In Mengla County 勐腊县, Xishuangbanna, Yunnan, stands a mysterious peak at an altitude of 1900 meters – Kongming Mountain 孔明山. It is the highest among the "Six Great Ancient Tea Mountains" of Pu'er tea. Legend has it that during the Three Kingdoms period, Zhuge Liang, on his southern campaign, sowed tea seeds in these mountains, which grew into the ancient tea forests we see today. Locals revere Kongming (Zhuge Liang, 诸葛亮) as the "Tea Ancestor." Every year, on the 23rd day of the seventh lunar month, a "Tea Ancestor Festival" is held where villages jointly worship Kongming Mountain, light Kongming lanterns, perform ethnic dances, and express their gratitude for his introduction of tea seeds and civilization. Kongming Mountain, named for its resemblance to Zhuge Liang's iconic cap, is a sacred place where nature and history intertwine.
The ancient tree tea from Kongming Mountain, nurtured amidst high mountains and mist, possesses a unique charm. Its aroma is gentle, and the tea liquor feels full-bodied. It has low bitterness and astringency but offers a quick and sweet aftertaste (Huigan). The entrance is smooth and moist, with a distinct breath of the wild mountains. The tea soup is initially slightly bitter upon entering the mouth, then sweetness returns, and any astringency is fleeting and does not linger. The throat charm is long-lasting and persistent. The tea liquor is clear yet textured, and the fragrance at the bottom of the cup is prominent and uplifting, representing a high-mountain ancient tree tea full of mountain charm and untamed wildness.
After aging, the aroma of Kongming Mountain ancient tree tea becomes even more mellow, its nature gentler, and its flavors more distinct and layered, offering an endlessly delightful aftertaste. If you are a tea enthusiast seeking both flavor and cultural depth, this Pu'er ancient tree tea from Kongming Mountain will undoubtedly lead you to appreciate the unique allure of ancient tea regions and savor the beautiful gift of nature and history.