden deep within the mountains and forests, it is surrounded by lush vegetation, offering an excellent ecological environment. The ancient tea trees here are tall and sturdy, having endured the passage of time, demonstrating remarkable…

Gafengzhai is truly a mysterious and unique place! It is located in the Mahei Village Committee, Yiwu Township, Mengla County, Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, and is a Yao ethnic village. The altitude here is high, the climate is suitable, and the annual precipitation is abundant, providing an ideal environment for the growth of tea trees. The ancient tea trees in Gafengzhai are distributed in the primeval forest, far from human settlements, with excellent ecological conditions and little human interference. The tea trees grow slowly here and have a strong wild character, with low bitterness and astringency and a quick return to sweetness. Its tea leaves combine strength and softness, possessing a unique mountain charm. They are a superior quality that is gentle yet powerful, embodying aroma, taste, charm, and qi, representing the highest standard of good Pu'er tea. Tasting Gafengzhai, one can experience its sweet and mellow flavor, honey fragrance, smooth texture, and the restrained yet potent tea qi. The beauty of its transformation over time is amazing; new teas start with sweetness, while aged aromas emerge gradually, captivating those who savor it. The charm, high aroma, and returning sweetness of Gafengzhai make it a typical representative of…

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…

Baihua Tan is part of the Tongqing River, a renowned Pu'er tea production area in Yiwu, located in the Yao Autonomous Township of Mengla County, Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province. It is situated at the confluence of the Tongqing River, Bulong River, and Jinchang River, and its unique geographical location has created a favorable natural environment. It is a tranquil place nestled in the forest by the water. Various wild flowers grow near the mountain stream, with baihua (wildflowers) being the most abundant, hence the name. Baihua Tan stands out from the Tongqing River as an emerging micro-production area, following Bingdao, Laobanzhang, and Cha Wang Tree as another classic micro-production area for tea. The ancient tea trees in Baihua Tan can reach heights of over ten meters, with deep roots and broad crowns, and large leaves. Its tea leaves have a distinctive flavor, a heavy body, and a strong wild character, with great vigor and full tea energy. The raw tea is highly recognizable, with straight, hard strips, due to the high content of pectin in the leaves. Those fortunate enough to taste the ancient tree tea from Baihua Tan often describe it with the word “wild.” Its flavor…

Manzuan (Manzhuang), in Dai language, means “large village,” located in the south of Xiangming Township, Mengla County, Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, China. It borders the Yiwu tea area to the east. The main areas for ancient tree tea production on the Manzuan Tea Mountain are Manzuan and Manlin (Manlin). Manlin is the village with the most tea gardens on Manzuan Tea Mountain, while Manzhuang is the largest village and the one with the largest population. Manlin sits atop Manzuan Tea Mountain at an altitude of 1,700 meters, with beautiful scenery and clouds shrouding it throughout the year. Standing on the mountain top and looking far into the distance, all you see is a sea of clouds, as if you were in a fairyland. The ecological environment of Manzuan Tea Mountain is excellent, with high altitude, low temperatures, abundant sunlight, large diurnal temperature differences, no severe cold in winter, and no scorching heat in summer. Most of the ancient tea trees grow in dense forests. The unique natural environment has shaped the quality of Manzuan tea leaves. The dry tea has dark, shiny, thick, and long strands, with floral and honey aromas interweaving, which are intense and lasting. The…

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…