Puer Mountain (Ximen Yanzi Mountain) in Simao District, Puer

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Chinese Name:普洱市普洱山(西门岩子)
English Name:Puer Mountain (Ximen Yanzi Mountain) in Simao District, Puer

Overview

• Chinese Name: 普洱山 (Pu’er Mountain)

• Common Name: Ximen Yanzi (西门岩子)

• Location: Simao District, Pu’er City, Yunnan Province, China

• Altitude: 1,838.3 meters above sea level, with a vertical height difference of 518.8 meters from the county seat

• Geographical Features: Karst terrain with steep cliffs and dramatic rock formations

Pu’er Mountain (普洱山), also known as Ximen Yanzi (西门岩子), is located in Simao District (思茅区), Pu’er City (普洱市), Yunnan Province (云南省). The mountain stands at an altitude of 1,838.3 meters, with a significant vertical height difference of 518.8 meters from the county seat. Known for its karst topography, the mountain features towering, vertical rock formations that create a striking and dramatic landscape.

Unique Scenery

Stone Wall Tea (石壁现茶)

The mountain’s most famous feature is the “Stone Wall Tea” phenomenon, which occurs at an altitude of 1,600 meters on the southeastern slope of the mountain. This natural formation consists of shrubs, including Yunnan Pine (云南松) and Small-leaf Boxwood (小叶黄杨), growing in such a way that they resemble the Chinese character for “tea” (茶) written in cursive. The best viewing distance for this spectacle is approximately 500 meters away.

Tianbi Xiaoxia (天壁晓霞)

At sunrise, during the rainy season, the cliffs above 1,700 meters are surrounded by clouds and mist, creating a stunning sunrise red glow (红霞) that lasts for 20-40 minutes. This phenomenon is best seen from the Lingyun Pavilion (凌云亭), located at the mountainside, offering a panoramic view of the Pu’er (普洱) city and surrounding areas.

Cloud Sea (云海)

From November to March each year, Pu’er Mountain experiences the cloud sea phenomenon, where warm and humid air in the valley meets cold air, creating a spectacular sea of clouds. The most remarkable cloud sea was observed on September 21, 2022, with clouds exceeding 300 meters in thickness. In winter, the cloud sea can last for up to 17 consecutive days.

Geological and Cultural Significance

Geological Features

Pu’er Mountain is part of the southern branch of the Hengduan Mountains (横断山脉), and its formation dates back to the Triassic period (三叠纪), around 230 million years ago. The area is characterized by limestone (石灰岩) rock formations and deep erosion, which have created steep cliffs and exposed rock layers. The eastern side of the mountain features a prominent fault line, along with karst formations like caves and stone spires. 仙人洞 (Xiānrén Dòng), also known as the Immortal’s Cave, is about 15 meters deep and features well-preserved stalactites.

Historical and Cultural Value

Pu’er Mountain is the birthplace of Pu’er Tea (普洱茶) and has deep cultural ties to tea cultivation. The local saying, “First there was Pu’er Mountain, then there was Pu’er Tea” (先有普洱山，后有普洱茶), speaks to the region’s long history in tea production. The mountain is home to ancient tea tree groves, including 23 tea trees over 300 years old, and several tea gardens from the Qing Dynasty (清朝), making it a cultural landmark for tea enthusiasts.

Pu’er Tea Monument

At the top of the mountain, there is a stone inscription (石刻) from the Qing Dynasty (清光绪年间) that reads “Pu’er Tea Origin” (普茶溯源) in large characters, with each character measuring 1.2 meters in diameter.

Scenic Routes and Observing Points

Hiking Trails

• Western Trail: A 2.3-kilometer hiking trail with 1,280 stone steps leads to 仙人洞 (Xiānrén Dòng), where visitors can enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

• Eastern Trail: The eastern road provides access by car to a parking lot at an elevation of approximately 1,800 meters. From there, visitors can take a wooden boardwalk (木质栈道) for a 40-minute walk to reach the best viewing spot for the Stone Wall Tea phenomenon.

New Viewing Platform

In 2024, a glass viewing platform (玻璃观景平台) was built at 1,838.3 meters, offering 360-degree views of the cloud sea and the Pu’er cityscape.

Best Time to Visit

• Cloud Sea: The best months to witness the cloud sea phenomenon are from November to March. This is when the valley’s warm and humid air meets the cold, creating a mystical landscape of clouds enveloping the mountain.

• Spring and Autumn: These seasons are ideal for clear skies and pleasant weather, perfect for exploring the mountain and enjoying the panoramic views.

How to Get There

By Car

Pu’er Mountain is located approximately 1-2 hours by car from Pu’er City (普洱市). The route is well-marked and easy to follow.

Public Transportation

Buses and taxis are available from Pu’er City to the base of the mountain. Visitors should confirm schedules in advance to ensure availability.

Travel Tips

Clothing and Gear

• Wear sturdy hiking boots and layered clothing, as temperatures can vary significantly between the base and the summit.

• Camera: A high-resolution camera or smartphone is recommended to capture the scenic views, especially the cloud sea and the “tea” character.

Weather Considerations

• Check the weather forecast before visiting, as the cloud sea can be affected by weather conditions.

• Be prepared for variable weather at higher altitudes.

Environmental Responsibility

As a natural and cultural heritage site, it is important to respect the environment and local customs. Avoid littering and follow all local guidelines to preserve the site’s beauty.