Fengqing walnuts凤庆核桃 are a famous specialty of Fengqing County in Yunnan Province. The area is so well-known for its walnut production that it has been designated as “China’s Walnut Town” by the national government. Fengqing is one of the key bases for the construction of high-quality walnut orchards in the Linxiang region. The cultivation of walnuts is widespread in Dasi, and farmers in the region have a long-standing tradition of growing walnuts. Currently, the area under walnut cultivation in the town has reached over 4,800 acres, with an annual yield of 200 tons. In 2003, a 10,000-acre high-quality walnut orchard was established, and today the total walnut-growing area in the town has expanded to 15,000 acres. Additionally, it is a key area for ecological construction in the Xiaowan Reservoir area. To support the Xiaowan Hydropower Station, Dasi Township has been actively implementing the “Green Mountain Afforestation Project” and the “Grain-to-Forest Project” over the past two years, continuously strengthening ecological construction efforts.

History

Fengqing has a long history of walnut cultivation, dating back approximately 3,000 years. The walnuts grown in Fengqing are mainly in natural, pollution-free environments in mountainous and high-altitude canyons. These walnuts are large, with thin shells, white kernels, and a rich flavor, and they have a high oil content. They are a traditional export commodity and are renowned as the “Walnut Town of China.”

Honors

In 1976, Fengqing’s export walnuts, known for their large size, thin shells, thick meat, and excellent flavor, received praise from foreign merchants. That year, the county was designated as a development base for walnuts by the province. In 1978, the county government decided to designate the villages of Luoxing, Shili, Ziwei, Heshun, Xinyuan, and Xinmin as walnut-growing bases. By 1978, a census revealed that the county had over 570,000 walnut trees, including more than 460,000 iron walnuts and over 110,000 bubble walnuts. In 2004, the county was recognized by the National Standardization Management Committee for its unified standards for high-quality bubble walnuts, and in December of the same year, it was awarded the title of “China’s Walnut Town” by the National Forestry Bureau. In December 2021, Fengqing walnuts were included in the list of the third batch of national famous and excellent new agricultural products.

Development

Before liberation, Fengqing had both iron walnuts and bubble walnuts, along with a small quantity of mixed walnuts. In 1953, the county government made grafting walnuts a focus for developing economic forestry, setting plans and measures for walnut development. In 1958, Xinjiang walnut varieties were introduced, but they were not widely promoted due to their small fruit and short trees. That year, local white-skin walnuts began to be processed for export. In 1961, policies were implemented to reward the planting, grafting, and sale of walnut oil and walnuts.

Characteristics

Fengqing has a long history and cultural heritage related to walnut cultivation. The walnuts are known for their large size, thin skins, thick meat, white kernels, and rich flavor. Currently, walnuts cover 13 townships, 174 villages, and over 70,000 households in the county, accounting for 71% of all households. The walnut-growing area has reached 1.2356 million acres. In 2008, walnut production reached 15,100 tons, with a production value exceeding 300 million yuan. The average walnut income per farmer was 720 yuan. Over 1,000 households earned more than 10,000 yuan from walnuts, with the highest income from walnuts exceeding 80,000 yuan. Walnuts have become a key industry for increasing farmers’ incomes and are a significant growth point for wealth in the mountainous regions. In recent years, Fengqing has consistently prioritized the walnut industry as a pillar of economic and social development, striving to achieve the goal of developing 1.4 million acres of bubble walnuts with a focus on refining and expanding the industry.

1. Variety Characteristics

Yunnan Fengqing walnuts, also known as Dianchi walnuts, are one of China’s renowned local varieties. They are highly favored by consumers due to their large size, thin shells, full kernels, and rich flavor. Fengqing walnuts come in various types, including “bubble walnuts,” “paper-skin walnuts,” and “sweet walnuts,” with the “Qingxiangtian” (lightly fragrant and sweet) series being particularly well-known.

2. Growing Environment

Located in a low-latitude, high-altitude region, Yunnan Fengqing has a mild climate, abundant rainfall, and fertile soil, providing ideal conditions for walnut growth. The walnut trees here are long-lived, yield high quantities, and have stable quality. The unique geographical environment imparts a rich flavor and substantial nutritional value to Fengqing walnuts.

3. Harvesting and Storage

Fengqing walnuts are generally harvested between September and November each year. During harvesting, care should be taken to handle the fruits gently to avoid damage. For storage, walnuts should be kept in a cool, well-ventilated place, avoiding direct sunlight and moisture. For long-term storage, methods such as refrigeration or vacuum packaging can be used to maintain freshness and quality.

4. Nutritional Value

Yunnan Fengqing walnuts are rich in nutrients such as protein, fat, carbohydrates, and vitamin E. The fats are primarily unsaturated fatty acids, which are beneficial for cardiovascular health. Additionally, walnuts contain essential minerals like calcium, phosphorus, and potassium, which help strengthen bones and maintain bodily function balance.

5. Consumption Methods

1. Direct Consumption: Shelled walnuts can be eaten directly. They are crunchy and nutritious.
2. Cooking Porridge: Walnuts can be cooked with millet, red dates, and other ingredients to make porridge, which is beneficial for boosting energy, nourishing the stomach, and strengthening the spleen.
3. Making Snacks: Walnut kernels can be added to cakes, cookies, and other snacks to enhance flavor and nutritional value.
4. Pairing with Beverages: Chopped walnuts can be added to soy milk, milk, and other beverages to enrich flavor and nutritional content.

6. Market Prospects

With increasing health awareness and advancements in food processing technology, the market prospects for Yunnan Fengqing walnuts are promising. They are in high demand both domestically and internationally, providing opportunities for related industries such as walnut cultivation, processing, and sales. In the future, Yunnan Fengqing walnuts are expected to become a prominent product in China’s nut market, driving local economic development.

As a renowned local specialty, Yunnan Fengqing walnuts have won consumer favor with their excellent quality and rich nutritional value. Understanding their variety characteristics, growing environment, harvesting and storage, nutritional value, consumption methods, and market prospects allows us to better appreciate and benefit from this natural nutritional treasure. When purchasing Yunnan Fengqing walnuts, choose reputable brands and vendors to ensure quality and taste. Enjoy your healthy and delicious walnuts!

Chalu Raw Material Base/滇红茶岔路原料基地
The Chalu Tea Garden covers an area of 767.24 mu (about 51 hectares), with Fengqing large-leaf tea plants that are 30 years old. Situated at an altitude of 1,710 meters, it has an average annual temperature of 16.4°C and annual rainfall of 1,200 millimeters. The garden is located in the southwest of Mengyou Town, Fengqing County. With a good environment and convenient transportation, it is a model base for Dianhong Group’s standardized picking management. [View Details and VR Experience]

Xiaoqingshu Organic Tea Base/滇红茶小青树有机茶叶基地
The Xiaoqingshu Organic Tea Base is situated at an altitude of 1,270-1,500 meters, with a superior natural ecological environment and fertile soil. It has been certified as an organic tea garden. The total area of the garden is 1,053 mu (about 70 hectares), including 223 mu (about 15 hectares) of century-old tea gardens, 709 mu (about 47 hectares) of Fengqing large-leaf tea gardens over 30 years old, and 121 mu (about 8 hectares) of clonal tea gardens. Major varieties include Fengqing No. 3 and Qingshui No. 3. [View Details and VR Experience]

Guodazhai Ancient Tea Garden Raw Material Base/滇红茶郭大寨古茶园原料基地
The Guodazhai Ancient Tea Garden covers an area of 203 mu (about 14 hectares) with Fengqing large-leaf tea plants over a century old. Situated at an altitude of 2,000-2,100 meters, it has an average annual temperature of 16°C and annual rainfall of 1,450 millimeters. The garden is 93 kilometers from Fengqing County town and has yellow-red sandy loam soil. Tea trees here can reach over 2 meters in height, with the tallest up to 4.5 meters, and girths of 0.8-1.2 meters. This is a typical ancient tea forest in the Fengqing tea area, producing high-quality tea leaves ideal for Dianhong Group’s ancient tree Pu’er tea. [View Details]

Dasi Raw Material Base/滇红茶大寺原料基地
The Dasi Tea Garden covers an area of 600 mu (about 40 hectares), with all tea plants being Fengqing large-leaf varieties over 70 years old. It is located at an altitude of 2,300-2,500 meters, with an average annual temperature of 15°C and annual rainfall exceeding 1,200 millimeters. The garden is often shrouded in clouds and mist, adjacent to a national natural ecological protection forest, providing an excellent ecological environment. This is a quality raw material base for Dianhong Group’s fine Dianhong Congou tea. [View Details and VR Experience]

Zhengyi Raw Material Base/滇红茶正义原料基地
The Zhengyi Tea Garden is one of Dianhong Group’s Rainforest Alliance-certified tea garden bases, covering an area of 670.88 mu (about 45 hectares). Located at an altitude of 2,150-2,370 meters, it has an average annual temperature of 16°C and annual rainfall exceeding 1,000 millimeters. All tea plants here are Fengqing large-leaf varieties, providing high-quality raw material for Dianhong tea. The natural ecological environment is excellent, with no pollution in the surrounding area.

Dianhong Group’s Sri Lanka Raw Material Base/滇红集团斯里兰卡原料基地
On March 8, 2013, Dianhong Group and Sri Lanka’s Elpitiya Plantations PLC jointly established a joint venture company, “Elpitiya Dianhong Golden Bud Tea Co., Ltd.” The project commenced, and the Harrow Factory clean processing plant in Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka, officially began production. The 250-hectare tea garden in the central highlands of Sri Lanka, at an altitude of 1,200-1,500 meters, is surrounded by forests and rich in biodiversity, offering a stunning natural environment. The garden’s large diurnal temperature variation, abundant rainfall, and high humidity throughout the year ensure ideal conditions for tea growth.

The Wyndham Fengqing Resort, nestled in the picturesque black tea country near Lincang, offers a modern and pet-friendly retreat. Here’s an overview of what the resort has to offer:

1. Location: Situated approximately 34 kilometers from Lincang Railway Station and 90 kilometers from Lincang Airport (LNJ), the resort provides convenient access to local attractions such as the Green Dragon Bridge and Fengqing Confucian Temple.
2. Accommodations: The resort boasts 201 deluxe guest rooms and suites, each offering stunning views of the surrounding gardens and mountains. Rooms are well-appointed with modern amenities including free high-speed WiFi, flat-screen HDTV, minibar, and comfortable workspace. Guests can enjoy the spa-like bathrooms with deluxe bath products and fluffy robes.
3. Amenities: Wyndham Fengqing Resort features an array of amenities to ensure a memorable stay. These include an infinity pool, tranquil spa, fitness center, and two gourmet restaurants offering Chinese and Western cuisine. Additionally, the resort hosts daily cultural events, provides a play area and special activities for kids, and offers babysitting services.
4. Dining: Guests can indulge in complimentary buffet breakfast at the Buma Western Restaurant and dine at the Jinxiu Chinese Restaurant for traditional Chinese fare. The Ador Pub serves tea, cocktails, and snacks in a cozy atmosphere. 24/7 room service is also available for those who prefer dining in the comfort of their room.
5. Meetings and Events: With 700 square meters of event space, including a ballroom and meeting rooms, the resort is an ideal venue for business gatherings, weddings, and other special occasions. State-of-the-art audiovisual support and catering services are provided to ensure the success of each event.
6. Local Area: Guests have the opportunity to explore the charming city of Lincang and its surroundings. From ancient towns like Lushi Ancient Town to natural wonders like Wulao Mountain Forest Park, there is plenty to see and do. Visitors can also learn about the area’s rich tea culture and sample the renowned Dianhong black tea.

Overall, Wyndham Fengqing Resort offers a luxurious and immersive experience in the heart of black tea country, combining modern comforts with natural beauty and cultural richness.

Jinma Village and Relic of The Ancient Tea Horse Road(鲁史镇金马村茶马古道) is located in Lushi Town in Fengqing, Lincang.

The ancient post road from Shunning(顺宁) to Xiaguan (下关) was opened in the fifth year of the Yuan Dynasty Emperor Chengzong’s reign (1302/元成宗大德五年), nearly 700 years ago. In 1954, with the opening of the Xianglin (Xiangyun to Lincang/祥临) Highway, the “Shunxia Line” of the Ancient Tea Horse Road gradually became less frequented. Especially in the early 1970s, with the opening of the road from Fengqing(凤庆) to Lushi(鲁史), the section of the “Shunxia Line(顺下线)” from Fengqing to Lushi’s Rhino Crossing(Xiniudu/犀牛渡) became even quieter, gradually fading from people’s sight.

01 Xincun Street(新村街), where only stories remain.

In the lunar calendar on the fourteenth day of the eighth month in 1639, Xu Xiake (徐霞客) lodged at the Mei family’s home in Gaojiancao(高枧槽), and the next day crossed the Lancang River from a place called Biandu(扁渡) and arrived at Lushi. After the completion of the Qinglong Bridge in 1761, the direction of the “Shunxia Line(顺下线)” of the Ancient Tea Horse Road also shifted for crossing the river. Instead of crossing the river by bamboo raft at Biandu, it changed to cross over the Qinglong Bridge in the direction of Xincun Street(新村街). As an important stop before crossing the river, Xincun Street naturally formed a bustling market. The caravans entering the city passed through Heishan Gate(黑山门), Qinglong Bridge(青龙桥), and Jiufang (酒坊), and Xincun Street was the only place for food and accommodation; similarly, the caravans leaving the city could only eat and stay here.

In 1984, when I started working, although the roads were already built, they were in such poor condition that there were no vehicles available for transportation. I had to carry my luggage and set off from my hometown, Shili(诗礼). On the first night, I stayed at the guesthouse of the Supply and Marketing Cooperative in Xincun Street(新村街供销合作社). I had a meal of rough rice for 25 cents, accompanied by a bowl of onion soup, and then settled in under the dim electric lights. In just thirty years, Xincun Street has undergone significant changes. The location of the Blacksmith Shop(Tiejiangpu/铁匠铺) is now occupied by two walnut trees, and wild grasses grow around the Water Mill(Shuimofang/水磨坊). A three-story Western-style building now stands where the guesthouse used to be, serving as a landmark of Xincun Street. Only two small shops are still in business on the street, one selling agricultural supplies and the other selling general merchandise. The new Western-style houses along the street all have spacious storefronts, but most of them are vacant. I was surprised to find that the old horse inn in Xincun Street was still there, seemingly hiding because a three-story reinforced concrete building had been erected in front of it.

Traditional Houses in Xinjiecun Village

I lightly knocked on the slightly ajar door of the old horse inn, but there was no response. A middle-aged woman who was guarding the shop nearby came over and said I could go in; it was her niece’s house. The lattice window, covered with newspapers, and the old walls adorned with posters remained unchanged. The only difference was that the water was no longer drawn from the wooden well trough; instead, there were a few small fish in the stone water tank below the faucet. The large stove had been dismantled, and the rice cooking in the electric rice cooker emitted a fragrant aroma. Upstairs was where guests used to stay, but now it was piled with newly harvested grains. Hanging on the smoke-stained old wall were strings of bright red peppers.

The elderly residents who stayed behind in Xincun Street

Li Zhenmin, who served as the accountant for the production brigade for half of his life, told me that Xincun Street has three small groups, which were formerly known as production cooperatives. Out of the 120 households of farmers, now only fewer than 30 remain. Due to the construction of the power station and relocation, this ancient relay station now mostly consists of empty houses. His family belongs to one of Jiezi Shangdui Village (街子上队) and was not included in the relocation plan, so they can still stay in their old house. Li Zhenmin remembers that before 1972, Xincun Street was bustling with activity, but after 1972, with the opening of Daheshi Street, Xincun Street was no longer bustling. People all flocked to Daheshi Street(大河街) because it was much more convenient for transportation. Up to now, although there is a road connecting Xincun Street to the county town, it is very narrow, unable to accommodate two cars passing each other, let alone withstand heavy rain. Therefore, people here still face considerable difficulties in traveling. However, it is this road that traces the remnants of the ancient Tea Horse Road, which makes me both nostalgic and melancholic about Xincun Street.

The storefront of the old supply and marketing cooperative in Xincun Street (新村街老供销社) on the Ancient Tea Horse Road

Mr. Fan, born in 1926, is the oldest person I interviewed. He provided reliable insights into the rise and fall of the Ancient Tea Horse Road. While he often reminisced about the changes brought by the caravans to Xincun Street in the past, he was deeply touched by how the once bustling street became deserted in later years.

Even before liberation, Xincun Street was already lively, with specialized shops selling food and daily necessities. During the collective era, apart from the lodging and sales shops opened by the supply and marketing cooperative of Dasi Township, private accommodations were also available in Xincun Street. When it comes to the caravans, Mr. Fan seemed somewhat excited, as it was a nostalgic topic for him after so many years. In fact, people near the relay stations enjoyed interacting with the caravans. It was an opportunity to sell grains and fodder and to purchase scarce goods like fabrics.

The elderly residents of Xincun Street on the Ancient Tea Horse Road

The tea customs brought by the Ancient Tea Horse Road to Xincun still endure today. For instance, when an elder brews tea for me, they always pass the teapot down from a higher position, and I receive it with both hands as a sign of respect. I asked if they also brew tea this way in their daily lives, and the elder mentioned that tea canisters are rarely used now, but the tradition of inviting guests for tea remains common. A more convenient method is to brew a pot and pour it out for drinking.

02 “Jinma Village（金马村）: The Ancient Road Isn’t Lonely”

Jinma Village(金马村) is located in Lushi Town, Fengqing County(凤庆县鲁史镇), situated to the south of the town government office, approximately 24 kilometers away. While the road leading to the town is paved, making transportation convenient, it hasn’t changed the fact that Jinma remains somewhat isolated, as the road ends here. Jinma(金马村) is an important relay station along the Ancient Tea Horse Road, with distances of over 30 kilometers to both Lushi and Xin Cun Jie. It serves as a crucial stopover for caravans, hence the saying “no village ahead and no inn behind,” precisely describing Jinma’s strategic location. Therefore, whether it’s caravans heading north or travelers coming from the south, they all must choose to stay overnight in Jinma.

金马街一角/Street of Jinma Street

Time has aged, flowers have withered, and when I visited, I encountered a little cat playing with the weeds. Without butterflies, the little cat must have had endless yearnings, thus engaging in anthropomorphic games with a tuft of grass. Along the Ancient Tea Horse Road, besides being engulfed by declining vegetation, there were also mountain torrents devouring it. Similar to Xin Cun Jie, the Ancient Tea Horse Road here has vanished without a trace.

Ancient Countyard in Lushi Old Town

When I picked up the thread of the Ancient Tea Horse Road again, I couldn’t help but wonder if this was the path once traveled by Yunnan red tea, along with delicate silk and rough cloth tributes. Fortunately, there are still some people who remain steadfast, which prevents Jinma from appearing too desolate. The lifestyle brought by the caravans is gone, yet they haven’t lingered in the same spot. The elderly stay behind to tend the fields, while the younger generation goes out to work for wages. The guesthouse and trading post in the Jinma Ji community(金马基社) were sold to Old Mr Li for a one-time payment of 28,000 yuan. Luckily, Old Mr Li(老李) didn’t demolish these old houses for reconstruction.

金马街的老旅社/The old inn in Jinma Street

Walking up the creaky wooden stairs, I was greeted by some revolutionary slogans on the old wall. Inside the inn, there were still the wooden beds from yesteryears, with three beds in one room. The standard room back then looked just like this, with mosquito nets hanging down, stirring up dust with the slightest touch, and the brown blankets still intact, although worn out like copper wires. On the shelves of the sales store, the unsold Kagib cloth from years past was still there. Two oil lamps hung in the corner, covered in dust, and the abacus beads, now dull, still gleamed with an oily sheen. Old Li (老李) led me around, already an eighty-five-year-old man, lamenting how all the children had gone to work and he couldn’t afford to renovate the old house. Ironically, I felt a sense of joy knowing that because it hadn’t been renovated, I could glimpse the old times of the inn where I once stayed.

金马街的老旅社/The old inn in Jinma Street

Many households have hosted caravans, as the lodging capacity of the cooperative’s inn was limited. Thus, from one end of the street to the other, there are traces of the Resting Horse Manor, even though these stables have been repurposed. Sometimes, the Tea Horse Ancient Road can be sensed purely through its aroma. And for Old Li, who was able to purchase the cooperative’s inn(供销社旅店) for over twenty thousand yuan, his personal experience represents the intersection of generations of Jinma people(金马人) with the Tea Horse Ancient Road.

金马街上的老卫生室/The old health clinic on Jinma Street

The ancient Tea-Horse Road from Fengqing to Xiaguan passes through villages, where caravans would stay overnight in Yin Family(殷氏人家). Every day, caravans passing through the village would create a magnificent sight, drawing villagers to stop and watch, including the young Li from his childhood. His daily tasks involved carrying a dustpan to collect horse dung, helping his mother cut grass on the mountain, and fetching water from a distant well for the horse shop. Whenever they heard the bells of the caravans, the children in the village would gather to watch the spectacle, their eyes following the caravans as they approached the village and then bidding them farewell as they disappeared into the distant mountain roads. However, with the advent of roads, the once glorious era of Jinma has been pushed aside.

金马街上的老卫生室/The old health clinic on Jinma Street

In this era of entertainment for all, Jinma(金马村) is no exception when it comes to singing and dancing. Ji Bingkang(纪丙康), one of the leaders of the village committee and also in charge of the Jinma Cultural Propaganda Team(金马文艺宣传队), told me during the interview that they were rehearsing a program promoting the ideology of the 19th National Congress(十九大思想) and planning to tour neighboring villages to perform. As I glanced through their program list, I noticed that a significant portion of it focused on the content related to the ancient Tea-Horse Road. As times progress, while the Tea-Horse Road has become history, there’s no need to dwell on the past. Instead, it’s time to take action and steadily advance on the path to poverty alleviation and prosperity.

03 Tangfang Village(塘房村): Ancient Tea-Horse Road Well Preserved

Tangfang Village(塘房村) may not be considered a formal relay station, but it serves as a significant resting point along the ancient Tea-Horse Road. Situated along the route, Tangfang Village has been deeply influenced by the presence of the Tea-Horse Road, which is integral to the village’s livelihood.

With 26 households in the village, many have provided services to the caravans passing through. While the caravans may not have stayed overnight in the village, they often stopped here to rest their horses and take a break before continuing their journey along the road.

Tangfang Village offers picturesque views from afar

From Fengqing to Xiniu Ferry(犀牛渡口), the only place where you can still see rusty horseshoes, heavily worn hitching posts, and unused pack saddles is Tangfang. Although the caravans only pass through, the savvy people of Tangfang always find business opportunities with them. Apart from selling fodder and providing tea services, they also organize local products to sell to the caravans, exchanging for necessities. In fact, these local products greatly help the people of Tangfang. When the caravans arrive, items like chicken mushrooms, wood ear fungus, tree blossoms, and medicinal herbs are in season. The caravan leaders, equally shrewd, often add these items to their pack saddles to earn extra income without reporting to their bosses. Even now, from Jingmenkou to Tangfang, about 4 kilometers of the ancient Tea-Horse Road remains well-preserved. As it was laid with stones, even wild grasses cannot erase the traces along this route. Instead, with time, the road exhibits more of its ancient glory.

茶马古道上的塘房村/Tangfang Village on the Ancient Tea-Horse Road

Stone is everything to the people of Tangfang. Stone houses are built with stone strips or blocks for walls, which can reach heights of 5 to 6 meters; stone slabs are used for roofing, impervious to wind and rain. Except for timber beams and rafters, everything else is made of stone. Although simple and plain, these houses are as sturdy as a fortress. These houses provide warmth in winter, coolness in summer, and are resistant to moisture and fire. Many men in Tangfang have the skill to stack small, irregular stones into straight walls. Larger stones are used for flooring, assembling water tanks, and crafting feed troughs for livestock. Stone tables, benches, basins, and grinding mills reflect the primitive and rustic indigenous cultural characteristics.

茶马古道上的塘房村/Tangfang Village on the Ancient Tea-Horse Road

Nowadays, tea has become the primary cash crop in Tangfang Village, and this can be attributed to the long historical influence of the Tea Horse Ancient Road. It is said that a merchant from Dali, in gratitude to a family in Tangfang, promised to buy tea from them at a high price regardless of the quantity they produced. Additionally, a caravan leader from Shunning, aiming to provide a means for the impoverished villagers of Tangfang, would bring tea seeds to the village whenever passing through, giving them hope for the future. Today, those tea seeds have grown into ancient tea gardens, enriching the lives of the people in Tangfang.

茶马古道上的塘房村/Tangfang Village on the Ancient Tea-Horse Road

Tangfang Village is one of the top ten characteristic villages in Fengqing County. The local party committee and government have conducted in-depth research multiple times and proposed an overall renovation plan. Firstly, they aim to preserve the architectural style of the village’s residential buildings, unify the appearance of residential buildings, and carry out partial renovations, highlighting the village’s distinctive use of “stone” as a feature. Secondly, they plan to rationalize the distribution of functions within courtyards, separate human and livestock areas, renovate toilets, and enhance courtyard greening. Thirdly, efforts will be made to strengthen the protection of the ancient road, restore damaged sections, and renovate access roads according to the characteristics of the ancient road. It is believed that in the near future, the gradually rising tourism interest will bring new income opportunities to the villagers here.

茶马古道上的塘房村/Tangfang Village on the Ancient Tea-Horse Road

塘房保留完好的茶马古道/The well-preserved section of the ancient Tea Horse Road in Tangfang Village

04 Alusi (阿鲁司), the former name of Lushi(鲁史)

“鲁史”，originally named “阿鲁司” or “阿禄司,” originates from the Yi language, meaning “small town.” According to the “Shunning County Annals(《顺宁县志》),” since ancient times, Lu’shi has been a vital route from Shunning (Fengqing/The former name of Fengqing/顺宁) to Menghua (Weishan/蒙化, named 巍山 now), Xiaguan, and Kunming, serving as a crucial passage for the Tea Horse Ancient Road that traverses its territory from north to south. Starting from Lu’shi, the southern route leads to Jinma, Songlintang(松林塘), Qinglong Bridge(青龙桥), Xin Cun(新村), all the way to the county seat, and further south to Lincang, Simao(思茅/Named Puer today), Xishuangbanna, and extending to Southeast Asian countries. The northern route passes through Xiniu(犀牛渡), exits the county, proceeds through Weishan and Dali to the provincial capital, extends east to Lijiang and Tibet, and continues north to India and other countries.

Lushi Old Town

It could be said that due to the formidable nature of the Lancang River, the advancement of Central Plains culture(中原文化) southward slowed down at Lu’shi, which ironically contributed to the development of Lu’shi(鲁史古镇). The ancient town of Lu’shi was established in the 26th year of the Ming Wanli era (1598/明万历), coinciding with the establishment of an inspectorate (巡检司) by the Ming Dynasty. This inspectorate, subordinate to Shunning Prefecture(顺宁府), served as the administrative authority for the northern region of the river(江北地区). With many passing merchants who had to rest and stay in Lu’shi, gradually a street scene formed. Lu’shi’s development eventually resulted in the basic layout of three streets, seven lanes, and one square(三街七巷一广场). In 1639, at the age of 54, Xu Xiake entered Fengqing from Xiqian(习谦) on the fifth day of the eighth lunar month and departed from Gaojiancao(高简槽) on the fifteenth day, arriving in Lu’shi in the afternoon. It is said that Xu Xiake stayed at the Ding family’s (丁家) residence, which has undergone several renovations and still exists today, but when inquiring about the owner, one can only provide a general answer based on historical records.

史古镇古老的楼梯街/The ancient stairway street of Lu’shi Town

Turning the pages of Xu Xiake’s “(徐霞客) Travel Diary in Yunnan《滇日游记》”, one reunites with Lu’shi in the year 1639. Despite Xu Xiake’s economical use of words, he dedicates a considerable length to recording his encounter with Lu’shi. “Three li ahead, we ascended a hill and saw a hundred households nestled against it, known as Alu’si(阿鲁司, The former name of Lushi). The land here bends westward, with the northern mountains curving southward, and a hill jutting out from the middle. Alu’si is situated atop this protrusion. To the west, distant mountains rise one after another, extending from north to south, including the ridges of Wansong and Tianjing, flanking the southern stretch of the Lancang River. To the north, the landscape is rugged and mountainous, with one peak standing out prominently. Inquiring with the locals, I learned it is called Mengbu Peak. Alongside it lies a temple, and that is where the main road passes through. I rested here, boiling water twice for a meal, awaiting the arrival of the camel caravan. As the afternoon progressed and no water or grass was to be found ahead, we stopped and lodged for the night. It happened to be the Mid-Autumn Festival, and I had brought along a round cake, purchased from Shunning, as a lunar viewing treat. However, the moon was obscured by clouds, and I ended up sleeping.” (“三里，蹑冈头，有百家倚冈而居，是为阿禄司。其地则西溪北转，南山东环，有冈中突而垂其北，司踞其突处。其西面遥山崇列，自北南纡，即万松、天井南下之脊，挟澜沧江而南者；其北面乱山杂沓，中有一峰特出，询之土人，即猛补者后山，其侧有寺，而大路之所从者。余识之，再瀹汤而饭，以待驼骑。下午乃至，以前无水草，遂止而宿。是夜为中秋，余先从顺宁买胡饼即烧饼一圆，怀之为看月具，而月为云掩，竟卧。”From Xu Xiake’s “(徐霞客) Travel Diary in Yunnan《滇日游记》)

Chafang Temple (茶房寺) is located behind the “Shunxià Line(顺下线)” segment of the Ancient Tea Horse Road in Mengpuzhe(蜢璞者段).

With the completion of the Qinglong Bridge over the Lancang River, trade and travel flourished, attracting merchants from other regions to establish businesses in Lushi. Recognizing the opportunities here, establishments like the Sichuan-Guizhou Guild Hall((川黔会馆)), the Western Sichuan Guild Hall(西蜀会馆), and the Dianxi Guild Hall (滇西会馆) emerged. Businesses such as Hu Qingxiang Silk(胡庆祥绸缎), Hu Zechun General Store(胡泽春百货), Liu’s Restaurant(刘记餐馆), Zhao’s Gold Shop(赵记金行), and the Jun Chang Tea Company(俊昌号茶叶) thrived. Particularly noteworthy was the Jun Chang Tea Company, where the owner, Luo Yingcai(骆英才), engaged in both sales and production. The earliest tea plantation in Lushi was financed and developed by Luo Yingcai, which still exists today, although the old tea trees have been replaced due to the policy of Tea Cutting(“低改高”).

In Lushi, more people haven’t planted a single tea tree but have been engaged in tea production for a long time. It can be said that tea has sustained Lushi. Every spring when the tea is on the market, diligent people from Lushi venture deep into the tea mountains to pick fresh leaves, which they then take home to process. During those times, the tea leaves had to be hand-rolled on the same day they were harvested; leaves couldn’t be left overnight, making the tea-making process quite arduous. However, it is these tea-making families that have preserved a rich local tea culture. Even today, almost every household has a small clay pot for brewing tea. Whether it’s San Dao Tea or Bai Dou Tea, whether tea is used as medicine or for enjoyment, every family has its own tea recipe. Some families have taken their tea business directly to Xiaguan in Weishan County. As they expanded, a piece of tea leaf left Lushi and grew into an enterprise. However, many more people remain steadfast in the ancient town. They cherish the life surrounded by the aroma of tea, believing this is the life they should lead.

For more than 3,000 years, the ancient tea trees of Fengqing attract batches of foreign visitors every year.

With significant developments in commerce and handicrafts, Lushi has become a major town along the ancient Tea-Horse Road in western Yunnan. In the 1950s and 60s, Lushi boasted over 1,000 horses in its caravans and operated numerous horse shops equipped with veterinarians, establishing itself as a hub for local transportation. In the early 1970s, the road from Fengqing County to Lushi was paved, marking the gradual decline of this ancient road’s former glory. However, as a historic town on the Tea-Horse Road, Lushi continues to play a vital role in the development of tourism in Fengqing.

05

Xiniu Ferry, the Caravan Gone

The Black Hui River still flows, but the bustling caravans of Xiniu Ferry have vanished forever. The young girl who used to fetch water and take care of the blind old man finally married a kind-hearted caravan leader and now lives a happy life. As for Wang Shunjia, who engaged in robbery and murder, he was swept away in one night by the sudden rise of the river.

The story is told by an old man who lazily fans himself with a palm leaf fan, recounting it like a legendary tale. He sighed and said, “After Xiaowan Power Station was built to generate electricity, Xiniu Ferry disappeared completely. I had to move to a distant place, and I couldn’t help but feel a bit reluctant!”

After the completion of Xiaowan Power Station, Xiniu Ancient Ferry still stands, but the prosperous scenery of the past is no longer found.

The backwater of the Xiaowan dam slowly rises, and the Wangan Building of Xiniu Ferry still stands on the hilltop, becoming a place for people to visit and rest. However, due to the rising water level, the powerful rush of the Black Hui River is no longer visible. The Wangan Building was once the schoolhouse of Xiniu Primary School, nurturing many students. Later, due to the rising river water, Xiniu Primary School relocated to a hillside farther from the river.

The Wangjiang Building(望江楼) of Xiniu Ancient Ferry

Xiniu Ferry is also a bustling market. According to local historical records, it was first established in the early Ming Dynasty. Almost as soon as the ferry was established, a street emerged, which extended all the way to the backwater of Xiaowan Power Station. Xiniu Street, less than 500 meters long, is crowded with traders from the three northern towns of Fengqing Jiangbei and patriotic towns in Weishan. Sellers say it’s easy to do business on this street, while buyers say the items sold on this street are of good quality. My hometown is more than 20 kilometers away from Xiniu Ferry. After graduating from high school, I learned to catch the first street is Xiniu Street.

After the XiaoWan Station was completed, the Rhino Office became deserted.

Xu Xiake originally intended to rest for a few days at the Rhino Ferry during his journey from Lushi to Xiniu, planning to visit the renowned Wang Shunjia(望顺江王). However, Wang Shunjia kept two fierce dogs, and he had a frequent need to urinate at night, which made Xu Xiake, a knowledgeable traveler, feel it was inconvenient to stay. At dusk, reluctantly, he had the boatman ferry him across the river. Upon arriving at the Tea Room Temple, Xu Xiake felt exhausted and unable to continue, so he decided to stay temporarily in the temple.

Standing on the corridor of the Tea Room Temple, Xu Xiake could see the splendid mansion of Wang Shunjia across the river. However, he must have felt regretful, just like when he was in Lushi, where the Mid-Autumn Festival moon was obscured by thick clouds, or when he drank Taihua tea(太华茶) at Gaojincuo(高枧槽) and forgot the name of his host.

The Rhino Ferry (犀牛渡口), located at the junction of Fengqing County and Weishan County, relies on this iron-clad boat to maintain transportation.

Historically, Rhino Ferry was a vital checkpoint on the Ancient Tea Horse Road. Today, it serves as a crucial conduit for economic exchanges and trade between Dali and Lincang. Locally, it remains a significant symbol of friendly exchanges between the people of these two regions. Every year, people spontaneously gather at the ferry crossing to pay respects, commemorating individuals and events with incense, each carrying stories that can never be fully told.
Source from: https://www.sohu.com/a/729640207_121123807

Overview

Bai Dou Tea is a unique traditional tea custom from Fengqing County, Yunnan Province, and a distinctive tea-drinking practice among the local Yi and Dai ethnic groups in Xinping Yi and Dai Autonomous County, Yunnan. This method of tea preparation is particularly favored by the older generations of these communities. The tea is traditionally prepared using a small clay pot and involves a meticulous roasting and shaking process.

Preparation Method

1. Roasting: Start by heating a small clay pot over a fire. Once the pot is hot, add local tea leaves.
2. Shaking: While the tea leaves roast, gently shake the pot. This process continues until the tea leaves turn yellow and emit a fragrant roasted aroma.
3. Brewing: Pour the roasted tea leaves into a cup and brew with boiling water.

Key Points in Preparation

• Timing: The tea must be roasted to the right degree. If the roasting is insufficient, the tea will lack its characteristic roasted aroma. Over-roasting will cause the tea leaves to become burnt and lose their flavor.
• Technique: The tea leaves must be shaken consistently, often requiring hundreds of shakes to ensure even heating. This careful technique is the origin of the name “Bai Dou Tea” (Hundred Shakes Tea).

Traditional Method

Known locally as “土法功夫茶” (Traditional Kung Fu Tea), Bai Dou Tea is prepared with considerable effort. When guests visit a Fengqing household, the host heats water while preheating a small tea pot over the fire. Tea leaves are then added and quickly shaken to allow them to tumble inside the pot. The tea is shaken rhythmically for hundreds of times until it produces a strong aroma. Boiling water is added in small amounts, and the process is repeated several times until the tea is ready.

Health Benefits and Uses

Bai Dou Tea is not only a traditional tea-drinking method but also serves as a remedy for various ailments:

• Wind and Cold: Adding a few drops of white wine to the tea can help treat colds.
• Diarrhea: Adding some burnt rice can aid in treating dysentery.
• Diarrhea Relief: Adding a small amount of burnt salt can help with diarrhea.
• Flu: Adding ginger slices can help alleviate flu symptoms.

Cultural Significance

Bai Dou Tea is an integral part of local culture and hospitality in Fengqing. Its unique preparation method and rich aroma make it a special traditional ritual used to entertain guests. The tea-making process and its consumption are often demonstrated to visitors, showcasing Fengqing’s distinctive cultural heritage.

Origin: Baidou Tea is produced in Fengqing County, which is located in the southwest of Yunnan Province, China. Fengqing County is known for its ideal climate and fertile soil, which are conducive to tea cultivation.

Variety: Baidou Tea is primarily made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis var. assamica tea plant, which is native to Yunnan Province. The tea leaves are carefully harvested and processed to preserve their natural flavors and aroma.

Processing: Baidou Tea undergoes traditional processing techniques, including withering, rolling, oxidation, and drying. These steps are meticulously carried out to enhance the tea’s flavor, fragrance, and appearance.

Flavor Profile: Baidou Tea is known for its smooth, mellow taste and rich aroma. It has a distinctively sweet and floral flavor with subtle earthy undertones, making it a favorite among tea connoisseurs.

Health Benefits: Like other varieties of tea, Baidou Tea is believed to offer various health benefits. It contains antioxidants and other bioactive compounds that may help boost immunity, promote digestion, and improve overall well-being.

Cultural Significance: Tea culture holds significant importance in Fengqing County, where tea has been cultivated and consumed for centuries. Baidou Tea is often enjoyed during social gatherings, ceremonies, and as part of daily rituals.

Availability: Baidou Tea is available in various forms, including loose-leaf tea, compressed tea cakes, and tea bags. It can be purchased from local tea shops, specialty stores, and online retailers.

Overall, Baidou Tea from Fengqing County is celebrated for its exceptional quality, unique flavor, and cultural significance, making it a cherished beverage enjoyed by tea enthusiasts around the world.

Beginning a journey to discover the rich tea culture of Yunnan Province, where two iconic teas, Dianhong Black Tea and Puer Tea, take center stage. As you delve into the world of Yunnan’s tea heritage, you’ll experience a unique and special aspect of Chinese culture that will leave a lasting impression. The mystical aura surrounding Yunnan’s tea production methods and traditions will transport you to a bygone era, making your tour an unforgettable adventure.

Recommended Hotels

City	5 Star	4 Star	3 Star	Hostel
Xiaowan Township			Xiaowan Hotel (Local best)
Fengqing County	Wyndham Hotel
Lincang City		Three Rivers Island Hotel
Kunming		Yueshang Botique Hotel		l

Service Included:

1. Admission fees for all of the sightseeing spots listed in the itinerary;
2. Meals as listed in the itinerary;
3.Accommodation with breakfast as listed in the itinerary;
4.Private English-speaking tour guide and vehicle for transfers & sightseeing;
5.Service charge & government taxes;
6. Luggage transfers between airports and hotels;
7. Two bottles of mineral water each day;
8.Travel Agency’s Responsibility Insurance.
9. Train tickets from Kunming to Dali;
10.Domestic air tickets from Lincang to Kunming(Economy Class).

Service Excluded:

1.Any arrival and departure international airfares or train tickets;
2.Chinese visa fees;
3.Excess baggage charged by Airlines;
4.Single room supplement;
5.Tips to guides and drivers;
6.Personal expenses and gratuities to service staff;
7.Personal travel accident insurance;
8.All optional programs.

Inquiry

Day 01 Arrive in Kunming
Day 02 Kunming-Lijiang
Day 03 Lijiang
Day 04 Lijiang-Shangri La
Day 05 Shangri La
Day 06 Shangri La-Shaxi-Dali
Day 07 Dali
Day 08 Dali-Yunxian-Fengqing
Day 09 Fengqing-Yongde Daxueshan
Day 10 Yongde Daxueshan-Cangyuan
Day 11 Cangyuan
Day 12 Cangyuan-Shuangjiang-Lincang
Day 13 Departure from Lincang

Lincang, named after the Lancang River (澜沧江), is a fascinating place known for being where the sun “turns” and where the Pacific and Indian Oceans’ watersheds diverge. It is one of the world’s most significant origins of tea culture, and it serves as both a geographical and cultivation center for tea trees. Lincang is also one of the first regions where tea was discovered and used.

Situated along the Tropic of Cancer, Lincang enjoys a spring-like climate year-round, with an average annual temperature of 17.5°C, making it one of the best places in the world for growing tea trees. Thanks to its exceptional natural resources, Chinese climatologist Lü Jiong (吕炯) praised Lincang as “one of the world’s rarest areas for optimal biological breeding.” In 1982, after the renowned modern tea expert Wu Juenong (吴觉农) visited Lincang, he proposed establishing the world’s premier tea plantation here. Today, that vision is becoming a reality in Lincang.

This tea city is the birthplace of Pu’er tea (普洱茶), Yunnan black tea (滇红茶), and large-leaf steamed green tea (大叶种蒸青绿茶). It is China’s largest tea-producing city, renowned globally as the “Tea King of the World” (天下茶尊), the “Capital of Black Tea” (红茶之都), and the “World’s Tea Warehouse” (天下茶仓). In 2014, Lincang was honored with China’s “Golden Bud Award” (金芽奖) for tea brands and was recognized as the only city to win the “Most Charming Tea Culture City” award in China.

This special tea culture tour begins in Kunming (昆明) and ends in Yun County (云县), passing through Dali (大理), Fengqing (凤庆), and several other scenic locations, including tea-producing regions.

Inquiry

Day By Day Itinerary

Day 01: Kunming – Yun County – Fengqing

• Fengqing County Industrial Zone (凤庆县工业区) – Visit the Yunnan Black Tea Group (滇红集团) for 30 minutes.
• Tea Research Institute (茶科院) – 30 minutes tour.
• Anshi Village (安石) – The birthplace of Yunnan Black Tea, a 90-minute visit.

Day 02: Fengqing – Yun County – Yongde Daxueshan

• Hongmu Village Tea Factory (红木村茶厂) – 30-minute visit.
• Hongtang Village Dabaitian Tea Factory (红塘村大摆田茶厂) – 40 minutes.
• Fengqing Old Tea Factory (凤庆老茶厂) – 50-minute visit.
• Yunnan Black Tea Museum (滇红茶博物馆) – 90 minutes tour. In the afternoon, drive to Yongde Daxueshan (永德大雪山) to explore the wild ancient tea tree community.

Day 03: Yongde Daxueshan – Meiziqing Ancient Tea Mountain – Mangfei Ancient Tea Mountain – Yongde Town

• Umu Long Village (乌木龙乡), Erdao Bridge Limi Tribe Village (二道桥俐侎部落村).
• Meiziqing Ancient Tea Mountain (梅子箐古茶山) and Mangfei Ancient Tea Mountain (忙肺古茶山).

Day 04: Yongde – Gengma Mengding Town – Cangyuan County

• Visit Mengding Port (孟定口岸).
• Explore Cangyuan Rock Paintings (沧源岩画) and Wengding Wa Ethnic Village (翁丁佤族村落).

Day 05: Cangyuan – Shuangjiang County – Mengku Town – Bingdao Tea Mountain

• Tour Mengku Tea Mountain (勐库茶山), Xiaohusai Tea Mountain (小户赛茶山), and Bingdao Tea Mountain (冰岛茶山).

Day 06: Bingdao Tea Mountain – Xigui Tea Mountain – Lincang City

• In the morning, visit Bingdao Wuzhai Tea Mountain (冰岛五寨茶山) and tea factories.
• In the afternoon, travel to Xigui Village (昔归村) to explore Xigui Tea Mountain (昔归茶山).
• Return to Lincang City (临沧市) by evening and check in at the Hetang Yuechun Hotel (和堂玥春酒店).

Day 07: Departure from Lincang

• Depart from Lincang Airport (临沧机场) or take the high-speed rail from Lincang Railway Station (临沧火车站).

This itinerary showcases the best of Lincang’s tea culture, highlighting significant tea production sites, historical landmarks, and breathtaking natural scenery.

Service Included:

• Admission fees for all of the sightseeing spots listed in the itinerary;
• Meals as listed in the itinerary;
• Accommodation with breakfast as listed in the itinerary;
• Private English-speaking tour guide and vehicle for transfers & sightseeing;
• Service charge & government taxes;
• Luggage transfers between airports and hotels;
• Two bottles of mineral water each day;
• Train tickets from Kunming to Dali, Shangri-La to Kunming.

Service Excluded:

• Any arrival and departure international airfares or train tickets;
• Chinese visa fees;
• Excess baggage charged by Airlines;
• Single room supplement;
• Tips to guides and drivers;
• Personal expenses and gratuities to service staff;
• Personal travel insurance;
• All optional programs.

Inquiry

Origin Of The Name

Investigation of Yunnan Black Tea Producing Areas

In the spring of 1938, Shou Jingwei and Wu Juonong of the old Chinese tea company were invited to Hankou to participate in the company’s work. Tea company moved to Chongqing. In mid-September, he was sent to Yunnan to investigate the production and marketing of tea.It is understood that at that time, all tea areas in Yunnan only produced green tea. After being killed by high temperature, it is twisted and dried, and then purchased by tea merchants at high stations in the production area, transported to the tea distribution market, and set up factories to suppress various “tight teas” for transportation and sales. Tea was sold domestically, and Yunnan never produced black tea.

Can the trial production in Yunnan, which has never produced black tea, produce good black tea? From the survey, it is completely possible. If you can use large leaf tea to create good black tea, the development prospect is incalculable.

The tea plantation took a sample of “one bud and two leaves” to observe its quality and find out the problem. Everything is very good, two tea samples, one red and one green, like one gold and one silver, make people very happy.

Name “Dianhong Black Tea” Officially

In 1939, the first batch of “New Dianhong” was finally successfully produced. At that time, there were no wooden cans or aluminum cans. Immediately ship Hong Kong with a tea basket, then change to a wooden box and aluminum can for export.”Dianhong” was created. At that time, it began to be named “yunhong”.Because Qihong was named after Anhui(安徽)province, and Huhong was named after Hunan(湖南)province. So, the black tea which was produced in Yunnan(云南) province could also be named Yunhong. However, they borrowed the meaning of red clouds every morning and every nights and the short name of Yunnan province, which is Dian, to name this kind of new black tea. Dianhong was created at this time.

Producing Areas

The main Dianhong Congou black tea滇红功夫红茶 producing areas in Yunnan are Lincang, Baoshan, Xishuangbanna, Dehong, Honghe, including more than 20 counties. The main tea producing areas in Yunnan spread along 23°27 N where scientists believe that the climatic conditions are beneficial for biological diversity.

Geographically, the producing area of Dianhong black tea in Yunnan can be divided into 3 main parts: West tea-area of Yunnan, South tea-area of Yunnan and Northeast tea-area of Yunnan. The west tea-area is primarily located in 4 cities of Lincang (临沧), Baoshan(保山), Dehong(德宏), Dali; the total planting area is about 52.2% in Yunnan province with the 65% of the total production in Yunnan. The south tea-area is slightly smaller than the west tea-area; however, it is regarded as the birthplace of tea and tea culture in China. The main tea producing counties in this area are Simao(思茅), Xishuangbanna(西双版纳), Wenshan(文山) and Honghe(红河), the tea area and tea out account for 32.7% and 30.8%.

Main Characteristics

Due to different harvesting periods, the quality of Dianhong Congou black tea has seasonal changes. Generally, spring tea is better than summer and autumn tea.

The spring tea strips are plump, with strong bones, good clarity, and a soft and even leaf base. Summer tea is in the rainy season. The buds and leaves grow fast and the internodes are long. Although the buds are slightly exposed, the purity is low and the bottom of the leaves is slightly hard and mixed. The autumn tea is in the dry and cool season, and the growth and metabolism of the tea tree is weakened. The tea body is light, the purity is low, and the tenderness is not as good as the spring and summer tea.

Dianhong Congou is rich in aroma and flavor. Congou tea in the southern Yunnan producing area has a strong taste and strong irritation, while the Congou tea in the western Yunnan producing area has a rich taste and weak irritation, but has a fresh aftertaste.

Keep Reading

• Dianhong Black Tea Expert—WU CHENGYUAN
• Dianhong Black Tea Expert—SU XIANGYU
• Dianhong Black Tea Expert—XU QIN
• Where to Buy Yunnan Dianhong Black Tea

Edited By Ziwei Chen/陈紫薇

The geographical distribution of ancient Pu’er tea trees

Pu’er tea is a kind of tea only available in a specific geographical area. Pu’er tea is defined as a kind of tea with unique quality characteristics, which is made of Yunnan large leaf sun-dry green tea （云南大叶种晒青绿茶）with special processing technology  within the scope of geographical indication protection according to the latest national standard in 2008 “geographical indication product Pu’er tea《地理标志产品普洱茶》” (GB / T 22111-2008),

This means that to be called Pu’er tea, in additional to being made according to the specific processing technology of Pu’er tea, there also have two conditions must be met: raw materials and processing must be within the scope of geographical indication protection. The protection scope of geographical indication products of Pu’er tea is 639 townships of 11 prefectures and cities in Yunnan Province, including Xishuangbanna（西双版纳）, Pu’er（普洱）, Lincang（临沧） and Baoshan（保山）. These four tea areas are located in the western and southern border areas of Yunnan Province, distributed on both sides of the Lancang River（澜沧江）, bordering Myanmar, Laos and other countries

Four production areas of Pu’er tea

It is in this mysterious area inhabited by ethnic minorities that it is proved to be the birthplace of tea. It can be said that the drinks called “tea” in the world are all from Yunnan(云南）. In the Ming and Qing Dynasties, Pu’er tea came into being and went to a brilliant era. Large-scale and organized cultivation of tea trees was also a historical feat accomplished in these two dynasties.

Today, in the alpine forest land with an altitude of more than 1000 meters in Lancang River (澜沧江）Basin, the ancient tea garden that has experienced historical vicissitudes and natural disasters is still lush, or distributed in patches, or scattered in a single plant. There are more than 270000 acre of wild tea community and ancient tea garden in Yunnan.

★ Tea area distribution in Xishuangbanna（西双版纳）

Xishuangbanna（西双版纳）which means “twelve thousand acre” (twelve, in Dai Language, it means “Xishuang”(西双） and “Banna”（版纳）which means “one thousand acre”, that’s an administrative unit collecting taxes and labor). The whole Xishuangbanna(西双版纳） has 82000 acre of ancient tea garden, which is distributed in 19 towns and more than 100 villages in two counties and one city.

Banna tea area（版纳茶区） is one of the area with the longest production history and the highest output of Pu’er tea. It has jurisdiction over 2 counties and 1 city, namely Menghai County（勐海县）, Mengla County（勐腊县） and Jinghong City（景洪市）. The famous “Menghai tea factory” （勐海茶厂）was born in Menghai（勐海）, while the “six famous tea mountains” in the Qing Dynasty were mainly distributed in Mengla County（勐海县） (only Youle tea mountain（攸乐茶山） is located in Jinghong City（景洪市）).

Distribution of ancient tea mountains in Xishuangbanna（西双版纳） (6 to the East and 8 to the west of Lancang River（澜沧江）)

Of the fourteen ancient tea mountains，seven in Menghai counties(勐海县） to the west of Lancang River（澜沧江）, FIve in Mengla counties（勐腊县） to the East, one in west of river  and one in east of river in Jinghong City(景洪市）. The age of ancient tea trees varies from 100 years to 1700 years, but most of them are between 200-500 years.

Ancient six tea mountains：

The six ancient tea mountains in Banna（版纳） are the important production areas of Pu’er tea in Qing Dynasty, and also the window for the mainland to understand Pu’er tea at that time. There are some differences in the historical records of the six major tea mountains, including Yiwu (MANSA)（易武，曼洒）, Yibang（倚邦）, manzhuan（蛮砖）, gedeng（革登）, mangzhi(莽枝） and Youle(攸乐）. The area about more than 2000 square kilometers, it is distributed in the east of Xishuangbanna（西双版纳） and on the East Bank of Lancang River（澜沧江）.

1. Tea mountain of Yiwu Mansa (易武、曼洒）

The meaning of the names in local language means the place where the beautiful villain lives.

The tea mountain include Yiwu (易武）mountain, Mansa（曼洒） tea mountain and Manla（勐腊） tea mountain etc. Yiwu（易武） mountain is located in the north of Mengla County（勐腊县）, 110km away from Mengla（勐腊） and Mansa（曼洒） in the north of Yiwu, it also belong to Yiwu(易武） tea area. The annual average temperature is 17.2 degrees, and the annual average precipitation is 1500-1900 mm.  It makes Yiwu tea soup is soft and smooth, the taste is clear and sweet, the bitter and astringent feeling is weak, and the back sweet is better.

The distribution of the ancient tea tree: Yiwu(易武）, Mansa（曼洒）, Mahei（麻黑）, Luoshuidong（落水洞）, Guafengzhai刮风寨）, laodingjiazhai（老丁家寨）, Manxiu（曼秀）, Daqishu（大漆树） etc.

2.Tea mountain of Yibang (倚邦）

The meaning of the names in local language means that the place where have tea trees and well.

Yibang(倚邦） is located in the northernmost part of Mengla County（勐腊县）, under the jurisdiction of Xiangming township（象明乡）. It covers 19 natural villages with an area of 360 square kilometers and a large altitude span. It is distributed from 600 meters to 1900 meters. The altitude of Mansong（曼松） tea mountain is 1340 meters.  Yibang （倚邦）ancient tree tea, due to its small and medium-sized leaf species, it has a light bitter taste, a little more astringency than bitterness, a faster return to sweetness, a unique fragrance and a little honey flavor. Among them, Mansong（曼松） tea is bitter and astringent, the tea soup is sweet, smooth and full, and the tea fragment stay long in the bottom of the cup.

The distribution of the ancient tea tree: Yibang(倚邦）、Mansong(曼松）、Xikong(嶍崆）、Jiabu(架布）、Mangong(曼拱）、Malishu(麻栗树） etc.

3.Tea Mountain of Manzhuang (蛮专，亦称 “曼庄”)

The meaning of the names in local language means great stockaded village.

Manzhuang （曼庄）is located in the south and east of Xiangming Township(象明乡）, Mengla County（勐腊县） and bordering Yiwu（易武） tea area，the area  about 300 square kilometers, the altitude about 1100m. The tea soup here is full, thick and smooth, with strong mountain flavor, long-lasting fragrance at the bottom of the cup, fast and long-lasting sweetness, light bitterness and deep throat rhyme.

The distribution of the ancient tea tree: Manzhuang（曼庄）、Manlin(曼林）、Manqian(曼迁）、Bazongzhai(八总寨）etc.

4.Tea mountain of Gedeng(革登)

The meaning of the names in local language means high ground.

Gedeng（革登） is located in Anle village（安乐村）, Xiangming Township（象明乡）, Mengla County（勐腊县）, between mangzhi（莽枝） and Yibang（倚邦） tea area. The altitude about 1300 meters. The tea here mountain rhyme is obvious, the bitterness is weak, the back sweet is better, the soup quality is smooth.

The distribution of the ancient tea tree: Zhibang(植蚌）、Xinfa(新发）.

5.Tea mountain of Mangzhi(莽枝)

The meaning of the names in local language means Buried copper land.

Mangzhi（莽枝） is located in the southwest of gedeng(革登） tea mountain. It belongs to Anle village（安乐村）, Xiangming Township（象明乡）, Mengla County（勐腊镇）, with an altitude about 1400m. The tea here is similar with Gedeng(革登） tea, which is a little less fragrant. The bitterness and astringency are weaker, and the back sweet is faster, and long-lasting fragment bottom of the cup is better.

The distribution of the ancient tea tree: Yanglin(秧林）、Hongtupo（红土坡）、Manya(曼丫）、Jiangxi bay(江西湾）、Kouduo(口夺） etc.

6.Tea mountain of Youle(攸乐)

The mountain name meanings is the residence of Jino(基诺） nationality, they called Youle nationality in past.

Jinuo township（基诺乡） is located in Jinghong City（景洪市）, which is 75km long in the west of Jinuo mountain（基诺山） and 50km wide in the South and North. It is the largest existing ancient tree tea area among the six ancient tea mountains, with an altitude  575m to 1691m, average temperature is 18-20 degrees, and an annual precipitation is 1400mm.

The distribution of the ancient tea tree: Longpa(龙帕）、Situ old walled(司土老寨）、Mezhuo(么卓）、Bapiao(巴飘） etc.

Eight tea mountain of newcomer: They located in the west of Lancang River(澜沧江）. From north to south are: mannuo（曼糯）, Menghai Mengsong（勐海勐宋）, nannuoshan（南糯山）, Pasha（帕沙）, Hekai（贺开）, Bulang mountain（布朗山）, Jinghong Mengsong（景洪勐宋）; Bada（巴达） is in the West.

1.Tea mountain of Mannuo(曼糯）

Mannuo is located at the northernmost end of Menghai County（勐海县）, belonging to Mengwang village(勐往村）, mengwang township（勐往乡）, which borders Lancang（澜沧） and Simao （思茅）district of Pu’er(普洱）. This is the first station of Lancang River(澜沧江） from Pu’er（普洱） City to Xishuangbanna（西双版纳）. The altitude is 1200-1300 m and the annual precipitation is 1300-1400mm. The tea in here tastes fresh, it has obvious bitterness and astringency, slow back sweetness and strong fragrance.

The distribution of the ancient tea tree: There are mainly three strongholds, Dazhai（大寨）, Shangzhai（上寨） and Zhongzhai（中寨）.

2.Tea mountain of Mengsong(Menghai) 勐宋（勐海）

The meaning of the names in local language means “The dam on the top of the mountain.”

It is located in Mengsong Township(勐宋乡）, Menghai County（勐海县）, bordering east of Jinghong City(景洪市） and south of granghe township（格朗和乡）  , facing nannuo mountain（南糯山） and across Liusha river（流沙河）. Naka tea area(那卡茶区） is one of the tea are in Mengsong（勐宋）, the altitude is 1600 meters , Baotang tea area （保塘茶区） altitude is 1700-1800 meters .The annual precipitation is 1400mm. The tea in here is  pure, bitter and astringent and slow in sweet return.

The distribution of the ancient tea tree:Daan(大安）、Nanben（南本）、Baotangxinzhai（保塘新寨）、Bameng（坝檬）、Damanlv（大曼吕）、Naka(Laka)那卡（腊卡）.

3.The tea mountain of Nannuo mountain (南糯山)

It located in gelanghe Township(格朗和乡）, Menghai County（勐海县）, next to the highway of Jinghong (景洪）to Menghai（勐海） . 24 kilometers away from Menghai county（勐海县）. The average altitude is 1400m and the annual precipitation is 1500-1750mm. The annual average temperature is 16-18 ℃. The tea soup here is full in quality, fast in returning to sweet and the wild flavor is obvious. Traditionally, the aroma of nannuoshan（南糯山） tea is full and bitter.  But the bitterness is weak and the aroma is not obvious in recent years.

The distribution of the ancient tea tree: Zhulin village(竹林寨）, Banpo village（半坡寨）, girl village（姑娘寨）, etc.

4. Tea mountain of Pasha(帕沙)

The meaning of the names in local language means A mountain and a river.

It located in Pasha village(帕沙村）, southwest of gelanghe Township（格朗和乡）, Menghai County（勐海县）, between nannuo mountain（南糯山） and Bulang mountain（布朗山）, the altitude is 1200-2000 meters,  annual average temperature is 22 ℃ and the annual rainfall is 1500 mm. The tea here is obviously bitter and astringent, but it can be turned into  clear and sweet with obvious shenjing .

The distribution of the ancient tea tree: Pasha new village(帕沙新寨）、Pasha old village(帕沙老寨）、Pasha medium village(帕沙中寨）、Nangan(南干）、Laoduan(老端） etc.

5. Tea mountain of Hekai(贺开)

The meaning of the names in local language means the first place to see the sun.

It is located in Hekai village（贺开村）, Menghun Town（勐混镇）, Menghai County（勐海县）,  north to the famous ancient tea mountain of Nannuo mountain (南糯山）tea area, east to Ladameng（拉达勐） reservoir and west to Menghun dam（蒙混坝子）. Altitude is 1400-1700m. The tea soup here is full in quality, slightly bitter and astringent. The bitterness turns into sweetness quickly, and the wild tastes is obvious.

6.Tea mountain of Bulang mountain(布朗山)

It is located in Bulang Nationality Township（布朗族乡）, Bulang mountain（布朗山）, Menghai County（勐海县）, bordering Myanmar in the south. The annual rainfall is 1300-1500 mm and the annual average temperature is 18.7 degrees. The altitude of old and new banzhang（班章） is 1600-1700 meters, while that of old man’e village（老曼娥寨） is relatively low, about 1200 meters. The old banzhang tea（老班章茶） here is plump in appearance, strong in taste, bitter and astringent obviously. It’s quick and lasting  sweetness and has obvious tea flavor. The old man’e tea(老曼娥茶） is similar to the old banzhang tea（老班章茶）, with more bitterness and slower into sweetness.

The distribution of the ancient tea tree: Old banzhang(老班章）、New banzhang(新班章）、Old Man’e(老曼娥）、Manxinyuan(曼新竜）、Mannuo(曼糯）.

7.Tea mountain of Mengsong(Jinghong) 勐宋（景洪）

Located in Mengsong village(勐宋村）, Da Menglong Town（大勐龙镇）, Jinghong City（景洪市）, at the southernmost end of Jinghong City（景洪市）, it is also the ancient tea area with the lowest latitude in Yunnan Province with an altitude of 1500-1800 meters and moderate rainfall. The tea here has obvious wild tastes, full fragrance, thick soup, strong fragrance in cup, short bitterness of sweet tea, fast into sweet; bitter tea is obviously bitter, slow into sweet.

The distribution of the ancient tea tree: Mengsong great village(勐宋大寨）、Miaochu mountain(苗锄山）、Manqian old village(曼迁老寨）、Manjiapokan(曼家坡坎）、Manwoke(曼窝科）、Manjiaganbian(曼加干边）、Manjiajiao(曼加角）、Manmaiyao(曼卖窑）etc.

8. Tea mountain of Bada(巴达)

The meaning of the names in local language means footprints of immortals.

It is located in the west of Menghai County(勐海县）, formerly belongs to Bada Township(巴达乡）, now belongs to Xiding Township(西定乡）, facing Myanmar from the west of Nanlan River (南览河）. Altitude is 1580-2000 meters.  Here the tea aroma is pure, bitter and astringent, sweet in the soup, sweet and clear.

The distribution of the ancient tea tree: Mangmai(曼迈）、Zhanglang(章朗）、manpale(曼帕勒）.

Summary of Banna (版纳）tea area: The quality of tea is thick and soup is full, except for some small leaf species, the bitterness is obvious of tea in Banna(版纳） tea area.  This is closely related to the climate and natural environment in the lower reaches of Lancang River（澜沧江）. Banna(版纳） tea area has a relatively low temperature and strong light in Pu’er（普洱） tea area, which leads to a high content of tea polyphenols and catechins, a clear sense of bitterness, the hegemony of banzhang（班章） and man’e（曼娥）,  the bitterness of xiaomengsong（小勐宋） bitter tea have the direct association.

The age of ancient trees in Banna（版纳） tea area is more than 100-500 years, which is the right time for Pu’er tea production. However, due to the early fame of some hills, over picking is obvious, which directly leads to the decline of tea quality. At the same time, because of its well-known in history, the ancient tea garden in Banna(版纳） tea district has been destroyed by human always happen, which includes the direct destruction of ancient trees and the indirect impact of the destruction of natural environment on ancient trees.

★Distribution of ancient tea mountain in Pu’er City

1. Ancient tea mountain of xuligong tea(须立贡茶)

Located in Lianzhu Town（联珠镇）, Mojiang County（墨江县）and Lianzhu town（联珠镇） is a famous post on the ancient tea horse road. The altitude is 1400-1460m and the annual average temperature is 16.9-18 ℃. The annual precipitation is 1323-1435mm.  Soil is dark red soil and red soil. The tea of xuligong tea is the royal tribute tea in Qing Dynasty.

Main producing areas: vegetable garden(菜园）, Banzhong（班中）, Bisheng（碧胜）, Yongxi（勇溪）.

2.Ancient tea mountain of Longba(龙坝)

It is located in Longba Township(龙坝乡）, Tongguan（通关）, Mojiang County（墨江县）, with an altitude of 1300-1700m and an average annual temperature of 15.0-17.9 ℃. The annual precipitation is 1350mm. The soil is red soil and yellow red soil.

Main producing areas: Longbin（竜宾）, Mengli（勐里）, damiduo（大乜多）, Longchang（竜场）, Dadong（打洞）, Shitou（石头）, mampo（曼婆）.

3. Ancient tea mountain of Tongguan(通关)

Located in Yongping Town(永平镇）, Mojiang County（墨江县）, with an altitude of 1520-1820 meters, annual average temperature of 14.9-16.8 ℃ and annual precipitation of 1391mm. The soil is red soil and yellow brown soil.

Main producing areas: Yongping（永平）, Xinwu（新武）, Jingba（景坝）, biku（毕库）.

4. Ancient tea mountain of Baliu(坝溜)

It is mainly distributed in Baliu Township(坝溜乡）, Mojiang County（墨江县）. The altitude is 1630-1885m, the annual average temperature is 11.9-16.4 ℃ and the annual precipitation is 2197mm. The soil is red soil.

Main producing areas: Lao Zhu（老朱）, Lian Zhu（联珠）, Lao Peng（老彭）, Mani(骂尼）.

5. Ancient tea mountain of Midi tribute tea（迷帝贡茶）

It is mainly distributed in Xinfu Township（新抚乡）, Mojiang County（墨江县）. The altitude is 1300-1940m, the annual average temperature is 14.2-18.3 ℃, the annual precipitation is 1293mm and the soil is red soil and yellow brown soil. The Midi tribute tea has obvious bitterness and astringency, fast into sweet, clear  fragrance, little orchid fragrance and obvious wild tastes.

Main producing areas: Jiebei(界碑）, Xintang（新塘）, banbao（班包）, Naxian（那宪）.

6. Ancient tea mountain of Jingxinghaomen(景星豪门)

It is mainly distributed in the west of Jingxing Township(景星乡）  in Mojiang County（墨江县） and near the Tropic of cancer. The altitude is 1530-1990 m, the annual average temperature is 14.2-16.9 ℃, and the annual precipitation is 1360mm. The soil is red soil, yellow brown soil and purple soil. The tea here is bitter and astringent, slightly sweet with weak fragrance, and obviously into sweet.

Main producing areas: Xinhua(新华）, Jingxing（景星）, Zhenglong（正龙）.

7. Ancient tea mountain of the hill trapped deer(困鹿山)

It is located in Ning’er Town（宁洱镇）, Ning’er County（宁洱县）, with an altitude of 1090-1640 meters, annual average temperature of 16.5-19.0 ℃ and annual precipitation of 1700mm. The soil is red soil and red soil. The tea in here is obvious natural fresh flavor ,the soup is sweet and smooth. The bitterness and astringency are weak and the sweetness into fast.

Main producing areas: Kuanhong(宽宏）, xisa（西萨） and Qiangang（谦岗）.

8. Ancient tea mountain of Guoqin(国庆)

It is mainly distributed in Guoqing Township(国庆乡）, Jiangcheng County（江城县）, with an altitude is 1100-1350m, annual average temperature is 19.2 ℃ and annual precipitation is 2360mm. It’s humid, hot and rainy. The soil is red soil. The tea here is weak in bitterness and astringency, sweet in the soup, good in sweetness, the soup quality not mellow as the Yiwu ancient tea tree.

Main producing areas: Luojie(络捷）, Medeng（么等）, Tianfang（田房）, Gale（嘎勒）, Bobie（博别）, Heping（和平）.

Although the northern part of Pu’er City（普洱市） is not the most famous tea producing area in tradition, with the discovery of the tea tree king of qianjiazhai（千家寨） in Ailao Mountain（哀牢山）, people began to pay more and more attention to this area. With the increasing understanding of the wild and cultivated ancient tea tree communities, people’s interest in this area is also growing.

Although many research topics of Pu’er tea are far from the conclusion, there are still many reasons to lock in the Wuliang Mountains（无量山脉）, the west slope of Ailao Mountain（哀牢山） and the middle reaches of Lancang River（澜沧江）, the river system of Zhegan River（者干江） and Weiyuan River（威远江） as the most abundant and potential areas of Pu’er tea resources.

1. Ancient tea mountain of Laocangfude(老仓福德)

It is located in Anding Township(安定乡） and Wenlong Township（文龙乡） in the north of Jingdong County（景东县）and east slope of Wuliang mountain(无量山）, the altitude is 1600-2100 meters, annual average temperature is 11.6-14.6 ℃, precipitation is 1280-1390 mm. The soil is red soil and yellow brown soil, mixed with unweathered gravel.  Although the age of the tea here is not very high, it is full of tea fragrance, full of soup quality, long-lasting  sweet tastes, with the mountain charm characteristics of the tea in the north of Wuliang Mountain(无量山）.

Main producing areas: Yicang(迤仓）、Zhongcang(中仓）、Waicang(外仓）、Hedi(河底）、Minfu(民福)、Bangwei(邦葳）、Bangmai(邦迈）、Yichang(义昌）.

2. Ancient tea mountain of Jinding(金鼎）

It is located in the west of slope of Wuliang mountain(无量山） in Linjie Township(林街乡） and Jingfu Township（景福乡）, Jingdong County（景东县）,  with an altitude of 1800-2000 meters. The annual average temperature is 10.6-14.6 ℃ and the precipitation is 1292-1413 mm. The soil is red soil and yellow brown soil, with heavy sand. The tea here is slight bitter,and astringent and  bitter can into sweet. The soup tastes full and wild.

Main producing areas: Yantou(岩头）、Longdong(龙洞）、Jingtou(菁头）、Dingpa(丁帕）、Qinghe(清河）、Gold chicken forest(金鸡林）、Gongping(公平）、Chahe(岔河）、Mengling(勐令）.

3. Ancient tea mountain of Manwan(漫湾）

Located in Manwan Town（曼湾镇）, Jingdong County（景东县）, Wuliang Shan west slope（无量山西坡）. The altitude is 1700-2300m, the annual average temperature is 13.6-14.6 ℃  and the precipitation is 1291-1307mm. The soil is red soil and yellow brown soil, mixed with unweathered gravel. The tea here is bitter and astringent，the bitterness can turn sweet and the wild taste is obvious.

Main producing areas: Manwan(曼湾）、Anzhao(安召）、Wenzhu(温竹）etc.

4. Ancient tea mountain of Yubi(御笔)

It is located in east slope of Wuliang mountain(无量山） in Wenjing town(文景镇） and Jinping Town（锦屏镇） of Jingdong County（景东县）.The altitude is 1700-2000 meters, the annual average temperature is 13.6 ℃ and the precipitation is 1300 mm. The soil is red soil with heavy sand. The tea in here is bitter and astringent, It fast to into sweet and sweet tastes obviously.

Main producing areas: Shanxin(山心）、Bingbi(丙必）、Qingliang Village (清凉村）、Shanchong(山冲）、Huangcao hill(黄草岭）.

5. Ancient tea mountain of the west slope in Ailao mountain(哀牢山西坡)

It is located in Longjie Township(龙街乡）, Dajie Township（大街乡）, Huashan Township（花山乡）, and the middle  and upper of west slope in Ailao mountain(哀牢山）.The altitude is 1300-2100m, the annual average temperature is 12.6-17.6 ℃, and the annual precipitation is 1180-1320mm. The soil includes dark red soil, red soil and yellow brown soil. The tea here is bitter and astringent， bitter tastes can into sweet and tea soup is fragrance.

Main producing areas: East mountain(东山）、Heshao(和哨）、Dajie(大街）、Qili(气力）、Sanying(三营）、Wengang(文岗）、Yingpan(营盘）、Pieluo(撇罗）、Wencha(文岔）、Mountain Lu(芦山）.

6. Ancient tea mountain of Zhentai(振太)

Located in Zhentai Township(振太乡）, Zhenyuan County（镇沅县）, west slope of Wuliangshan(无量山）, with an altitude of 1377-1857 meters, annual average temperature of 16.0-18.4 ℃ and annual precipitation of 865-1270 mm. The soil is red soil, red soil and purple soil.

Main producing areas: Shanjie(山街）、Taitou(抬头）、Jiebei(界碑）、Tangfang(塘房）、Shahe(沙河）、Wenpa(文怕）、Changan(长安）、Xiaozhai(小寨）、Huangli(黄梨）.

7. Ancient tea mountain of Laowu mountai(老乌山）

It is located in Anban Town（按板镇）, Zhenyuan County（镇沅县）, with an altitude of 2057-2240 meters, annual average temperature of 14.1-15.2 ℃ and annual precipitation of 1390-1502 mm. The soil is red soil and yellow brown soil. The tea in here the soup  is full in quality, rich in tea flavor  and deep in fragrance. It is not only a high-quality and high-altitude ancient Pu’er tea variety, but also an important production area of cultivation and transitional high aged ancient trees by Mingshoutang(茗寿堂）.

Main producing areas: Wenli(文立）、Luojia(罗家）、Nabu(那布） etc.

8. Ancient tea mountain of Tianba(田坝)

It is located in Tianba Township(田坝乡） and Anban Town（按板镇）, Zhenyuan County（镇沅县）. The altitude is 1770-1816 meters, the annual average temperature is 16.5 ℃ and the annual precipitation is 1180-1215 mm. The soil is red soil and purple soil. The tea soup here is full in quality, Long-lasting fragrant , bitter and astringent.

Main producing areas: Laohaitang(老海塘）、Chashanjing(茶山菁）、Minqiang(民强）、Waqiao(瓦桥）、Lianmeng(联盟）.

9. Ancient tea mountain of Mengda(勐大)

It is located in Mengda Town（勐大镇）, Zhenyuan County（镇沅县）, with an altitude of 1428-1910 meters, annual average temperature of 15.8-18.1 ℃ and annual precipitation of 920-1910 mm. The soil is dark red soil and red soil.

Main producing areas: Dajing(大井）、Wenkuang(文况）、Wenmeng(文蒙）、Wenkai(文开）、Wenbu(文卜）.

10. Ancient tea mountain of Madeng(马邓)

It is located in Zhedong Township(者东乡）, Zhenyuan County（镇沅县）, with an altitude of 1760-1810 meters. The annual average temperature is 16.2 ℃ and the annual precipitation is 1118-1205mm. The soil is dark red soil and red soil. The tea in here is less bitter and astringent, with a quick return of sweet and sweet soup. Damaidi(大麦地） tea and Madeng（马邓） tea are similar but slightly bitter.

Main producing areas: Maidi(麦地）、Madeng(马邓）.

11. Ancient tea mountain of Wenshan(文山)

It is distributed in Jinggu Township(景谷乡）, Jinggu County（景谷县）, with an altitude of 1610-2010 meters. The annual average temperature is 20.3 ℃, and the annual precipitation is 1296 mm. The soil is red soil and yellow brown soil. The tea here is full in quality, fragrant and sweet. It is sweet in the soup and cool in the sweet.

Main producing areas: Wenshan(文山）、Kuzhushan(苦竹山）、Jinggu(景谷）、Wenzhao(文召）、Yunpan(云盘）、Wenlian(文联）、Tuanshan(团山）、Wendong(文东）.

12. Ancient tea mountain of Yangta(秧塔)

It is located in Minle Town（民乐镇）, Jinggu County（景谷县）, with an altitude of 1110-1780 meters, annual average temperature of 18.7 ℃ and annual precipitation of 1530 mm. The soil is dark red and red. The tea here is heavy fragrant,  obvious sweet.

Main producing areas: Dacun(大村）、Baixiang(白象）、Taozi(桃子）、Minle(民乐）.

13.Ancient tea mountain of Nanban Yellow grass dam(南板黄草坝)

It is located in Fengshan Township（凤山乡） and Zhengxing town（正兴镇） in the east of Jinggu County（景谷县）, with an altitude of 1710-2350m, annual average temperature of 18.7 ℃ and annual precipitation of 1530mm, The soil are  red and yellow brown. The tea here has a long-lasting fragrance,  weak bitterness and astringency, fast back sweet .

Main producing areas: Yellow grass dam(黄草坝）、Pingtian(平田）、Shunnan(顺南）、Nanban(南板）.

14. Ancient tea mountain of Lianhelongtang(联合龙塘)

It is located in Weiyuan Town(威远镇）, Jinggu County（景谷县）, with an altitude of 1510-1760 meters, annual average temperature of 20.1 ℃ and annual precipitation of 1341.8 mm, Soil are  red soil and purple soil.

Main producing areas: Longtang(龙塘）、Lianhe(联合）.

15.Ancient tea mountain of Tuanjie(团结)

It is located in Tuanjie village(团结村）, Yongping Town（永平镇）, Jinggu County（景谷镇）, with an altitude of 1090m, annual average temperature of 20 ℃ and annual precipitation of 1410mm. The soil is dark red soil.

★Distribution of Ancient tea trees in Lancang(澜沧）, Ximeng（西盟） and mengliangu（孟连）

Traditionally, Lancang(澜沧）, Ximeng（西盟） and Menglian（孟连） are called the three counties of the border area. Because they are located in a remote area, the Pu’er tea they produce is not valued. With the discovery of the transitional King of tea in Bangwei(邦葳）in recent years, the ancient tea of Lancang(澜沧） began to emerge. It attracted lot people’s attention because of  the unique aroma of Jingmai (景迈)mountain ancient tree tea and it called as “thousands acre  thousands year”. Fortunately, there are abundant  Jingmai tea(景迈）, which is not too much hype.

In fact, the ancient tree resources of the three border counties are not limited to this. With the in-depth study of ancient tea trees, we began to pay attention to the Daheishan(大黑山） system, which is a magical place full of treasures like Ailao Mountain（哀牢山） and Wuliang Mountain（无量山）. The ecological environment here is the best preserved in Yunnan, and the wild tea base of mingshoutang(茗寿堂） is also located in Ximeng（西盟）. In Menglian（孟连）,  Ximeng（西盟） and  the mountains along the border between China and Myanmar, we often have surprises…

1. Ancient tea mountain of Jingmai(景迈)

It is located in Huimin Township(惠民乡）, Jingmai County（景迈县）, it is one of the largest existing ancient tea mountains . The altitude is 1100-1570 and an average annual temperature is 16.5-19 ℃. The annual precipitation is 1400-1450mm. The soil is dark red  and red. The tea here have the long-lasting fragrant whatever the dry tea and tea soup, the bitter and astringent is obvious, quick into sweet and nice color of tea soup.

Main producing areas: Jingmai（景迈）、Mangjing(芒景）、Manghong(芒洪）、Manggeng(芒埂）、Wengwa(翁洼）、Wengji(翁基）、Laojiufang(老酒房） etc.

2. Ancient tea mountain of Bangwei(邦崴)

It is located in Fudong Township（富东乡）, Lancang County（澜沧县）, 1640-1780 meters above sea level with annual average temperature of 15.5-16.5 ℃ and annual precipitation of 1100-1300 mm. The soil is red soil. The tea here has  obvious bitterness and astringency, fast back sweet, long-lasting fragrance .

Main producing areas: Nadong(那东）、Xiaoba(小坝）、Nandian(南滇）.

3. Ancient tea mountain of Wendong(文东)

It is mainly distributed in Wendong Township(文东乡）, Lancang County（澜沧县）, the altitude is 1740-1970 m, annual average temperature  is 14.5-16.0 ℃ and annual precipitation is 1200 mm. The soil is red soil and yellow brown soil. The tea here is bitter and astringent, the orchid fragrance is obvious and still have it after making tea several times. It doesn’t lose with Jingmai（景迈）tea. It’s sweet and fast into sweet.

Main producing areas: Xiaozhai(小寨）、Pasai(帕赛）、Shuitang(水塘）、Yishu(栘树）.

4. Ancient tea mountain of Dongka(东卡)

Located in Dapingzhang village(大平掌村）, donglang Township（东朗乡）, Lancang County（澜沧县）, 21 kilometers away from the county . 1550 meters above sea level. The soil is yellow sandy soil. The tea here bitterness is obvious, quick into sweet, long-lasting fragrance and soup is sweet.

5. Ancient tea mountain of Lafu(腊福）

It is located in Lafu village(腊福村）, mengma Town（勐马镇）, Menglian County（勐连县）, with an altitude of 1570 meters. It’s only a few kilometers from the border. The soil is yellow brown soil. The tea here is bitter and astringent taste, long-lasting fragrance, sweet soup and quick back to sweet.

6. Ancient tea mountain of Mangzhong(芒中)

It is located in Jingkeng village(景吭村）, Nayun Town（那允镇）, Menglian County（孟连县）, with an altitude of 1020 meters. The tea here is wild, the bitterness and astringency are weaker and bitterness with sweet .

7. Ancient tea mountain of Fodian  mountain (佛殿山)

Located in the west of Ximeng County(西盟县）, the annual average temperature is 13.5 ℃,and the annual precipitation is nearly 3000 mm. Altitude about 1700-2200m . The tea here the aroma is steady and long-lasting, bitter and astringent, quick into sweet.

Pu’er(普洱） has diversified ancient tree tea because of its large area and across the Tropic of cancer. The tea mountain in Jiangcheng(江城） and other places in the south is very close to the tea quality in the east of Banna（版纳） tea area. The tea in the West of Lancang(澜沧） and other places  has outstanding aroma, long aftertaste and good market competitiveness.

The tea farms in the north of Jingdong（景东） and Zhenyuan（镇沅）  are pure and rich tea tastes. With the deepening of people’s understanding of tea , more and more people will pay attention to it. Jinggu（景谷）tea area has a long history with good aroma and taste. There are many ancient tea mountains with large scale, which also represents the direction of the future market. Other places, such as Ximeng（西盟）and Menglian（孟连）, although they are small occupy  and reputation, their good natural environment  depends on the development in the future.

★Distribution of Ancient tea trees in Lincang city(临沧)

Lincang City(临沧市） is named next to lancang river(澜沧江）. There are total area of 1.3 million acre of tea garden in the territory, including 400000 acre of wild ancient tea tree community and 650000 acre of cultivated ancient tea garden (over 90000 acre of ancient tea garden over 100 years old). Lincang(临沧） is the most important supplier of Tuo tea（沱茶） raw materials for Xiaguan（下关） tea factory, and also provide a large number of high-quality tea for Kunming（昆明） tea factory and Menghai（勐海） tea factory. Lincang（临沧） tea is the hero behind many famous teas.

Lincang（临沧) has 1 District and 7 counties under its jurisdiction. Each district and county has large area of ancient tea tree resources, ranking according to the tea output, which is Fengqing(凤庆）, Yunxian（云县）, Yongde（永德）, Shuangjiang（双江）, Gengma（耿马）, Linxiang District（临翔区）, Cangyuan（沧源） and zhenkang（镇康） (according to the output in 2009).

1. Fengqing(凤庆)

Located in the north of Lincang. As the largest tea producing county in Yunnan, almost all the counties are suitable for tea planting. It has a long history and produces the famous “Taihua tea” in history. Fengqing(凤庆） tea factory used to be the standard setter of black tea in China. To produce a national level improved species: Fengqing（凤庆） large leaf species. There are 56000 acre of ancient tea resources, Fengshan(凤山）, Mengyou（勐佑）, Dasi（大寺）, Sancha River（三岔河）, snow mountain and other places have thousands of acres of ancient tea garden cultivation .

2. Yun county（云县）

Located in the northeast of Lincang(临沧），The wild tea trees are distributed in each town and the famous are: Dazong mountain（大宗山）, Xingfu town（幸福镇）、Tanglishu village（堂梨树村） Yongbao town（涌宝镇）、Dabing mountain （大丙山）in Manwan town（漫湾镇）、Huangzhulinqing （黄竹林箐）in Aihua Town（爱华镇） etc.  Rich varieties of tea here,  which shows the evolution history of different stages from wild tea tree to cultivated tea tree.

3. Yongde(永德)

Located in the northwest of Lincang(临沧），Yongde（永德）with a long history, is known as the place where “ten thousand teas return to their ancestors”. Yongde （永德）is also the county with the largest area of wild tea forest in Yunnan, reaching more than 110000 acre. There are wild tea trees in 11 towns, especially in Minglang(明朗）, wumulong（乌木龙）, Yalian（亚练）, Daxueshan（大雪山） and other places.

4. Shuangjiang(双江)

Located in the south of Lincang（临沧）, the tea garden covers an area of 68000 acre. Mengku town(勐库镇） is known as the most important gene pool of Pu’er tea, it is the most famous big leaf tea in Yunnan(云南）of  Mengku（勐库） big leaf tea .

5. Gengma(耿马)

Located in the southwest of Lincang(临沧），57000 acre of wild ancient tea trees and especially 30000 acre in Daqingshan(大青山） Nature Reserve.

6. Linxiang district (临翔区)

Located in the Middle East of Lincang(临沧），Ancient tea tree community 20000 acre.

7. Zhenkang(镇康)

Located in the west of Lincang(临沧），The most famous ancient tea tree here is “zhenkang Dashan tea”（镇康大山茶）. WanDian(湾甸） tea of Ming Dynasty is most famous .

★Distribution of Ancient tea trees in  Baoshan(保山) 

Baoshan(保山） does not belong to the Lancang River（澜沧江） Basin. In the current Pu’er tea production area of Yunnan Province（云南省）, the sun-dry green tea produced by Baoshan（保山） is not popular. However,  compared with the over picking situation in Mengla（勐腊）, Jinghong（景洪) and Menghai（勐海）of  Xishuangbanna（西双版纳）,there are still have many cultivated wild tea areas in Baoshan(保山） that still not been fully developed.  The tea quality in here still in the high level.

The distribution area of ancient tea trees is nearly 15000 acre.  The most concentrated distribution and representative cultivation of the ancient tea garden are  Tengchongbawai(腾冲坝外）tea garden、wenjiatang(文家塘） ancient tea garden in Shangying（上营） and huangjiazhai（黄家寨） ancient tea garden in Mangshui Township(漭水乡） in Changning（昌宁）. In particular, the ancient trees of Gaoligong Mountain（高黎贡山） system, although it not exceed the characters of the other three tea areas, the strong tea tastes and pure flavor still the most important ancient tea tree resource.

In addition, ancient tea trees are distributed in Dehong(德宏）,Wenshan(文山）and other prefectures. Such as Luxi(潞西），Ruili(瑞丽) and Lianghe(梁河） in Dehong(德宏）prefecture; Yuanyang(元阳）and Jinping(金平）in Honghe(红河）prefecture; Guangnan(广南），Maguan（马关）and Malipo(麻栗坡）in Wenshan(文山）prefecture, etc. Although the distribution area of wild tea community and ancient tea garden in there areas is not large, there are many tea plant species in Yunnan(云南）.

Chinese Version:
https://www.sohu.com/a/142383525_369603

Beginning an unforgettable journey through the lush landscapes of Lincang, Yunnan Province, where rich tea culture intertwines with the vibrant traditions of the Wa ethnic minority. This 6-day tour offers an immersive experience in the art of tea cultivation, tasting, and cultural exploration. Discover enchanting tea plantations, engage with local farmers, and delve into the unique lifestyle and customs of the Wa people. Whether you are a tea enthusiast or a cultural adventurer, this tour promises to provide a profound connection to one of China’s most significant tea regions.

Introduction

Embark on an extraordinary adventure through the verdant scenery of Lincang in Yunnan Province, where the exquisite tea culture merges seamlessly with the lively traditions of the Wa ethnic minority. This 6-day tour provides a deep dive into the practices of tea cultivation, tasting, and cultural discovery. Explore stunning tea plantations, interact with local farmers, and immerse yourself in the distinctive lifestyle and customs of the Wa community. Whether you have a passion for tea or a love for cultural experiences, this journey guarantees a meaningful connection to one of China’s foremost tea-producing regions.

Highlights:

• Discover Lincang’s Tea Heritage: Visit renowned tea plantations and learn about the traditional methods of tea production. Engage in tea-picking activities and taste some of the finest Pu-erh and green teas.
• Cultural Immersion with the Wa Ethnic Minority: Experience the daily life of the Wa people. Participate in traditional ceremonies, enjoy local cuisine, and gain insights into their rich cultural heritage.
• Scenic Trekking in Nature: Explore the breathtaking landscapes of Lincang through guided trekking routes that offer stunning views of terraced tea fields and lush forests.
• Visit Historical Sites: Learn about the history of tea in Lincang by visiting important cultural and historical sites, including ancient tea houses and temples that reflect the region’s vibrant past.
• Hands-On Workshops: Participate in tea-making workshops where you’ll learn how to brew authentic Chinese tea and understand the nuances of different tea varieties.
• Local Market Experience: Explore local markets that offer a variety of fresh produce, textiles, and handicrafts, giving you an authentic feel of the region’s commerce and lifestyle.
• Comfortable Accommodations: Enjoy comfortable stays in locally-run guesthouses and hotels that provide a taste of Wa hospitality, complete with traditional meals and warm service.

Brief Itinerary

• Day 1 Lincang Arrival
• Day 2 Lincang – Fengqing
• Day 3 Fengqing – Lushi – Fengqing
• Day 4 Fengqing – Yunxian – Lincang
• Day 5 Lincang – Cangyuan
• Day 6 Cangyuan Departure

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Detailed Itinerary