Yunan-Pu'er: Kunlu Mountain
Kunlu Mountain, an ancient royal tribute tea garden, lies in the misty hills of Pu’er, Yunnan. Known for its rich tea-making heritage and stunning landscapes, this mountain holds the secrets of Pu’er tea’s enduring charm and cultural significance. As part of the Chinese Tea Alliance’s second stop in Pu’er, our visit to Kunlu Mountain offered a rare chance to explore the deep connection between tea, culture, and history.
Our journey to Kunlu Mountain began with the fragrant scent of tea leaves carried by the fresh mountain breeze. The ancient tea trees, tall and majestic, seemed to tell stories of the centuries they’ve witnessed. Among them stands the legendary "Tree No. 3," nearly 1,900 years old and over 25 meters tall. Locals joked, “This tree has seen more dynasties than our history books can describe.” Standing beneath its massive trunk, I could feel the deep connection between the tree and the history of tea.
The Pinnacle Tea Plant Among the World’s Fine-Leaf Varieties
Meeting Mr. Li Xingchang was one of the most memorable parts of this trip. A national inheritor of Pu’er tribute tea-making techniques, Mr. Li comes across as humble yet resolute. His family has safeguarded this heritage for eight generations. He shared how his elderly mother made it her life’s mission to preserve their ancient tea garden. “She told me that no matter how hard things get, this craft must never die,” he said. Mr. Li’s hands, weathered and strong, bear the marks of decades of tea-making. He brewed a pot of Kunlu Mountain tea for us, and its amber-colored liquor released a subtle yet profound aroma. The tea was slightly bitter at first but soon transformed into a long-lasting sweetness, encapsulating the taste of Kunlu Mountain. “This,” he said with a smile, “is the soul of Kunlu Mountain.”
Mr. Li’s son, Li Mingze, later guided us deeper into the tea garden. He explained how the tea has become a part of the locals’ lives: “Every spring, we celebrate the tea harvest with a festival. For us, tea is not just a drink; it’s our way of life.” While wandering through the garden, we met local tea pickers, skillfully harvesting the tender tea leaves. One of them handed me a fresh leaf to taste. It was crisp, sweet, and refreshing—like nature itself distilled into a single bite.
We also visited a preserved section of the ancient courier route near the tea garden. During the Qing Dynasty, this road was used to transport tribute tea to the royal court, with soldiers stationed nearby to oversee production. Even today, the stone road bears the imprints of horses’ hooves, quietly telling the story of its former glory. As I rested in a tea pavilion overlooking the vast forest and ancient tea trees, I felt deeply connected to the history surrounding me.
At the tea-making workshop, we had the chance to participate in some traditional tea-making processes. Li Mingze taught us how to roll the tea leaves: “Think of it like kneading dough—too hard or too soft, and it won’t work.” Though our attempts were clumsy, the freshly processed tea leaves released a lovely fragrance, making the effort worthwhile.
Kunlu Mountain’s tea is more than just a beverage; it represents culture, history, and the connection between people and nature. The Li family not only protects this heritage but also shares it with those passionate about tea. “Tea’s vitality lies in sharing,” they said. “The more people understand and cherish it, the longer it will endure.”
This journey to Kunlu Mountain taught me that every tea leaf carries a story of dedication and craftsmanship. Standing in the mountain’s embrace, with its rolling tea gardens and dense forests, I realized this was more than a trip—it was a dialogue between culture and nature. Just like the lingering aroma of Kunlu tea, the memories of this journey will stay with me forever.
