Duoyizhai Tea Plantation of Nannuo Mountain in Menghai County, Xishuangbanna
Chinese Name: 南糯山多依寨村和多依寨普洱茶
English Name: Duoyizhai Village and Duoyizhai 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多依寨村多依寨村
Duoyizhai Village is situated in Nannuo Mountain, located 26 kilometers from Menghai County. It is renowned as one of the most famous ancient tea mountains on the west bank of the Lancang River (Mekong River) and serves as an important source of high-quality Pu-erh tea. The village reaches an altitude of 1,900 meters, characterized by a year-round misty environment, especially in the mornings when the humidity is high and the air is refreshing. However, it is also close to the sun at midday, which contributes to the excellent quality of the tea trees. Due to the altitude, some tea trees in Duoyizhai Village exhibit dormancy, but those that bud in spring are typically of higher quality and resilience.
Geographic Features
- Altitude and Soil Quality: Duoyizhai Village is the highest village in Nannuo Mountain, benefiting from fertile natural soil and ample cloud cover and sunlight. The ancient tree leaves, even the young buds, reflect the richness of time, producing vibrant green leaves that are visually appealing.
- Proximity to Lancang River: The Lancang River originates from the Tanggula Mountains in Qinghai Province and flows through Yunnan, forming a natural border with Laos and Myanmar. Historically referred to by the Dai people as “Nanlanzhang,” meaning “the river of a million elephants,” this river plays a significant role in the region’s cultural and ecological identity.
Cultural Significance
Duoyizhai Village is predominantly inhabited by the Hani ethnic group, known for their delicious cuisine and hospitality. The Hani people are welcoming and friendly, viewing everyone from different mountains and villages as friends and family.
Festivals and Events
- Tea Festival: The local community hosts a tea festival to promote ethnic tea culture and enhance the brand of Duoyizhai Village’s tea.
Characteristics of Pu-erh Tea from Duoyizhai Village
Nannuo Mountain is home to six major ancient tea varieties in Menghai County. Duoyizhai Village is recognized for producing the finest ancient tree tea, making it a notable location in the Pu-erh tea community. The village’s tea is celebrated for its adherence to traditional tea-making practices.
Unique Qualities
- Tea Leaf Characteristics: The leaves from Duoyizhai Village tea tend to be darker in color and belong to the big-leaf variety. The tea exhibits good sweetness and a refreshing aftertaste, with a bright liquor.
- Flavor Profile: Duoyizhai Village tea is noted for its honey aroma, orchid fragrance, and a subtle lotus scent. The mouthfeel is pure, thick, smooth, and sweet. Initially, the tea may seem slightly thin, but it develops a rich and full-bodied character with subsequent infusions.
Four Key Features of Duoyizhai Village Tea
- Ideal Growing Conditions: With an altitude of 1,900 meters and year-round mist, the tea trees in Duoyizhai Village enjoy excellent quality due to the high humidity in the mornings and abundant sunlight during the day.
- Limited Harvesting: The challenging terrain means fewer collectors visit the village, leading to a lack of over-harvesting. In recent years, the absence of tourists has allowed the tea to maintain its unique qualities.
- Dormancy and Resilience: Some tea trees in Duoyizhai Village experience dormancy due to altitude, but those that sprout in spring are generally of higher quality and vitality.
- Market Authenticity: Genuine ancient tree tea from Nannuo Mountain is relatively rare, and many products lack authenticity. Duoyizhai Village tea provides a unique blend of flavors without the intense bitterness found in some other regions.
Conclusion
Duoyizhai Village’s ancient tree tea reflects the region’s rich biodiversity and cultural heritage. The combination of high altitude, traditional cultivation methods, and the natural environment contributes to the exceptional quality of the tea, making it a sought-after product among tea enthusiasts. The Hani people’s dedication to their tea culture further enriches the experience of enjoying Duoyizhai Village tea.
