Zhengqitang Village of Dongbanshan Mountain in Mengku Town, Lincang
Chinese Name: 勐库东半山：正气塘
English Name: Zhengqitang Village of Dongbanshan Mountain in Mengku Town, Lincang
Overview
Zhengqitang Village is known for its abundant ancient tea trees and is one of the prominent tea-producing areas in the Dongbanshan region. Located in the Nasa Village Committee of Mengku Town, Shuangjiang County, Lincang City, Yunnan Province, this natural village enjoys a pristine ecological environment with no pollution. Zhengqitang is a representative of Mengku’s Dongbanshan tea region and is notable for having a significant number of ancient tea trees.
A famous local poem reflects the area’s tea heritage: “Once the place was known for miasma, now it’s celebrated for Bingdao’s fragrance; Ancestors planted ancient trees, and descendants enjoy the tea; Let there be no cutting, and may prosperity last forever!”
Origin of the Name
Zhengqitang, originally called Zhangqi Tang, is a Han Chinese village with over 30 households. Legend has it that centuries ago, there was a pond in this area where a large creature would emit black mist on cloudy days, causing fear and suspicion of miasma. Hence, the pond was named Zhangqi Tang (Miasma Pond). In 1903, during the suppression of the Lahu uprising, the military leader Peng Kun camped at Zhangqi Tang. To avoid evil omens, he renamed it Zhengqitang (Righteous Qi Pond). Before Peng Kun’s arrival, Lahu people had lived in Zhengqitang and planted many tea trees, which have survived to this day, with the trunks being very thick. After 1903, the Lahu people moved out, and Han Chinese settlers continued tea cultivation.
Geographic Location
Zhengqitang Village is part of the Nasa Village Committee in Mengku Town, Shuangjiang Lahu, Wa, Blang, and Dai Autonomous County, Lincang City, Yunnan Province. It is situated in a mountainous area, 5 kilometers from the village committee and 25 kilometers from Mengku Town. The village covers an area of 0.46 square kilometers, with an elevation of 1,900 meters, an average annual temperature of 22°C, and annual precipitation of 200 mm.
Tea Characteristics
The highest altitude of Zhengqitang exceeds 2,000 meters, making it one of the few high-altitude ancient tea sources in Dongbanshan. The tea from Zhengqitang is renowned for its unique aroma and robust flavor. It has a rich, full-bodied taste with a sweet, thick, and enduring fragrance. The tea is characterized by a strong, vibrant aroma and a deep, lasting aftertaste, making it a top choice for collectors and tea enthusiasts.
