Mangbang Village of Dongbanshan Mountain in Mengku Town, Lincang

Chinese Name: 勐库东半山：忙蚌村
English Name: Mangbang Village of Dongbanshan Mountain in Mengku Town, Lincang

Overview

Mangbang (忙蚌) is a Lahu village located in the eastern half of Dongbanshan Mountain. It is divided into two areas: the larger Dazhai (大寨) and the smaller Xiaozhai (小寨). The larger stockade, Mangbang Dazhai, houses over 120 families, 95% of whom are Lahu. The smaller stockade, Xiaozhai, has about 20 families, primarily Han Chinese. Mangbang Dazhai is an ancient Lahu village with a significant amount of water flowing through the center, around which the Lahu people have built their homes.

The village is situated in a semi-mountainous region, 7 kilometers north of the Chengzi Village Committee and 6.5 kilometers from Mengku Town. It covers an area of 0.36 square kilometers, with an elevation of 1,321 meters, an average annual temperature of 25°C, and annual precipitation of 1,560 mm, making it suitable for growing tea and other crops.

Tea Gardens and History

Mangbang is renowned for its ancient tea gardens, particularly those on the southern slope of the village. These tea gardens, estimated to be around 100 years old, are cultivated using the traditional rattan tea cultivation method similar to that of the Mangnuo Dazhai ancient tea garden. The Lahu people have preserved these tea gardens by avoiding trade or exchange with Han people until after 1930, due to the strong authority of their village head, or Kachai (卡些).Mangbang Village of Dongbanshan Mountain in Mengku Town, Lincang

Tea Characteristics

Mangbang tea reflects the traditional Lahu practices of not weeding, not repairing, and not fertilizing. As a result, the tea trees are quite old, and the tea leaves are notable for their robust appearance and texture. The tea is characterized by:

  • Appearance: The tea leaves are large, thick, and rich in texture.
  • Liquor Color: Yellow-green and clear.
  • Flavor: Rich, smooth, and full-bodied with a long-lasting sweetness. The tea has a slight bitterness at first, but it quickly turns sweet with a persistent aftertaste.
  • Aroma: High and lasting, with a refreshing and throat-soothing quality.
  • Overall Experience: The tea has a strong and powerful taste with a vibrant and energizing effect. The leaf underside is clean, even, and full of vitality.

Mangbang tea is known for its bold character, high aroma, and full-bodied flavor, making it a prized choice for tea enthusiasts.