In 2023, we went to see those teas in China

The Charm of Pu’er Tea Lies Not Only in Its Unique Taste, but Also in the Mountains That Nurture These Precious Tea Leaves.

This study tour will follow in the footsteps of ancient tea trees, exploring the most representative mountains of Pu’er tea, from Banpen to Hekai, and then to Laobanzhang. Each tea mountain hides its own history and untold stories.

Banpen: The Start of the Journey with Ancient Tea Fragrance

Banpen is a quiet place hidden deep in the mountains. The tea trees here are ancient, old, and full of vitality. As we step onto this land, it’s like entering a world of tea, with the air filled with fresh tea aroma, as if telling the history of Banpen tea. The tea from Banpen has a rich flavor with a lingering sweetness, much like the deep tranquility of this mountainous area.

Hekai: Tea Gardens in the Primeval Forest

Hekai is located in Xishuangbanna, a tea garden nestled within a primeval forest. We followed the mountain paths, winding through dense woods, gradually approaching the tea gardens. Hekai’s tea leaves are tender and fragrant, making them one of the most precious types of Pu’er tea. Here, generations of tea farmers work harmoniously with nature, creating the unique charm of Hekai tea.

Laobanzhang: A Combination of Strength and Gentleness

Arriving at Laobanzhang, we were greeted with a powerful tea energy. This tea mountain is known for its bold and rich flavor. Laobanzhang tea not only has a thick tea broth but also a gentle sweetness, both of which blend perfectly to create a unique tea-drinking experience. The smiles of the tea farmers on the mountain are as warm as the sunshine, and their simple way of life is touching.

Yibang: Memories of the Ancient Tea-Horse Road

Yibang is one of the birthplaces of Pu’er tea and was historically an important point on the Ancient Tea-Horse Road. Walking along the ancient paths of Yibang, it feels as if we’ve traveled back to the times when caravans passed through, with the sound of horse hooves and the bustling of merchants echoing in our ears. Yibang tea has a unique aroma and delicate taste, making it seem as if one can savor the weight of history while drinking it.

Mansong Prince Mountain: The Dignity of Royal Tribute Tea

Mansong Prince Mountain is the royal territory of Pu’er tea, where the tea produced is known as “Royal Tribute Tea.” The ancient tea trees on the mountain stand tall, having weathered centuries. Mansong tea has a golden and bright broth, with a fresh and brisk flavor, exuding an indescribable noble aura. Standing on the mountaintop, overlooking the entire tea garden, one feels the deep connection between the tea leaves and the mountains.

Geden and Mangzhi: A Blend of Old and New

Geden and Mangzhi are two major producing areas of Pu’er tea, each with its own characteristics. Geden Tea Mountain is renowned for its ancient tea trees, producing tea with a mellow taste and sweet aftertaste. Mangzhi Tea Mountain, on the other hand, combines modern tea cultivation techniques with traditional practices, continuously improving the quality of the tea. Between the two, there is both historical inheritance and modern innovation.

Tongqing River and Baihua Pond: The Embodiment of Nature’s Beauty

Tongqing River and Baihua Pond are names that evoke images of natural beauty. The tea leaves from the Tongqing River region carry a fresh mountain scent, while the tea gardens of Baihua Pond are especially enchanting during the season when the flowers bloom. The tea here is fragrant and melts in your mouth, blending seamlessly with nature.

Naka and Pasha Rhino Pond: The Mysterious Colors of Tea Mountains

Naka and Pasha Rhino Pond are both mysterious places in the world of Pu’er tea. Naka Tea Mountain’s tea leaves have a unique wild honey flavor, offering a different kind of sensory experience. Pasha Rhino Pond is famous for its ancient tea tree communities, where the tea leaves have a rich aged aroma and a profound sense of history.

Bangdong and Xigui: The Final Destinations of the Tea Mountain Journey

Bangdong Tea Mountain, with its high altitude and unique climate, produces Pu’er tea with a rich fragrance. This is the penultimate stop of our journey. The mountain is enveloped in mist, giving the feeling of being in a fairyland. Xigui is the final destination of our study tour, where the tea leaves are known for their sweet and smooth taste, leaving a lasting impression.