Yunnan Puer Tea Travel Tips for Six Ancient Tea Mountains of Yiwu in XishuangBanna

Introduction to Pu’er Tea

Pu’er tea, originating from Yunnan’s Xishuangbanna region, is named after its historical trade center, Pu’er. To uncover the origins of Pu’er tea, a visit to the Six Ancient Tea Mountains of Xishuangbanna, the source of the Pu’er Tea Horse Road, is essential. These mountains hold significant historical and cultural value in the tea trade.

The Six Ancient Tea Mountains

The Six Ancient Tea Mountains are located in Xishuangbanna. Historical records offer various interpretations of their locations:

• Some sources place them north of the Lancang River.
• Others suggest they are south of the river.
• Some accounts indicate that there are six mountains on each side of the river.

According to the “Si Mao Ting Boundary Map” from the Guangxu era of the Qing Dynasty, the Six Ancient Tea Mountains are situated north of the Lancang River. Yiwu Tea Mountain is now part of Jinghong City, while the other five mountains are in Mengla County.

Historical Significance

The Qing Dynasty’s “Dianhai Yuheng Zhi” describes the Six Ancient Tea Mountains as follows:

“Pu’er tea is renowned worldwide, produced from six tea mountains: Yiwu, Ge Deng, Yi Bang, Mang Zhi, Man Zhuang, and Man Sa, covering an area of around 800 li.”

This brief summary highlights the historical importance and expansive area of these tea mountains, which have been interconnected since ancient times. The peak period for Pu’er tea was from the Ming Dynasty to the mid-Qing Dynasty. The “Pu’er Fuzhi” notes that the region produced 80,000 piculs of dry tea annually, with over 100,000 people involved in tea production. This period saw the arrival of numerous Tibetan merchants and traders from Southeast Asia and South Asia, including India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Siam (Thailand), Cambodia, and Annam (Vietnam). Over 50,000 pack animals transported tea, with the sound of bells and hooves being a constant feature.

Decline and Revival

In the late Qing Dynasty, heavy taxes and levies led to a decline in Pu’er tea. Tea merchants faced diminishing profits, and tea farmers, burdened by high taxes, abandoned tea cultivation. By the 20th century, production continued to fall. During World War II, Japanese occupation cut off export routes, leading to the migration of tea farmers and the closure of major tea estates. Pu’er tea’s modern prominence waned as a result.

However, the 21st century saw a resurgence of interest in Pu’er tea, thanks to its unique production techniques, ancient tea trees, and ecological and health benefits. The tea’s popularity spread from Guangdong, Taiwan, and Hong Kong across China. Although the initial hype has decreased, Pu’er tea has become a more accessible consumer product. Today, exploring Xishuangbanna offers not only tropical rainforests and local customs but also a journey to discover the origins of Pu’er tea.

Visiting the Tea Mountains

For tea enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers, visiting the Six Ancient Tea Mountains is a must. The area is home to several indigenous ethnic groups, including the Dai, Hani, Yi, Jinuo, and Yao, each with its own tea customs. This trip offers an immersive experience in both Pu’er tea culture and the diverse ethnic traditions of Xishuangbanna.

Itinerary for the Pu’er Tea Tour of the Six Ancient Tea Mountains

Day 1: Arrival and Meeting in Jinghong

• Arrive in Jinghong and gather for the trip briefing.
• Accommodation: Jinghong

Day 2: Exploring Yiwu and Ancient Tea Gardens

• Depart from Jinghong by car, approximately 2.5 hours to Yiwu Town.
• Lunch in Yiwu.
• Afternoon: Explore Yiwu Ancient Town on foot. Visit traditional Pu’er tea workshops, the Wen Temple, and meet local tea experts. Experience tea tasting at a tea garden.
• Visit Luoshui Cave and Mahai to see ancient tea gardens and interact with tea farmers. Participate in tea picking and learn tea-making techniques at a local tea farmer’s home.
• Return to Yiwu for dinner. Dinner is flexible and may be at a tea farmer’s home or tea house, where you can chat and drink Pu’er tea.
• Accommodation: Yiwu

Day 3: Yiwu to Xiangming and Yibang

• Morning: Explore Yiwu Ancient Town with its morning mist and sunrise.
• After breakfast, drive to Xiangming, visiting Manzhuang Tea Mountain to meet tea farmers and explore the ancient tea gardens.
• Lunch in Xiangming.
• Continue to Yibang to explore the ancient town and nearby tea mountains on foot. Dinner at a local tea farmer’s home.
• Accommodation: Tea farmer’s home

Day 4: Visiting Mangzhi and Gedeng Tea Mountains

• After breakfast, depart from Yibang to visit Mangzhi and Gedeng Tea Mountains.
• Lunch at a tea farmer’s home in Xinfazhai.
• Afternoon: Travel to Kongming Mountain to visit the large grasslands and original forest, and view the sunset.
• Dinner: Simple barbecue and bonfire party.
• Accommodation: Tent (or local guesthouse)

Day 5: Kongming Mountain and Menglun

• Morning: Visit the sea of clouds and the stunning landscape of Kongming Mountain. This is the best time for photography.
• After breakfast, climb to the summit of Kongming Mountain.
• After reaching the top, have a simple meal and start descending.
• Continue the journey through Mangzhi and Gedeng Tea Mountains, passing the Dai village of Manse. Travel along the small Black River in the tropical rainforest to Menglun Town.
• Dinner in Menglun and overnight stay.
• Accommodation: Tropical Plant Garden Hotel in Menglun

Day 6: Menglun Botanical Garden and Departure

• Morning: Visit Menglun Botanical Garden.
• Around 10 AM: Drive to Nannuo Mountain for lunch, featuring Hani ethnic cuisine.
• After lunch, head to Banpo Lao Village to explore ancient tea gardens and tea mountains that are over 800 years old.
• Experience tea-making at a tea factory and enjoy tea and conversation.
• Evening: Return to Jinghong and conclude the Pu’er tea tour.

Introduction to Tea Regions and Mountains

I. Yiwu Tea Region

Yiwu is considered a sacred place by tea enthusiasts and a highly sought-after destination for Pu’er tea lovers. Situated at an altitude of 1,300 meters, Yiwu is surrounded by mountains. In the early Republic of China, Yiwu was known as Zhenyue County and was a major tea distribution center, earning it the prestigious name of Yiwu Zhengshan. Today, Yiwu remains home to many well-known tea houses such as “Tongqinghao,” “Qianlizhen,” “Tongxinghao,” “Tongchanghao,” “Fuyuancha,” “Cheshunhao,” and “Anlehao.”

With the rising popularity of Pu’er tea, Yiwu has seen a resurgence in business and vitality, making the ancient town lively once again. Yiwu Central Primary School, which once housed various commercial guilds, is near the ruins of famous tea houses like Tongxinghao, Cheshunhao, and Fuyuancha. The old temple next to the playground has been replaced by a new, replica building—the China Pu’er Tea Six Ancient Tea Mountains Cultural Memorial Hall. The tea monument from the 18th year of the Daoguang period, which was previously in front of the temple, is now displayed in the memorial hall.

Walking through the playground, one encounters a cobblestone path lined with old, weathered houses—this is the site of the Tongxinghao ruins. Horse hoof prints are still visible on the cobblestones, reminding visitors that this was the starting point of the famous Tea Horse Road. Following another cobblestone path upward, visitors find large banyan trees covered in vines. The thick layer of fallen leaves on the ground creates a rustling sound. At the base of these trees stands the “Tea Horse Tribute Monument,” a round monument supported by six columns, symbolizing the Six Ancient Tea Mountains. From the mountain, one can view the entire Yiwu landscape.

Two hundred years ago, the Tea Horse caravans that brought Pu’er tea to the world set out from here. These caravans came from as far away as Shiping in Yunnan, 600 kilometers from Pu’er County and 800 kilometers from Yiwu. They hacked through dense jungles, wielded whips, and wore straw sandals as they came to Yiwu to set up tea shops. They negotiated with local ethnic minorities in the Shiping dialect, and their keen eyes sought out high-quality teas, establishing the Tea Horse Road as a globally renowned tea trade route. Their vision extended across dense tropical rainforests, over the Irrawaddy River, through the Red River, and beyond to distant places like Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, and even Paris and London, leaving a glorious mark on Yiwu’s tea history.

II. Manzhuang (Manzhuan)

Manzhuang (also known as Manzhuan) is located 8 kilometers from Xiangming and approximately 25 kilometers from Yiwu. It is a relatively large village and the area with the largest tea planting acreage in Xiangming Township. The Manzhuan ancient tea mountain includes Manlin and Manzhuan. To reach Manzhuan, one must travel west from Yiwu, pass through Gaoshan Village, cross the Mohe River and the Chengtiang Bridge, and then continue to Manzhuan.

The ruins of the Manzhuan Temple (Shiping Guild Hall) indicate that Manzhuan was one of the Six Ancient Tea Mountains. The temple was first built in the 6th year of the Qianlong era (1741). In the past, Manzhuan’s annual tea production exceeded ten thousand “dan” (a unit of measurement), most of which was processed and sold in Yiwu. Manzhuan is one of the best-preserved tea mountains among the Six Ancient Tea Mountains. Its tea plantations, spread irregularly through ancient forests, are meticulously managed by generations of tea farmers. Today, the tea produced here still exceeds ten thousand “dan” annually. The ancient tea gardens rely on natural growth without irrigation or fertilization. The presence of tall trees among the tea plants imparts unique qualities to Manzhuan tea, with its white and crystalline buds being highly sought after and loved by tea enthusiasts.

III. Xiangming Tea Region

Xiangming Tea Region Overview

The name “Xiangming” is derived from the combination of Kongming Mountain (孔明山) and Wild Elephant Mountain (野象山). Within the ancient Six Great Tea Mountains, the areas of Gedeng, Mangzhi, Manzhuan, and Yibang are located in Xiangming Township. The ancient Yibang tea mountain (locally called “Mola” in Dai language, meaning “tea well”) covers an area of 360 square kilometers and is a high-altitude region with diverse ethnic communities.

Historically, Yibang was renowned for producing round tea cakes (Qi Zi Bing) and had an annual tea production exceeding ten thousand “dan” (a unit of measurement). During the Ming and Qing dynasties, tea houses were numerous, and merchants gathered in bustling activity. The tea was exported far and wide to Tibet, Hong Kong, Macau, and Southeast Asia, with high-quality tea even being offered to the imperial court.

Today, Xiangming Township, located on the banks of the Da River and with a population of less than ten thousand, is a small town that was established around the 1960s or 1970s. With the recent rise of Pu’er tea, this once-forgotten town has begun to thrive, with streets lined with shops and numerous inns and hotels.

Traveling through Xiangming requires navigating challenging mountain roads. The dense rainforest is filled with towering trees and thick vines, creating a lush, green environment. As you move through the forest, the dense fog and the rustling of fallen leaves enhance the atmosphere. When the forest becomes sparse, a tea garden appears miraculously among the towering trees, with tea trees growing in a random, scattered manner. Upon reaching Yibang, one is greeted by towering trees reaching towards the sky and historical remnants. The village entrance is paved with large, heavy stone slabs, some weighing several tons. These stones, which were transported from miles away, form a testament to the hard work of ancestors.

The winding cobblestone paths remind visitors that this was also a significant starting point for the Tea Horse Road. Two hundred years ago, horse caravans used these cobblestones to transport Pu’er tea from the mountains to the world, creating a magnificent spectacle of 50,000 mules and horses.

Xiangming’s Tea Mountains

The name “Gedeng” in Xiangming has been replaced by “Xinfa,” while “Mangzhi” has become “Yanglin.” These two mountains have merged into a single entity known as Gedeng Tea Mountain. Gedeng Tea Mountain is known for its high-quality tea, and tea from Gedeng and Mangzhi is processed in Yibang or Yiwu. There was once a large tea tree in Gedeng Tea Mountain with an annual yield of several “dan,” but it no longer exists. Mangzhi, once home to over a hundred households during the Qing Dynasty, is a remote area with sparse population and scattered ancient tombs. The old Mangzhi Temple has been reduced to its base and an inscription dating back to the 21st year of the Jiaqing era (1816).

IV. Nan Nuo Mountain (南糯山)

Nan Nuo Mountain, along with Manzhuan, Mangzhi, Yibang, Gedeng, and Mansa, is considered one of the Six Great Tea Mountains in Pu’er tea history. Despite its long history, Nan Nuo is not included in the famous Six Great Tea Mountains due to its location south of the Lancang River. However, Nan Nuo Mountain’s tea-producing areas, represented by its ancient tea trees, are steeped in rich tea culture and history.

Nan Nuo Mountain, located 15 kilometers from Jinghong in the Gulang River Township of Menghai County, stands at over 1,500 meters in altitude. Despite its proximity to Jinghong, the climate in Nan Nuo is subtropical, providing a cooler and more comfortable environment compared to the tropical rainforest climate of Jinghong. This makes Nan Nuo a “paradise” during the hot summer months. Exploring Nan Nuo Mountain offers a deep dive into the ethnic culture and traditional tea-making practices, presenting a unique cultural and tea experience.

Ancient Six Great Tea Mountains – Tea Characteristics and Activities

1. Tea Characteristics of the Ancient Six Great Tea Mountains:

1. Mansa and Yiwu:
   • Type: Large-leaf variety of wild tea
   • Characteristics: Known for its fragrant, mellow, and sweet flavor. This series of tea has a distinctive aroma and a rich taste that extends to the cheeks. However, due to over-harvesting and seasonal factors in recent years, the tea’s soup quality has become thinner.
2. Yibang:
   • Type: Medium to small-leaf variety of wild tea
   • Characteristics: Famous for its unique aroma, with a sweet and slightly honey-like taste on the palate, accompanied by a subtle bitterness. The middle to the back of the tongue has a bitter note with a lingering sweetness.
3. Gedeng and Mangzhi:
   • Type: Large and medium-small leaf varieties of wild tea
   • Characteristics: Known for its special aroma with a sweet, slightly honey-like taste and mild bitterness. The tea is soft with a stronger stimulating sensation on the tongue. The tea has a noticeable sweetness at the tip of the tongue, with a slightly bitter taste and lingering sweetness in the middle to back palate. The soup quality is somewhat thin.
4. Manzhuan:
   • Type: Large-leaf variety of wild tea
   • Characteristics: Compared to other Great Tea Mountains, Manzhuan tea leaves are darker in color. The taste is thick and smooth with a slight bitterness on the tongue. The aroma is more subdued compared to Mansa and Yiwu, but the quality remains high.
5. Yue Le:
   • Type: Large-leaf variety of wild tea
   • Characteristics: Similar to Mansa and Yiwu, with a fragrant and mellow taste. The bitterness is slightly higher, and the tea is known for its younger tea trees and stronger tea characteristics.

2. Activities:

1. Tour of the Six Great Tea Mountains:
   • Overview: The ancient Six Great Tea Mountains are located on the north bank of the Lancang River. While the tour will include five of these mountains, the itinerary does not cover Yueli Tea Mountain. This journey allows you to experience the growing environment of Pu’er tea and the local tea culture. Comparing the taste and quality of tea from each mountain is an integral part of the experience.
2. Kongming Mountain Limestone Tropical Rainforest Experience:
   • Description: Kongming Mountain, also known as Dragon Valley Rock or Sacrificial Peak, has been described in ancient Dai texts as surpassing other landscapes in beauty. The flat top of the mountain resembles a giant platform. The area is known for its diverse and stunning natural scenery. Activities include camping and experiencing the spectacular sunset and the dynamic forest cloud sea in the morning.
3. Tour of the Xiaohei River Basin:
   • Description: Xiaohei River is a major tributary of the Lancang River, flowing through Jinghong, Mengla County, and other towns. The drive along the winding road to Menglun Botanical Garden offers breathtaking views of the lush rainforest and Dai villages.
4. Visit to Menglun Botanical Garden:
   • Description: Menglun Botanical Garden is China’s largest tropical botanical garden, featuring specialized areas like palm gardens, banyan tree gardens, dragon’s blood tree gardens, cycad gardens, and more. It serves as a comprehensive research, conservation, and education center for tropical plants. Visitors can enjoy Pu’er tea from the ancient tea mountains while staying in the beautiful garden environment.
5. Experience Hani Ethnic Culture and Visit Nan Nuo Mountain:
   • Description: Nan Nuo Mountain, located south of the Lancang River, is known for its ancient tea trees and rich tea culture. The area has a deep connection with tea and offers a unique experience of ethnic culture and traditional tea practices.
6. Tea Factory Visit and Tea Processing Experience:
   • Description: After exploring the ancient tea mountains, visitors can tour tea factories and experience traditional tea processing. This includes learning about tea tree growth, harvesting, initial processing, and the final stages of production like packaging and storage. Visitors can also process their tea leaves from the tea mountains themselves.

3. Equipment Requirements:

1. Clothing:
   • Sportswear or casual clothing, warm clothing, long pants, hiking or sports shoes.
2. Essentials:
   • Backpack, personal hygiene items, water bottle, flashlight, spare clothes, slippers, umbrella (or raincoat), common medications (mosquito repellent, band-aids, diarrhea medicine), notebook, trash bags.
3. Optional Items:
   • Binoculars, camera, reference books, snacks, and possibly a sleeping bag depending on personal hygiene preferences.

4. Safety Assurance:

• Due to the challenging road conditions in the Pu’er tea production areas, Xishuangbanna’s travel services provide high-performance off-road vehicles. Communication with the vehicles is maintained through walkie-talkies. The outdoor club has good relationships with local tea farmers and extensive experience in organizing mountain and rainforest adventure activities. Experienced staff members will handle preparations and logistics to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.