Yunnan Travel explore 50 Tea Mountains
Yunnan tea culture tourism offers a unique experience that combines natural beauty and cultural heritage. Visitors can stroll through ancient tea mountains in Pu’er (普洱), Xishuangbanna (西双版纳), and Lincang (临沧), such as Jingmai Mountain (景迈山), Nannuo Mountain (南糯山), and Laobanzhang (老班章), to admire the tea plantations, pick tea leaves, and experience traditional tea-making techniques. At the same time, they can explore ethnic minority villages, savor authentic tea banquets, and immerse themselves in the historical charm of the ancient Tea Horse Road (茶马古道). Here, every tea mountain tells an ancient story, and every cup of tea embodies the essence of Yunnan.
Introduction to Yunnan’s Tea Mountains
Yunnan’s tea mountains are primarily distributed in Pu’er City (普洱市), Xishuangbanna Prefecture (西双版纳州), and Lincang City (临沧市). Among them, the Ancient Six Great Tea Mountains (古六大茶山) and the New Six Great Tea Mountains (新六大茶山) are the most famous.
Ancient Six Great Tea Mountains
- Youle Tea Mountain (攸乐茶山): Located in Jinghong City (景洪市), it is the most prominent of the ancient tea mountains, known for its large-leaf tea varieties.
- Gedeng Tea Mountain (革登茶山): Although small in size, it is famous for its “Tea King Tree” and unique tea aroma.
- Yibang Tea Mountain (倚邦茶山): Known for its medium and small-leaf tea varieties, offering a delicate fragrance.
- Mangzhi Tea Mountain (莽枝茶山): Renowned for its honey-like floral aroma and high-quality tea.
- Manzhuan Tea Mountain (蛮砖茶山): Features a rich, mellow flavor and strong aroma.
- Mansa Tea Mountain (曼撒茶山): Now known as Yiwu (易武), it is a significant Pu’er tea production area.
New Six Great Tea Mountains
- Nannuo Mountain (南糯山): Located in Menghai County (勐海县), it is known for its thousand-year-old tea trees and Hani ethnic culture.
- Nanqiao Tea Mountain (南峤茶山): Features medium-leaf tea varieties with a mellow taste.
- Mengsong Tea Mountain (勐宋茶山): Rich in tea tree resources, offering a balanced bitterness in its tea.
- Jingmai Mountain (景迈山): Located in Lancang County (澜沧县), Pu’er City, it is the world’s first tea-themed UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for its “orchid fragrance.”
- Bulang Mountain (布朗山): Known for its large-leaf tea varieties, offering a strong bitterness with a sweet aftertaste.
- Bada Mountain (巴达山): Famous for its wild ancient tea trees and unique tea aroma.
Other Famous Tea Mountains
Laobanzhang (老班章): A top-tier tea mountain in Menghai County, known for its “bold” flavor.
Bingdao (冰岛): A renowned tea mountain in Lincang, famous for its sweet and smooth taste.
Xigui (昔归): A high-quality tea mountain in Lincang, known for its rich aroma.
Hekai (贺开): A continuous ancient tea garden in Menghai County, producing excellent tea.
Pasha (帕沙): A high-quality tea mountain in Menghai County, offering a mellow taste.
Naka (那卡): A well-known tea mountain in Menghai County, famous for its unique aroma.
Banpen (班盆): A neighboring tea mountain of Laobanzhang, producing high-quality tea.
Banpozhai (半坡寨): A high-quality tea mountain in Menghai County, known for its sweet taste.
Additionally, Yunnan has many other significant tea mountains, such as Baiying Mountain (白莺山), Wuliang Mountain (无量山), and Ailao Mountain (哀牢山) in Lincang, as well as Jinggu (景谷), Zhenyuan (镇沅), and Menglian (孟连) in Pu’er, and Menghai (勐海) and Mengla (勐腊) in Xishuangbanna.
Tea Mountain Tourism Activities
Yunnan’s tea mountains are not only the birthplace of Pu’er tea but also charming tourist destinations. Below are some unique tea mountain tourism activities:
1. Tea Plantation Tours and Tea-Picking Experiences
Visitors can stroll through famous tea regions like Jingmai Mountain in Pu’er and Nannuo Mountain in Xishuangbanna, admiring the endless tea plantations and sea of clouds. During the tea-picking season, visitors can participate in tea picking and experience the journey from tea leaves to teacup.
2. Learning Traditional Tea-Making Techniques
In places like Tengchong Tea Expo Garden (腾冲茶博园) in Baoshan (保山) and Shuangbai Baizhu Mountain Tea Garden (双柏白竹山茶园) in Chuxiong (楚雄), visitors can delve into traditional tea-making techniques such as fixation, rolling, and drying. This immersive experience not only teaches the process of making Pu’er tea but also allows visitors to create their own tea.
3. Integration of Tea Culture and Ethnic Customs
Yunnan’s tea mountains are closely tied to ethnic cultures. In Jingmai Mountain, visitors can enjoy the Bulang ethnic group’s (布朗族) unique tea banquets, such as tea-fried beef and tea-fried eggs, experiencing their distinctive culinary culture. In Dehong Mangshi Santai Mountain De’ang Ethnic Township (德宏芒市三台山德昂族乡), visitors can participate in making De’ang sour tea (德昂族酸茶), experiencing ancient tea-making techniques.
4. Exploring Ancient Tea Trees and Villages
Yunnan’s tea mountains are home to thousand-year-old tea trees, such as those in Jingmai Mountain’s ancient tea forests, which have witnessed the development of Pu’er tea. Visitors can also explore ancient villages like Nuogan Ancient Village (糯干古寨) and Wengji Ancient Village (翁基古寨), experiencing the simple folk customs.
5. Tea Mountain Homestays and Camping
In places like Tengchong Tea Expo Garden and Dali Nanjian Wuliang Mountain Cherry Blossom Valley (大理南涧无量山樱花谷), visitors can stay in tea mountain homestays or camp, enjoying the peaceful rural life. At Wuliang Mountain Cherry Blossom Valley, visitors can also experience luxury tent camping and enjoy the sunrise and sunset over the tea plantations.
6. Tea Horse Road Hiking Tours
Yunnan’s Tea Horse Road (茶马古道) was an important trade route for tea in ancient times. Today, it has become a popular tourist route. Visitors can hike along the ancient road, enjoying the natural scenery and historical sites. At the Pu’er Tea Horse Road Heritage Site (普洱茶马古道遗址), visitors can experience the charm of caravan culture.
7. Tea-Themed Culinary Tours
Yunnan’s tea mountains offer not only tea but also a variety of tea-themed cuisine. Visitors can enjoy Pu’er tea banquets and Bulang ethnic meals in tea mountain scenic areas. These dishes perfectly combine tea culture with local ingredients, leaving a lasting impression.
8. Tea Mountain Road Self-Driving Tours
Yunnan’s tea mountain roads are known for their stunning scenery, making them popular routes for self-driving tours. Visitors can drive or cycle along roads like Jingmai Mountain Tea Road (景迈山茶山公路) and Mengku Tea Mountain Road (勐库茶山公路) to enjoy the breathtaking views.
Tea Horse Road Tourism Routes
The Tea Horse Road is an ancient trade route that has now become a popular tourist destination. Below are some common Tea Horse Road tourism routes and activities to help you plan your journey:
1. One-Day Pu’er Tea Horse Road Tour
The Pu’er Tea Horse Road Scenic Area (普洱茶马古道旅游景区) is located in Pu’er City, about 5 kilometers from the city center. It is a well-preserved and culturally rich section of the Tea Horse Road.
Itinerary:
Visitor Center: Take a sightseeing car to Dingbo Lake (定波湖) and enjoy the scenic views.
Rainbow Cable Car: Ride the cable car through the tea mountains, overlooking the tea plantations and subtropical rainforest.
Ancient Road Hiking: Hike along the Tea Horse Road heritage site, experiencing its historical charm.
Zhongyi Post Station (忠义驿站): Visit the Caravan Museum to learn about caravan culture and the history of the Tea Horse Road.
Tang Tea Hall (唐茶殿): Trace the historical origins of the Tea Horse Road.
Huiwang Pavilion (回望亭): Enjoy a panoramic view of the tea mountains and take photos.
Transportation: Take Bus No. 3 to Lameipo Station (腊梅坡站) or drive there.
Admission: Free entry, but additional fees apply for cable cars and sightseeing cars.
Opening Hours: 08:30–17:00.
2. Multi-Day Pu’er Tea Horse Road Tour
For those with more time, combine the Pu’er Tea Horse Road Scenic Area with other attractions like Sun River Forest Park (太阳河森林公园) and Jingmai Mountain Ancient Tea Garden (景迈山古茶园) for an in-depth tour.
Recommended Itinerary:
Day 1: Explore the Pu’er Tea Horse Road Scenic Area and experience ancient road culture.
Day 2: Visit Sun River Forest Park and connect with nature.
Day 3: Discover Jingmai Mountain Ancient Tea Garden and immerse yourself in tea culture.
3. Yunnan-Tibet Tea Horse Road Self-Driving Tour
The Yunnan-Tibet route is a classic Tea Horse Road journey, starting from Pu’er in Yunnan, passing through Dali, Lijiang, Zhongdian (Shangri-La), and Deqin, and ending in Tibet.
Highlights:
Dali: Enjoy the scenery of Erhai Lake (洱海) and experience Bai ethnic culture.
Lijiang: Explore Lijiang Ancient Town (丽江古城) and experience Naxi ethnic culture.
Zhongdian (Shangri-La): Visit Songzanlin Monastery (松赞林寺) and experience Tibetan culture.
Deqin: Admire the sacred Meili Snow Mountain (梅里雪山).
Transportation: Drive or hire a car along National Highway G214.
4. Tea Horse Road Hiking Tour
For hiking enthusiasts, choose sections of the Tea Horse Road for an in-depth trek, such as the hiking trails within the Pu’er Tea Horse Road Heritage Park.
Experiences:
Caravan Life: Experience the caravan lifestyle at Zhongyi Post Station.
Tea Culture: Participate in tea picking, tea making, and tea tasting in the Ancient Tea Tree Area (古树问茶区).
Travel Tips
Sun Protection and Warm Clothing: The Tea Horse Road has strong sunlight, so bring sunscreen. The temperature varies greatly between day and night, so pack warm clothing.
Respect Local Culture: Respect the customs of local ethnic minorities during your visit.
Safety First: Pay attention to safety signs and stay within designated areas during hikes.
Conclusion
Yunnan tea culture tourism combines natural scenery, tea culture, and ethnic customs. Visitors can explore ancient tea mountains in Pu’er, Xishuangbanna, and Lincang, experience tea picking and making, and admire the beauty of tea plantations. At the same time, they can visit thousand-year-old tea trees, feel the historical charm of the Tea Horse Road, and savor tea banquets in ethnic minority villages. Yunnan tea culture tourism is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a spiritual journey.
