Discover the New Six Pu Er Tea Mountains

Yunnan is the birthplace of Pu-erh tea and home to an extraordinary collection of historic tea mountains, ancient tea forests and culturally important tea-producing villages.

The most famous origins are traditionally divided into two groups:

the Ancient Six Tea Mountains — 古六大茶山, primarily associated with the eastern side of the Lancang River, and

the New Six Tea Mountains — 新六大茶山, traditionally associated with the western side.

These mountains are more than geographic locations. Each one contains smaller villages, old tea plantation and forest micro-regions shaped by differences in elevation, soil, rainfall, tree varieties and local processing traditions.

This is the foundation of the well-known Pu-erh expression:

一山一味 — “Each mountain has its own taste.”

The map provides a simplified introduction to these celebrated origins. The locations are approximate and intended as an educational guide rather than a precise administrative map.

The New Six Tea Mountains

新六大茶山

The New Six are also called the Six Tea Mountains Outside the River — 江外六大茶山, because they are traditionally associated with the western side of the Lancang River.

The conventional group shown on this map is Nannuo, Nanjiao, Mengsong, Bulang, Bada and Jingmai. However, classifications vary: some modern sources substitute Hekai or include additional western tea mountains.

1. Nannuo — 南糯山

Nannuo Mountain is one of Menghai County’s most historic and extensive ancient-tea areas. It is closely associated with Hani communities and contains numerous villages spread across different elevations.

Tea from different Nannuo villages can vary considerably. Lower areas may be softer and more accessible, while high-elevation origins can offer greater fragrance, intensity and cooling character.

Typical character:
Balanced and approachable, with floral or honeyed aroma, medium body, moderate astringency and a fresh, sweet finish.

2. Nanjiao — 南峤山

Also known as Mengzhe — 勐遮

Nanjiao is the historical name associated with the modern Mengzhe area of Menghai County. Unlike more mountainous origins, Mengzhe includes a broad, fertile basin surrounded by tea-growing hills.

The remaining older tea-tree resources are more limited and scattered than those of Nannuo, Bulang or Mengsong.

Typical character:
Gentle and sweet, with lifted fragrance, light-to-medium body, mild bitterness and a clean finish.

 

3. Mengsong — 勐宋山

Mengsong is one of Menghai County’s highest and most diverse tea regions. It should not be confused with Jinghong Mengsong, another tea-producing area elsewhere in Xishuangbanna.

Its ancient gardens are distributed around Huazhu Liangzi, one of Xishuangbanna’s highest peaks. Elevation contributes to a distinctive combination of fragrance, intensity and cooling mountain character.

Typical character:
Highly aromatic and energetic, with pronounced mountain freshness, clear bitterness, rapid sweetness and a lingering cooling sensation.

4. Bulang — 布朗山

Bulang Mountain is among the most powerful and famous Pu-erh origins. It is closely connected to the long tea-growing traditions of the Bulang people, descendants of ancient Pu communities.

The region contains some of Pu-erh’s most sought-after villages. Its teas are generally recognised for strength, density and pronounced bitter-sweet transformation.

Typical character:
Bold, concentrated and powerful, with strong bitterness, rapid returning sweetness, dense body, long throat sensation and excellent ageing potential.

 

5. Bada — 巴达山

Bada Mountain lies in western Menghai County near the Myanmar border. It contains old tea gardens associated with Bulang, Hani and Lahu communities.

Bada became particularly famous for the ancient wild tea tree formerly found near Hesong. Its village gardens remain important examples of forest-integrated tea cultivation.

Typical character:
Firm and refreshing, with clear bitterness, floral or dried-fruit fragrance, active salivation and a clean, lingering aftertaste.

 

6. Jingmai — 景迈山

Jingmai Mountain lies in Lancang County, Pu’er City, rather than Xishuangbanna. It is nevertheless traditionally included in many versions of the New Six Tea Mountains.

Typical character:
Elegant and fragrant, often showing orchid, honey and forest aromas, soft bitterness, rounded sweetness and a distinctive lingering character sometimes described as “Jingmai fragrance.”

 

Explore Yunnan Pu-erh Tea

Understanding origin allows you to experience Pu-erh tea beyond its age or production year. A tea from Yiwu may emphasise fragrance and refined sweetness, while one from Bulang may offer a more powerful structure and bitter-sweet transformation.

At Long’s Tea, our Pu-erh selection explores the diversity of different puer from each mountains, villages and ancient-tree regions.

Suggested buttons:

• Shop Raw Pu-erh Tea
• Discover Ancient Tree Tea
• Read Our Pu-erh Brewing Guide

Disclaimer

Tea characteristics are general regional descriptions only. Flavour can vary according to village, plantation, tree age, harvest season, processing, ageing and storage.