Banpo Tea Plantation of Nannuo Mountain in Menghai County, XishuangBanna
Chinese Name: 南糯山半坡老寨
English Name: Banpo Village and Banpo Puer Tea of Nannuo Mountain in Menghai County, XishuangBanna
ADD:云南西双版纳勐海县格朗和乡南糯山村委会
Banpo Village(半坡寨) belongs to mountainous area of village committee of Nannuo Mountain (南糯山) in Menghai County(勐海县), XishuangBanna(西双版纳). With an altitude of 1636.00 meters, it is suitable for planting tea and other crops. Most of the income of farmers comes from tea. The tea of Banpo Tea Plantation has long leaves with a bright and green color, and the leaf width is moderate. The dry tea made from these leaves is dark green with a light sheen,and the flavour of the tea infusion is a mixture of sweet fruit and flowers. The tea infusion that brewed first time has a light golden color, and tasted a little bitter, but the sweet taste will spread quickly to the tongue after that. If you like tea, Banpo Tea Plantation is a place worth travelling.
Banpo Lao Zhai Overview
Location: Banpo Lao Zhai is situated on the southern slope of Nan Nuo Mountain in the Menghai County of Xishuangbanna, near the village committee of Gulanghe. The nearest village, Gu Zhai, is over 5 kilometers away. The village consists of 27 households, home to more than 100 people, all belonging to the Pingtian Aini ethnic group, with few members working outside the village. Each household has its own tea garden, with at least 10 acres of land dedicated to tea cultivation.
Natural Environment: Despite being located on a hillside, Banpo Lao Zhai is well-preserved, boasting towering ancient trees and dense forests. The area features flowing streams and a rich biodiversity, showcasing many wonders of tropical rainforest ecosystems. Hidden within the thick forest are countless ancient tea trees, which exhibit a deep, ancient tea charm. The trunks of the ancient trees in Nan Nuo Mountain are noticeably thicker than those in Jingmai Mountain, although both have similar ages. Nan Nuo Mountain is rich in ancient tree resources, especially in Banpo Lao Zhai, which experiences minimal external disturbance, allowing tall trees to thrive alongside tea gardens.
Characteristics of Banpo Lao Zhai Pu-erh Tea
1. Flavor Profile:
- While many may initially dismiss the large leaf tea from Nan Nuo Mountain as lacking in flavor compared to teas from the Bulang region, the quality of tea from Banpo Lao Zhai has garnered new appreciation. The ancient trees, aged around 300 years, produce several hundred kilograms of dry tea annually, ensuring a high-quality yield.
- The tea is characterized by its purity: it is neither bitter nor astringent, with a subtle aroma that doesn’t overwhelm. Fresh tea tends to be light in flavor and has a pale liquor color. Only through careful tasting does one come to appreciate its complexities.
2. High-Altitude Characteristics:
- Banpo Lao Zhai features high-altitude ancient trees, similar to those found in the nearby Duyizhai, which is the highest peak in the region. This high altitude, along with the age of the trees, contributes to the exceptional quality of the tea produced here, making it something to look forward to each year.
3. Tasting Notes:
- The leaves are dark in color and belong to the large-leaf variety. The processed tea is loosely made, resulting in a mild bitterness. However, this is typically negligible, leading to a good sweetness and pleasant aftertaste. The liquor appears greenish-white and is clear, with hints of honey and orchid aromas, along with a delicate lotus scent.
- The tea’s mouthfeel is pure, thick, smooth, and sweet. The first couple of brews may seem light, but by the third brew, the tea reveals a rich, smooth, and full-bodied flavor with a pure tea essence and complex character.
Unique Features of the Ancient Tea Trees
Crab Claw (蟹爪):
- Nan Nuo Mountain tea is harvested three times a year: spring tea, rainwater tea (summer tea), and valley flower tea (autumn tea). Spring tea is considered the finest. The authentic ancient tea trees are known for producing “crab claws,” which are green in appearance and turn brownish-yellow when dried.
- The brewed liquor from this tea is bright yellow-green and fragrant when fresh, while aged versions develop a rich medicinal aroma. The “crab claws” are cooling in nature, slightly acidic, and are believed to promote longevity. They can be enjoyed alone or added to Pu-erh tea to enhance its flavor profile significantly.
