Yibang Mountain is one of the ancient six great Tea mountains in Yunnan Pu'er tea and has always been an indispensable part of the ancient six great tea mountains. The mixed growth of large and small tree species, as well as the fact that Man Song became a tribute tea for the royal family during the Qing Dynasty, have all made Yibang famous in its time.
Yibang Ancient Tea Mountain is known as “Molai” Yibang in Dai language, which means “tea well.” It is located in Xiangming Township, Mengla County, Xishuangbanna Prefecture, Yunnan Province, or the northernmost part of Mengla County. To the east lies the ancient Yiwu Tea Mountain, to the south, the ancient Manzhuan Tea Mountain, and to the west, the ancient Gedeng Tea Mountain.
Yibang Mountain had already established tea gardens by the early Ming Dynasty. From the fourth year of the Longqing period of the Ming Dynasty to the end of the Guangxu period of the Qing Dynasty, Yibang was the political center and administrative headquarters of the six great tea mountains. During its heyday, hundreds of baskets of Pu'er tea offered as tribute were mainly from Yibang, marking the start of Pu'er tea's reputation.
I. Geographical Location
Yibang is one of the ancient six great tea mountains. Yibang Tea Mountain is located in the eastern part of Xiangming Township, Mengla County, Xishuangbanna Prefecture, Yunnan Province. To the east lies Mansa, to the south, the ancient Manzhuan Tea Mountain, to the west, the ancient Gedeng Tea Mountain, and to the north, Mengwang Township.
The term “Yibang” comes from the Dai language, meaning: a place with tea trees and wells. In Yibang Tea Mountain, ethnic minorities such as Dai, Hani, Yi, Bulang, and Jino live and grow tea. Tea gardens were established here in the early Ming Dynasty, and the history of tea cultivation and processing is long-standing.
It covers an area of 360 square kilometers and includes 19 natural villages, including Man Song, Cangkong, Jia Bu, Man Gong, etc., with Man Song entering the imperial court as tribute tea.
II. Historical Origin
Yibang Tea Mountain is the birthplace of the world-renowned Pu'er tea. It Rose to prominence before Yiwu and became the political, economic, and Pu'er tea distribution center of the ancient six great tea mountains during the Ming and Qing dynasties, becoming the leading tea mountain at the time.
Yibang Tea Mountain could be said to have become famous worldwide because of tea and was reborn through the transformation brought about by tea. After suffering through wars, fires, and epidemics, Yibang Tea Mountain declined and deteriorated in the face of natural disasters and human calamities, causing tea farmers to migrate elsewhere and tea businesses to close down. During this period, the Pu'er tea distribution center gradually shifted towards Yiwu.
Only some remnants left on the old street of Yibang bear witness to the glory of Yibang Tea Mountain in its heyday while telling the story of past pains. Fortunately, the ancient tea trees of Yibang Tea Mountain have been well-preserved.
III. Ancient Tea Trees
Yibang Tea Mountain can accurately be described as a mix of large, medium, and small-leaf tea trees, but the small-leaf variety is more typical. The ancient tea gardens stretch continuously, with well-preserved ecological environments, and the ancient tea trees have uniform ages.
The elevation varies greatly, with mist shrouding the area, high forest coverage, and fertile red and reddish-brown soils, providing the natural conditions needed for tea trees to thrive. The tea trees growing in these conditions produce high-quality teas, endowing Yibang Pu'er tea with a high fragrance and robust wild character.
Cat's Ears, a natural variation of Yibang's ancient tea trees, occur randomly and without pattern, making them extremely rare and unique. They are named Cat's Ears due to their small, round leaves resembling cat ears.
They are difficult to find and scarce, with only three to five ancient tea trees bearing Cat's Ears found within a tea garden. Their picking and production are challenging, so they should be cherished when enjoyed.
Man Song is a tribute tea origin, with the saying, “eat Man Song, look at Yibang.” In the Qing Dynasty, its superior tea quality earned it designation as a tribute tea by the emperor, and it was named after producing 100 baskets of tribute tea annually.
Man Song is divided into Prince Hill and Back Shade Hill, with Prince Hill having the most favorable ecological environment. Its soil is weathered slate, presenting a purple-red color, with the characteristic of turning to mud when wet and hardening when dry. It experiences the least human intervention, resulting in the best tea quality and very limited production.
IV. Characteristics of Ancient Tea Trees
The dry tea has neat and clean strands, with a rich and elegant aroma that is deep and unique;
When processed correctly, the Infusion of new Yibang tea is yellowish-green, slightly pale, with bright green leaves that are supple and full of vitality;
The tea soup has a mild bitterness and slight astringency, with a soft and fine texture like silk, offering a smooth and sweet taste that lingers. The aftertaste is persistent, and the saliva-inducing sensation is excellent. It has a strong wild character, deep throat resonance, and a lingering sweetness. The water contains an excellent aroma, with abundant qi, rich and full flavor, leaving a memorable impression. It is extremely elegant and naturally noble.