Yunnan is home to a mind-blowing array of tea tree varieties, however, the old tea forests of Jingmai Mountain are something else altogether. Thanks in part to the locals who have continued the tradition of caring for these tea forests, this area was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2023.

Unlike massive tea plantations, the folks on Jingmai Mountain have a different cultivation approach. They gently make room for tea trees in the natural forest, letting them grow wild and free. In addition, the locals prioritize the mountain ecosystem, keeping its water sources crystal clear and in top condition.

The old tea forests of Jingmai Mountain have been home to the Blang, Dai, and three other ethnic groups for generations. After harvesting the early-spring tea leaves, folks on Jingmai Mountain offer up the best of this harvest to their ancestors. This is their way of giving thanks and hoping for another good yield.

Watch the video to find out more about the old tea forests of Jingmai Mountain.