Manzhuan Tea Mountain in Mengla County, Xishuangbanna
Chinese Name: 勐腊蛮砖古茶山
English Name: Manzhuan Tea Mountain in Mengla County, XishuangBanna
ADD:西双版纳州勐腊县象明乡南部Southern part of Xiangming Township, Mengla County, Xishuangbanna
Located between Yibang, Gedeng, Mansha, and Yiwu tea mountains in Yunnan Province, Manzhuan is one of the six ancient tea mountains. Situated in the southern part of Xiangming Township and west of Yiwu, the name Manzhuan is said to originate from a legend about Zhuge Liang burying an iron brick here, which is why it is also written as “蛮砖” (Manzhuan). On modern maps, it is spelled “曼庄” (Manzhuang), which is a transliteration from a minority language. The Manzhuan tea area includes Manzhuang, Manlin, Manqian, and Bazongzhai.
Historical Background
Manzhuan has a long history, with references to its tea production dating back to the Qing Dynasty. In Ruan Fu’s “Record of Pu’er Tea,” it is noted: “Pu’er tea is famous, especially valued in the capital. The tea grows in six mountains: Youle, Gedeng, Yibang, Mangzhi, Manzhuan, and Mansha, with Yibang and Manzhuan producing the best quality.”
From the late Ming Dynasty to the late Qing Dynasty, Manzhuan served as a major tea distribution center, with Manzhuang village being a significant historical location. During this time, there were tea gardens spanning over 10,000 acres, and tea production was abundant across various villages, each yielding over 2,000 dāng (a traditional weight measure). The ancient tea gardens of Manlin are among the best-preserved in Mengla County, with over 1,000 acres of ancient tea trees, most having a trunk circumference of over 100 centimeters.
Product Description
Manzhuan tea includes the villages of Manzhuang, Manlin, and Manqian, strategically located between Yiwu to the east and Yibang to the north. The area is rich in ancient tea trees, many of which have a circumference of over 100 centimeters. Manzhuang is known for its connection to Zhuge Liang, with legends suggesting that he buried an iron brick here, leading to the village’s name. An alternative explanation is that “曼庄” means “central village of a large settlement” in the Dai language, as it was historically a gathering place for local leaders to discuss community matters.
Characteristics of Manzhuan Tea
The tea from Manzhuan has distinct characteristics: the leaves are dark and glossy, with a thick and smooth infusion that presents a yellow-green color. It has a mild bitterness, similar to Yiwu tea, and a sweet aftertaste that lingers pleasantly. The tea is noted for its full-bodied flavor and strong aroma, attributed to the tea trees growing in a well-preserved natural environment, which enhances its unique character.
Production Area Overview
The Manzhuan tea area comprises Manlin and Manzhuan, with the old tea mountain accessible by traveling west from Yiwu through Gaoshanzhai, crossing the Mozhe River. Historical records indicate that Manzhuan is one of the six ancient tea mountains, with significant production levels in the past—at least 10,000 dāng of tea per year, primarily processed and sold in Yiwu.
Today, the Manzhuan ancient tea mountain is among the best-preserved of the six ancient tea mountains, with irregularly scattered tea gardens in original forests, thanks to careful management by generations of tea farmers. Currently, Manzhuang tea is highly sought after, with its unique characteristics and pristine appearance. In 1994, local government initiatives established new tea gardens in the Manzhuang area, enhancing both ancient and modern tea production.
Manzhuan tea area is known for preserving many ancient tea trees, with some trees in Manlin exhibiting a base diameter of 105 centimeters and a height of 3.9 meters. The area maintains a high density of ancient tea trees, with ecological conditions that favor growth, contributing to the continued success of tea cultivation despite emerging challenges like deforestation for increased sunlight.
