{"title":"map-man-nong","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"spring-2022-hekai","title":"Spring 2022 Hekai","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLate April 2022, Man Nong village, Ancient tea gardens, small and big trees picked together.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRobust Menghai taste with just the good mix of bitterness and sweetness. Strong overall profile, but not overwhelming. A good daily drinker for woodcutters.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- split --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis tea is a classic from Menghai. Man Nong village in Hekai Mountain, second-flush Spring harvest from the ancient tea gardens.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou get some interesting fragrance, but it is not the main point of this tea. You're here for the mouthfeel and a good kick. The tea is well-layered, you can feel the soup coming down your throat as the short-lived bitterness dissipates. This bitterness is of moderate intensity, it's nothing like Lao Man E. Astringency is low, the liquor seizes the mouth without being too aggressive. You'll get a good amount of brews from this tea if you enjoy the bold sweetness of the later infusions. This makes it a suitable premium daily drinker if you like your tea on the stronger side.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"hekai puerh tea\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1318\/5761\/files\/DSCF0854_1024x1024.jpg?v=1661241159\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHekai is located in the West of Menghai. If you go there, I recommend you stop in Menghun for some barbecue, they are the best of the region. You'll then cross expansive paddy fields and start climbing the mountain.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"barbecue in xishuangbanna\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1318\/5761\/files\/DSCF9779_1024x1024.jpg?v=1661241117\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHekai was a very secluded area before the Puerh tea boom in the mid-2000's. The Lahu people who inhabit the place are known to be shy, when you went there back in 2010, they would barely talk to strangers. Since then, their business skill has improved... slightly. You don't go there to practice your small-talk anyway, you're in for the tea leaves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1318\/5761\/files\/DSCF9828_1024x1024.jpg?v=1661241208\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHekai has the largest ancient tea gardens of Xishuangbanna. The trees are big and grow mostly in forested areas on steep slopes, around the villages. They have been well-preserved.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"ancient tea gardens in hekai mountain\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1318\/5761\/files\/DSCF9835_1024x1024.jpg?v=1661241241\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInterestingly, the leaves look very much like Jingmai tea, they are medium-small varietal. Yet, the taste of Hekai tea is very different from Jingmai. There is not much orchid fragrance, it's not a charming tea at a first sip. It's a tea made for long sessions, over which the sweetness will build up in your mouth and which will leave you sweaty and relaxed, sitting at the bottom of your chair, but elevated to a new plane of consciousness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"ancient tea tree\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1318\/5761\/files\/DSCF9839_1024x1024.jpg?v=1661241318\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHekai is made of three villages: Man Mai, which has the largest ancient gardens, Man Nong, with fewer gardens but of equal quality, and finally Banpen, which is only three kilometers away for Lao Ban Zhang.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"man mai village in hekai mountain\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1318\/5761\/files\/DSCF9909_1024x1024.jpg?v=1661241376\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDespite being on the 'road of the great teas', a loop that goes through Hekai, Banzhang and Bulang Shan, the place is not particularly touristy, and the company of the shy villagers makes for great tea sessions. They won't tell you amazing stories about their teas, but they have maintained their gardens for centuries and do a conscientious job. It's one of my favourite place to visit, because you can sit at the farmer's table and enjoy great tea without having to do small talk. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"tea factory in hekai mountain yunnan\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1318\/5761\/files\/DSCF9914_08d0f257-7ce5-4e50-a4e2-4da7504eb68e_1024x1024.jpg?v=1661241412\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Farmerleaf","offers":[{"title":"357g cake","offer_id":43265907032251,"sku":"22年 春 贺开 357克","price":120.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"20g sample","offer_id":43265907065019,"sku":"22年 春 贺开 20克","price":12.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1318\/5761\/products\/DSCF0853.jpg?v=1661241882"},{"product_id":"spring-2023-hekai","title":"Spring 2023 Hekai","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEarly Spring 2023, Man Nong village, Ancient tea gardens, small and big trees picked together.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoft Menghai tea, good mix of fragrance and depth\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- split --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHekai is one of the softer mountains of Menghai, it shows low bitterness and astringency. Yet you can clearly find the menghai character in the type of sweetness you'll find here, the soup has a medium body and displays good minerality. Huigan can be felt after a few cups, relaxation and sweating is expected if you are that kind of tea drinker. Interestingly, hekai has something in common with Jingmai tea, even though you can still easily tell them apart, Hekai will display a stronger character overall. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"hekai tea\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopifycdn.net\/s\/files\/1\/1318\/5761\/files\/DSCF3333_81ea800e-98a3-41c8-a8d2-7c398b9c8189_1024x1024.jpg?v=1689171796\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHekai is located in the West of Menghai. If you go there, I recommend you stop in Menghun for some barbecue, they are the best of the region. You'll then cross expansive paddy fields and start climbing the mountain.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"hekai map\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopifycdn.net\/s\/files\/1\/1318\/5761\/files\/hekai_1024x1024.jpg?v=1689172269\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"barbecue in xishuangbanna\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1318\/5761\/files\/DSCF9779_1024x1024.jpg?v=1661241117\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopifycdn.net\/s\/files\/1\/1318\/5761\/files\/DSCF9820_1024x1024.jpg?v=1689171868\" alt=\"hekai mountain\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopifycdn.net\/s\/files\/1\/1318\/5761\/files\/DSCF9820_1024x1024.jpg?v=1689171868\"\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHekai was a very secluded area before the Puerh tea boom in the mid-2000's. The Lahu people who inhabit the place are known to be shy, when you went there back in 2010, they would barely talk to strangers. Since then, their business skill has improved... slightly. You don't go there to practice your small-talk anyway, you're in for the tea leaves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1318\/5761\/files\/DSCF9828_1024x1024.jpg?v=1661241208\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHekai has the largest ancient tea gardens of Xishuangbanna. The trees are big and grow mostly in forested areas on steep slopes, around the villages. They have been well-preserved.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"close up on hekai mountain\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopifycdn.net\/s\/files\/1\/1318\/5761\/files\/hekaicloseup_1024x1024.jpg?v=1689172751\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"ancient tea gardens in hekai mountain\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1318\/5761\/files\/DSCF9835_1024x1024.jpg?v=1661241241\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInterestingly, the leaves look very much like Jingmai tea, they are medium-small varietal. Yet, the taste of Hekai tea is very different from Jingmai. There is not much orchid fragrance, it's not a charming tea at a first sip. It's a tea made for long sessions, over which the sweetness will build up in your mouth and which will leave you sweaty and relaxed, sitting at the bottom of your chair, but elevated to a new plane of consciousness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"ancient tea tree\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1318\/5761\/files\/DSCF9839_1024x1024.jpg?v=1661241318\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHekai is made of three villages: Man Mai, which has the largest ancient gardens, Man Nong, with fewer gardens but of equal quality, and finally Banpen, which is only three kilometers away for Lao Ban Zhang.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"man mai village in hekai mountain\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1318\/5761\/files\/DSCF9909_1024x1024.jpg?v=1661241376\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDespite being on the 'road of the great teas', a loop that goes through Hekai, Banzhang and Bulang Shan, the place is not particularly touristy, and the company of the shy villagers makes for great tea sessions. They won't tell you amazing stories about their teas, but they have maintained their gardens for centuries and do a conscientious job. It's one of my favourite place to visit, because you can sit at the farmer's table and enjoy great tea without having to do small talk. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"tea factory in hekai mountain yunnan\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1318\/5761\/files\/DSCF9914_08d0f257-7ce5-4e50-a4e2-4da7504eb68e_1024x1024.jpg?v=1661241412\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Farmerleaf","offers":[{"title":"357g cake","offer_id":44685328449723,"sku":"23年 春 贺开 357克","price":140.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"20g sample","offer_id":44685328482491,"sku":"23年 春 贺开 20克","price":14.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1318\/5761\/files\/DSCF3297.jpg?v=1689171150"},{"product_id":"spring-2023-hekai-single-trees","title":"Spring 2023 Hekai single trees","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEarly Spring 2023, Man Nong village, big trees from the ancient tea garden\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLoose leaf Pu-erh tea\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoft and powerful with a good mouth-coating effect\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- split --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis tea is made of the three biggest trees growing in Na Duo's ancient tea gardens. She picked them separately from the main harvest, we stored the mao cha in Pu'er City for six months before releasing it. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt offers a deeper experience than the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.farmer-leaf.com\/collections\/yunnan-pu-erh-tea\/products\/spring-2023-hekai\"\u003eHekai cake\u003c\/a\u003e. You will get a better Huigan and Chaqi. The tea soup coats the mouth early in the session. The fragrance feels more muted but also more complex and leathery. The tea is playful on the tongue with just the right amount of bitterness. Overall, it is a suitable tea to explore the difference between younger and older trees, all else being equal. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo learn more about Hekai area, you can check this video: \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/pcQd1CK_hPw?si=l0Qb486MXdw_JwXL\" height=\"315\" width=\"560\" allowfullscreen=\"\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" frameborder=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Farmerleaf","offers":[{"title":"70g pouch","offer_id":44832633454779,"sku":"23年 春 贺开单株 70克","price":42.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1318\/5761\/files\/DSCF5863.jpg?v=1700719917"},{"product_id":"spring-2024-hekai","title":"Spring 2024 Hekai","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpring 2024, Man Nong village, Ancient tea gardens, small and big trees picked together.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoft Menghai tea, good mix of fragrance and depth\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- split --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHekai is one of the softer mountains of Menghai, it shows low bitterness and astringency. Yet you can clearly find the menghai character in the type of sweetness you'll find here, the soup has a medium body and displays good minerality. Huigan can be felt after a few cups, relaxation and sweating is expected if you are that kind of tea drinker. Interestingly, hekai has something in common with Jingmai tea, even though you can still easily tell them apart, Hekai will display a stronger character overall. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"hekai tea\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopifycdn.net\/s\/files\/1\/1318\/5761\/files\/DSCF3333_81ea800e-98a3-41c8-a8d2-7c398b9c8189_1024x1024.jpg?v=1689171796\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHekai is located in the West of Menghai. If you go there, I recommend you stop in Menghun for some barbecue, they are the best of the region. You'll then cross expansive paddy fields and start climbing the mountain.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"hekai map\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopifycdn.net\/s\/files\/1\/1318\/5761\/files\/hekai_1024x1024.jpg?v=1689172269\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"barbecue in xishuangbanna\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1318\/5761\/files\/DSCF9779_1024x1024.jpg?v=1661241117\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopifycdn.net\/s\/files\/1\/1318\/5761\/files\/DSCF9820_1024x1024.jpg?v=1689171868\" alt=\"hekai mountain\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopifycdn.net\/s\/files\/1\/1318\/5761\/files\/DSCF9820_1024x1024.jpg?v=1689171868\"\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHekai was a very secluded area before the Puerh tea boom in the mid-2000's. The Lahu people who inhabit the place are known to be shy, when you went there back in 2010, they would barely talk to strangers. Since then, their business skill has improved... slightly. You don't go there to practice your small-talk anyway, you're in for the tea leaves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1318\/5761\/files\/DSCF9828_1024x1024.jpg?v=1661241208\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHekai has the largest ancient tea gardens of Xishuangbanna. The trees are big and grow mostly in forested areas on steep slopes, around the villages. They have been well-preserved.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"close up on hekai mountain\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopifycdn.net\/s\/files\/1\/1318\/5761\/files\/hekaicloseup_1024x1024.jpg?v=1689172751\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"ancient tea gardens in hekai mountain\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1318\/5761\/files\/DSCF9835_1024x1024.jpg?v=1661241241\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInterestingly, the leaves look very much like Jingmai tea, they are medium-small varietal. Yet, the taste of Hekai tea is very different from Jingmai. There is not much orchid fragrance, it's not a charming tea at a first sip. It's a tea made for long sessions, over which the sweetness will build up in your mouth and which will leave you sweaty and relaxed, sitting at the bottom of your chair, but elevated to a new plane of consciousness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"ancient tea tree\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1318\/5761\/files\/DSCF9839_1024x1024.jpg?v=1661241318\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHekai is made of three villages: Man Mai, which has the largest ancient gardens, Man Nong, with fewer gardens but of equal quality, and finally Banpen, which is only three kilometers away for Lao Ban Zhang.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"man mai village in hekai mountain\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1318\/5761\/files\/DSCF9909_1024x1024.jpg?v=1661241376\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDespite being on the 'road of the great teas', a loop that goes through Hekai, Banzhang and Bulang Shan, the place is not particularly touristy, and the company of the shy villagers makes for great tea sessions. They won't tell you amazing stories about their teas, but they have maintained their gardens for centuries and do a conscientious job. It's one of my favourite place to visit, because you can sit at the farmer's table and enjoy great tea without having to do small talk. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"tea factory in hekai mountain yunnan\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1318\/5761\/files\/DSCF9914_08d0f257-7ce5-4e50-a4e2-4da7504eb68e_1024x1024.jpg?v=1661241412\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Farmerleaf","offers":[{"title":"357g cake","offer_id":46202370195643,"sku":"24年 春 贺开 357克","price":130.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"20g sample","offer_id":46202370228411,"sku":"24年 春 贺开 20克","price":13.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1318\/5761\/files\/DSCF0351.jpg?v=1717637432"},{"product_id":"spring-2024-hekai-single-trees","title":"Spring 2024 Hekai single trees","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMan Nong village, five big trees mixed together\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIntense, slightly more aggressive than typical Hekai\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- split --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis tea is made of the five biggest trees growing in Na Duo's ancient tea gardens. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis single trees tea has more bitterness than the standard Hekai cake, you will feel more complexity overall. This is a truly high end tea from Southern Menghai, excellent now and a sure bet for aging. You could compare this tea with Ba Ka Noy single trees, Nannuo or Pasha. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo learn more about Hekai area, you can check this video: \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/pcQd1CK_hPw?si=l0Qb486MXdw_JwXL\" height=\"315\" width=\"560\" allowfullscreen=\"\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" frameborder=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Farmerleaf","offers":[{"title":"357g cake","offer_id":46202569490619,"sku":"24年 春 贺开单株 357克","price":220.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"20g sample","offer_id":46202579484859,"sku":"24年 春 贺开单株 20克","price":22.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1318\/5761\/files\/DSCF0377.jpg?v=1717658004"},{"product_id":"spring-2025-hekai-single-trees","title":"Spring 2025 Hekai single trees","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMan Nong village, five big trees mixed together\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIntense, slightly more aggressive than typical Hekai\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- split --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis tea is made of the five biggest trees growing in Na Duo's ancient tea gardens. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis single trees tea has more bitterness than the standard Hekai cake, you will feel more complexity overall. This is a truly high end tea from Southern Menghai, excellent now and a sure bet for aging. You could compare this tea with Ba Ka Noy single trees, Nannuo or Pasha. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo learn more about Hekai area, you can check this video: \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/pcQd1CK_hPw?si=l0Qb486MXdw_JwXL\" height=\"315\" width=\"560\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Farmerleaf","offers":[{"title":"357g cake","offer_id":46692914823355,"sku":"25年 春 贺开单株 357克","price":180.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"20g sample","offer_id":46692914856123,"sku":"25年 春 贺开单株 20克","price":18.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1318\/5761\/files\/DSCF6466.jpg?v=1749449205"},{"product_id":"spring-2025-hekai","title":"Spring 2025 Hekai","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpring 2025, Man Nong village, Ancient tea gardens, small and big trees picked together.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoft Menghai tea, good mix of fragrance and depth\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- split --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHekai is one of the softer mountains of Menghai, it shows low bitterness and astringency. Yet you can clearly find the menghai character in the type of sweetness you'll find here, the soup has a medium body and displays good minerality. Huigan can be felt after a few cups, relaxation and sweating is expected if you are that kind of tea drinker. Interestingly, hekai has something in common with Jingmai tea, even though you can still easily tell them apart, Hekai will display a stronger character overall. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"hekai tea\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopifycdn.net\/s\/files\/1\/1318\/5761\/files\/DSCF3333_81ea800e-98a3-41c8-a8d2-7c398b9c8189_1024x1024.jpg?v=1689171796\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHekai is located in the West of Menghai. If you go there, I recommend you stop in Menghun for some barbecue, they are the best of the region. You'll then cross expansive paddy fields and start climbing the mountain.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"hekai map\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopifycdn.net\/s\/files\/1\/1318\/5761\/files\/hekai_1024x1024.jpg?v=1689172269\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"barbecue in xishuangbanna\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1318\/5761\/files\/DSCF9779_1024x1024.jpg?v=1661241117\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopifycdn.net\/s\/files\/1\/1318\/5761\/files\/DSCF9820_1024x1024.jpg?v=1689171868\" alt=\"hekai mountain\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHekai was a very secluded area before the Puerh tea boom in the mid-2000's. The Lahu people who inhabit the place are known to be shy, when you went there back in 2010, they would barely talk to strangers. Since then, their business skill has improved... slightly. You don't go there to practice your small-talk anyway, you're in for the tea leaves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1318\/5761\/files\/DSCF9828_1024x1024.jpg?v=1661241208\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHekai has the largest ancient tea gardens of Xishuangbanna. The trees are big and grow mostly in forested areas on steep slopes, around the villages. They have been well-preserved.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"close up on hekai mountain\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopifycdn.net\/s\/files\/1\/1318\/5761\/files\/hekaicloseup_1024x1024.jpg?v=1689172751\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"ancient tea gardens in hekai mountain\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1318\/5761\/files\/DSCF9835_1024x1024.jpg?v=1661241241\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInterestingly, the leaves look very much like Jingmai tea, they are medium-small varietal. Yet, the taste of Hekai tea is very different from Jingmai. There is not much orchid fragrance, it's not a charming tea at a first sip. It's a tea made for long sessions, over which the sweetness will build up in your mouth and which will leave you sweaty and relaxed, sitting at the bottom of your chair, but elevated to a new plane of consciousness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"ancient tea tree\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1318\/5761\/files\/DSCF9839_1024x1024.jpg?v=1661241318\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHekai is made of three villages: Man Mai, which has the largest ancient gardens, Man Nong, with fewer gardens but of equal quality, and finally Banpen, which is only three kilometers away for Lao Ban Zhang.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"man mai village in hekai mountain\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1318\/5761\/files\/DSCF9909_1024x1024.jpg?v=1661241376\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDespite being on the 'road of the great teas', a loop that goes through Hekai, Banzhang and Bulang Shan, the place is not particularly touristy, and the company of the shy villagers makes for great tea sessions. They won't tell you amazing stories about their teas, but they have maintained their gardens for centuries and do a conscientious job. It's one of my favourite place to visit, because you can sit at the farmer's table and enjoy great tea without having to do small talk. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"tea factory in hekai mountain yunnan\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1318\/5761\/files\/DSCF9914_08d0f257-7ce5-4e50-a4e2-4da7504eb68e_1024x1024.jpg?v=1661241412\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Farmerleaf","offers":[{"title":"357g cake","offer_id":46878511169723,"sku":"24年 春 贺开 357克","price":110.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"20g sample","offer_id":46878511202491,"sku":"24年 春 贺开 20克","price":11.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1318\/5761\/files\/DSCF7159.jpg?v=1755527948"},{"product_id":"spring-2026-hekai-single-trees","title":"Spring 2026 Hekai single trees","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMan Nong village, the biggest trees for Na Duo's gardens\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIntense, more aggressive than typical Hekai\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- split --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis tea delivers straight away: short-lived bitterness, low astringency, intense mouthfeel, fast Huigan. It clearly is a Menghai tea, more aggressive than the standard picking grade from Hekai, which is usually softer. You'll get a good kick from this tea, it's well-balanced, hints of \"gushu smoke\" in the nose and oily texture. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1318\/5761\/files\/DSCF9862.jpg?v=1784702587\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo learn more about Hekai area, you can check this video: \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/pcQd1CK_hPw?si=l0Qb486MXdw_JwXL\" height=\"315\" width=\"560\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Farmerleaf","offers":[{"title":"357g cake","offer_id":48118849372347,"sku":"26年 春 贺开单株 357克","price":180.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"20g sample","offer_id":48118849405115,"sku":"26年 春 贺开单株 20克","price":18.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1318\/5761\/files\/1_bc6bd63a-32f0-4e8c-9b82-4ee0b08c8b22.jpg?v=1784634839"}],"url":"https:\/\/farmerleaf.live\/collections\/map-man-nong.oembed","provider":"Farmerleaf","version":"1.0","type":"link"}