Banpo Laozhai Village of Nannuo Mountain in Menghai County, Xishuangbanna
Overview
Banpo Laozhai Village (半坡老寨) is located on Nannuo Mountain (南糯山) in Menghai County (勐海县), Xishuangbanna (西双版纳). This village is renowned for its diverse climate, with the phrase “one mountain, four seasons; ten miles, different skies” often associated with the area. It is part of the “ancient tea village” known for producing some of the finest Pu’er tea.
According to legend, during Zhuge Liang’s (诸葛亮) southern expedition, his soldiers fell ill due to the local climate. To remedy this, Zhuge Liang planted a tea tree with his staff, and the soldiers brewed its leaves to recover. Hence, Nannuo Mountain is sometimes referred to as Kongming Mountain (孔明山). Although there is no historical evidence that Zhuge Liang reached Yunnan (云南), the area’s tea cultivation history is indeed long-standing.
Location and Environment
Banpo Laozhai is situated at an altitude of 1,650 meters on Nannuo Mountain. It is famous for its pristine scenery and sprawling ancient tea gardens, making it the largest ancient tea region in Xishuangbanna and even Yunnan Province (云南省).
The village is characterized by towering ancient trees, dense forests, and clear streams, showcasing a rich diversity of tropical rainforest wonders. It resembles a natural primitive forest park, with fertile soil and a deep humus layer, contributing to the excellent quality of the tea produced here.
Tea Characteristics
The tea from Banpo Laozhai is known for its robust and tightly rolled dry leaves, with elongated buds that display a mix of dark green hues. When brewed, the tea produces a clear, bright yellow liquid with a high floral fragrance, a full-bodied texture, and a smooth, refreshing aftertaste that lingers on the palate.
The experience of drinking this tea evokes a sense of tranquility, as if it originates from the distant horse caravans of old, akin to the delicate flavor of a wild orchid. The taste is subtle and requires patience to appreciate fully, as the fragrance is often hidden within, much like the unassuming wild orchid.
Unique Features of Different Hills
Each hill has its own distinct characteristics, leading to variations in tea flavor profiles, processing methods, and overall taste experiences. Therefore, when sampling Pu’er tea named after various hills, drinkers will find unique sensations. The flavor of the tea is representative of its specific origin.
Some of the well-known hills include:
- Banzhang (班章)
- Bingdao (冰岛)
- Mansa (曼松)
- Bohetang (薄荷塘)
Although many may have only tried tea from one of these hills, true tea enthusiasts who traverse mountains and rivers in search of their favorite flavor are rare.
Now, you no longer need to search extensively for different hills. The three main production areas of Pu’er tea offer everything you need. We provide a one-stop solution for your tea needs, featuring ancient tree spring tea from 36 hills, naturally sun-dried over 136 days.
Characteristics of Banpo Laozhai Pu’er Tea
Banpo Laozhai is located halfway up Nannuo Mountain, within the Nannuo Village Committee (南糯村委会) of Menghai County. The nearest village, Guzhai (姑寨), is over 5 kilometers away. The village has 27 households, totaling over 100 people, all belonging to the Aini ethnic group (爱尼人). Most households have their own tea gardens, with each having at least 10 acres. The scattered homes blend harmoniously with the surrounding tea trees and phoenix tail bamboo (凤尾竹), creating a serene environment.
Natural Environment
Banpo Laozhai, perched on a hillside, boasts well-preserved ancient trees and rich biodiversity, resembling a primeval forest park. Hidden among the dense foliage are countless ancient tea trees, with their gnarled roots revealing an ancient tea essence. The ancient trees in Nannuo Mountain are significantly thicker than those in Jingmai Mountain (景迈山), even though both hills have similar tree ages. The ancient tree resources in Nannuo Mountain are abundant, particularly in Banpo Laozhai, where outside interference is minimal.
Unique Features of Banpo Laozhai Pu’er Tea
Many people overlook the large tree teas from Nannuo Mountain, believing they can’t produce quality tea. However, the ancient trees here are about 300 years old, yielding hundreds of kilograms of dry tea annually. If asked about their unique characteristics, one might describe them as “pure.” They are neither bitter nor astringent, with subtle fragrances that develop over time.
The tea from Nannuo Mountain is known for its high altitude, refined qualities, and good cultivation conditions, making it a sought-after choice every year. Lower-altitude teas, such as those from Yikou (Y口) and Shitou Laozhai (石头老寨), may not reach the same quality.
Tasting Notes
Banpo Laozhai tea leaves are darker in color, belonging to the large leaf varietal. The rough processing results in a slightly bitter taste initially, but this bitterness is mild. The aftertaste is sweet and refreshing, with a bright, clear, pale green liquid. The tea is fragrant with honey and orchid notes, and the texture is smooth and rich.
The first brews may feel lighter, but from the third infusion onward, the tea presents a fuller, more substantial body with pure tea essence.
Crab Claw Tea
The tea leaves from Nannuo Mountain are harvested three times a year: spring tea, rainy season tea (summer), and valley flower tea (autumn). The spring tea is the finest, often featuring “crab claws” (螃蟹脚). These green tea leaves turn brown when dried. The brewed tea presents a yellow-green hue and a unique fragrance when fresh, developing a medicinal aroma with age. Crab claws are slightly cooling and mildly sour, promoting longevity. They can be consumed alone or blended with Pu’er tea to enhance its flavor.
Conclusion
The lifestyle of the people in Banpo Laozhai is peaceful and serene, reminiscent of distant horse caravans. Their lives harmoniously intertwine ancient traditions with modernity, showcasing a beautiful balance between tea, nature, and life.
How to Get There
To reach Banpo Laozhai Village in Nannuo Mountain, you can travel to Menghai County, Xishuangbanna. From there, take a local taxi or hire a private car to drive you to the village. The area is accessible by road, but the journey may require navigating through winding mountain paths.
Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: The ideal time to explore Banpo Laozhai is during the spring and autumn months when the weather is mild and the tea leaves are at their best.
- What to Bring: Bring comfortable walking shoes, a camera, and plenty of water, as the area is remote and the weather can be unpredictable.
- Tea Tasting: Take the opportunity to participate in local tea tastings and learn from the villagers about the ancient tea-making processes.
