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The Characteristics of the Ancient Tree Tea from Radar Mountain

Tea News · May 06, 2025

Radar Mountain is part of Gelanghe Township, Menghai County, Xishuangbanna Prefecture, Yunnan Province, also known as Lunan Mountain. It is the second-highest peak in Xishuangbanna. The ancient Tea gardens are located at an altitude of 1,900 to 2,100 meters. Because the area has not been commercially hyped, its ecological environment remains very primitive. The closer it is to its original state, the more it attracts explorers. It is situated south of National Highway 214 between Menghai and Jinghong, facing Nan Nuo Mountain across a river and bordering Myanmar and Laos. The name Radar Mountain comes from the radar station built by the People's Liberation Army on its summit, a rather straightforward origin.

The Characteristics of the Ancient Tree Tea from Radar Mountain-1

There is another meaning behind the name Radar Mountain, which is related to the Aini ethnic group. In the Aini language, Radar Mountain was originally called Luo Na Mountain. “Luo” means stone, and “Na” means to stay. Hence, Luo Na Mountain literally means Stone Mountain.

The large area of Radar Mountain mainly consists of three ancient tea gardens: Pa Zhen and Pa Sha to the west, and Nan Pen to the south. These three tea gardens share similar characteristics: aroma, sweetness, and smoothness, collectively known as “Radar Mountain tea.” However, there are certainly differences among them.

Among these, Pa Zhen Radar Mountain is covered by primeval rainforest of unknown age. To its west lies Laobanzhang, to the north is Nan Nuo Mountain, and to the south is Pa Sha. At its base is the famous Black Dragon Pond Reservoir, giving it a unique geographical advantage.

The Characteristics of the Ancient Tree Tea from Radar Mountain-2

The ancient tea trees of Radar Mountain are scattered in the primitive forest far from the tea Village. It takes at least one hour on foot from the village to reach the tea garden. However, the beautiful scenery along the way can make one forget their fatigue and continue onward.

Here, the tea trees grow mixed with other trees. Tall trees shade some of the sunlight, while the tea trees bask in “diffused light,” growing on the slopes of the mountain, distinct from other tea trees. For picking, climbing is difficult, and harvesting is challenging.

Therefore, picking fresh leaves from the tea trees on Radar Mountain requires twice the time compared to other tea mountains, making their rarity evident.

Additionally, there is rarely any Rain Tea or Valley Flower tea available for picking. This relatively low yield is another distinctive feature of Radar Mountain Pu'er tea.

The Characteristics of the Ancient Tree Tea from Radar Mountain-3

In such an environment, the taste of Radar Mountain tea is reminiscent of Laobanzhang, featuring a rich and full-bodied balance of bitterness and sweetness, with harmonious and layered changes.

The dry tea has thick and beautiful twisted leaves, with a strong wild aroma. The soup is thick and smooth, with high clarity and low bitterness and astringency. Its fragrance is light and ethereal, and the mouthfeel of returning sweetness is clean and crisp. Rich in content but well-balanced, it leaves a cool aftertaste in the throat.

A subtle floral and fruity fragrance lingers in the mouth, complemented by a unique, astringent, bitter aroma that originates from the natural floral and honey scents. Refreshing and delightful, it leaves a lasting impression.

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