Menghai (勐海) Tea Region

Menghai is one of the most renowned Pu-erh tea producing regions in Xishuangbanna, famous for its strong, bold, and complex teas. It is home to several iconic tea mountains.

Famous Tea Mountains and Villages in Menghai

Lao Banzhang (老班章)

Lao Banzhang is often referred to as the “King of Pu-erh” due to its exceptional quality and high prices. Teas from Lao Banzhang are known for their intense bitterness that quickly transforms into a powerful, long-lasting sweetness (回甘), thick mouthfeel, strong cha qi (茶气 - tea energy), and rich aroma.

Bulangshan (布朗山)

Bulangshan is a large tea mountain range with a significant concentration of ancient tea trees. Teas from Bulangshan are characterized by their strong, sometimes aggressive, bitterness and astringency in their youth, which mellows with age into a deep, rich flavor with a prominent sweet aftertaste. They are known for their robust cha qi.

Nannuoshan (南糯山)

Nannuoshan is one of the oldest cultivated tea mountains, with a history spanning over a thousand years. Teas from Nannuoshan offer a balanced profile, often described as having a pleasant bitterness that quickly dissipates, followed by a refreshing sweetness. They tend to have a smooth texture, floral or fruity notes, and a gentle cha qi.

Hekai (贺开)

Hekai is another significant ancient tea mountain in Menghai. Its teas are known for their strong, lingering sweetness, thick and smooth liquor, and a distinct floral or honey aroma. They often exhibit a good balance of bitterness and sweetness, with a comfortable cha qi.