The Realm of the Tea King: Exploring the Ancient Tea Forests of Nannuo Mountain

The King of Tea Mountains

1.Located in Menghai: County, Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, Nannuo Mountain (Nannuoshan) is not merely a scenic spot but a living ecological museum of tea culture. Known as the "King of Ancient Tea Mountains" and a natural bank of tea germplasm, Nannuo Mountain boasts a vast and continuous area of ancient tea gardens, making it one of the most significant origins of Pu'er tea. With an average altitude of 1,400 meters, the mountain is shrouded in clouds and mist year-round, creating the perfect environment for tea trees to thrive. For tea lovers and cultural explorers, Nannuo Mountain is a pilgrimage site where one can touch the history of tea and experience the harmonious existence of humans and nature.

A Living History of the Hani People

2.The history of Nannuo: Mountain is a chronicle of the Hani people (specifically the Akha branch) coexisting with tea trees for over 800 years. According to historical records and legends, the ancestors of the Hani people settled here during the Tang and Song dynasties. They discovered wild tea trees and began the long tradition of protecting, cultivating, and utilizing them. In the Hani culture, tea trees are considered sacred spirits. The ancient tea forests are not just agricultural assets but are intertwined with the tribe's history, migration, and spiritual life. Walking through the villages, visitors can sense the deep reverence the locals hold for these trees, which are seen as the legacy of their ancestors.

The 800-Year-Old King of Tea Trees

3.The crown jewel of Nannuo: Mountain is the King of Tea Trees located near Banpo Old Village (Banpo Laozhai). This magnificent tree is over 800 years old and stands 5.5 meters tall. It is a testament to the longevity and vitality of the species. Standing beneath this ancient giant, visitors can feel the weight of centuries. The surrounding area features a unique "Forest-Tea Symbiosis" landscape, where tall arbor trees, ancient tea trees, and natural vegetation grow together in layers. This high biodiversity creates a "garden in the sky" effect, making it a spectacular sight for ecological observation and a paradise for photographers.

Ancient Villages and Tea Culture

4.Nannuo Mountain is home to several authentic: Hani villages, such as Banpo Old Village, Guniang Village, and Yulin Village. These villages preserve the traditional lifestyle of tea farming. The houses are typically built on stilts, and almost every household has a space dedicated to tea processing. Visitors are often welcomed into local homes to watch the traditional process of frying and drying tea leaves. Sitting by a fire pit, tasting a cup of freshly brewed ancient tree tea, and listening to the stories of the Hani people is the most authentic way to experience the local culture. The hospitality here is warm, and the connection between the people and their tea mountain is palpable.

Hiking the Ancient Tea Horse Road

5.Exploring Nannuo: Mountain offers a perfect blend of hiking and cultural immersion. Well-maintained trails wind through the primeval forests and ancient tea gardens, connecting the different villages. Hiking these paths allows visitors to breathe the fresh mountain air, admire the massive trunks of ancient trees, and witness the sea of clouds that often blankets the valleys. There are observation decks along the way that offer panoramic views of the lush tea mountains. Whether it is the vibrant green of the fresh leaves in spring or the busy harvest scenes, Nannuo Mountain provides a serene escape into a world where tea is life.