Baiyingshan Ancient Tea Museum in Yunxian County, Lincang
Overview
Baiyingshan Ancient Tea Museum (云县白莺山古茶园自然博物馆) is situated deep within the Hengduan Mountains (横断山脉), specifically in the Daping Mountain (大丙山) area of Yun County (云县), Lincang City (临沧市), Yunnan Province (云南省). This tea biodiversity research base is located on the west bank of the Lancang River (澜沧江) in Manwan Town (漫湾镇).
Baiying Mountain Tea Garden
Baiying Mountain is celebrated as a natural museum of ancient tea trees, hosting a rich collection of tea germplasm resources. This region, lying in the middle reaches of the Lancang River, is historically significant for the cultivation of Yunnan big-leaf tea (云南大叶茶). With optimal geographical conditions, the mountain provides unique growth environments for tea trees. Spanning an area of 12,400 hectares, Baiying Mountain is situated between 1,800 and 2,300 meters above sea level and is home to over 1.8 million ancient tea trees, some of which are over 2,400 years old. These trees exhibit diverse shapes and lush foliage, representing the long history of tea cultivation.
Tea Tree Varieties and Characteristics
The superior ecological conditions of the Lancang River basin allow tea trees to absorb ample nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Research from the Yunnan Academy of Agricultural Sciences (云南省农科院) indicates that Baiying Mountain tea contains 32.69% tea polyphenols, 195.072 mg of catechins, 4.39% caffeine, and 45.27% water extract. The garden features 12 tea tree varieties, including Ben Mountain tea (本山茶), Black Strip tea (黑条子茶), Ergazi tea (二嘎子茶), White Bud tea (白芽子茶), and White Bud Kou tea (白芽口茶). This diversity encompasses wild, cultivated, and transitional types, showcasing unique domestication and cultivation methods.
Historical and Cultural Significance
Evidence from the Manghuai New Stone Age site (芒怀新石器时代遗址) suggests that human ancestors were active in the Baiying Mountain area over 4,000 years ago. Early inhabitants collected “wild tea,” marking the beginning of tea tree domestication. Over time, natural hybridization and mutations produced various tea types, leading to a unique landscape where different tea varieties coexist.
Current Status and Recognition
The Baiying Mountain tea area spans 56,000 acres, centered around Baiying Mountain Village (白莺山村) in Manwan Town, encompassing 25 administrative villages. With over 2 million ancient tea trees, nearly 30,000 acres are dedicated to the Baiying Mountain Ancient Tea Garden. Notably, the “Ergazi Tea King” (二嘎子茶王), aged 2,800 years, stands as a prominent representative.
Baiying Mountain, often shrouded in mist with significant temperature variations between day and night, features loose, well-drained soil rich in organic matter, promoting nutrient absorption. The exceptional natural conditions yield high-quality tea known for its rich taste and abundant nutrients.
Recognition and Inauguration
In the 21st century, Baiying Mountain has gained recognition as a key area for tea research. In May 2006, experts recognized it as the only known area where the evolution of tea trees from wild to cultivated can be observed. It is considered a natural laboratory for tea tree origin and evolution research. On May 13, 2021, the Baiying Mountain Tea Tree Evolution Natural Museum (白莺山茶树演化自然博物馆) was inaugurated, marking a significant step in resource protection, scientific research, and brand promotion for the ancient tea trees of Baiying Mountain.
Address
Baiyingshan Ancient Tea Museum: Yunxian County, Lincang City, Yunnan Province, China (云南省临沧市云县).
How to Get There
To reach the Baiyingshan Ancient Tea Museum, visitors can take a bus or drive from Lincang City. The area is accessible via local roads, and signs will guide you to the museum.
Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: Consider visiting during local tea festivals or events for a rich cultural experience.
- What to Bring: Pack comfortable clothing for walking and a camera for capturing the stunning scenery and tea culture.
- Activities: Engage with local tea practices, sample various teas, and explore the unique landscapes that illustrate the history of tea cultivation in the region.
