Mengding Mountain (蒙顶山), located in the city of Ya’an, Sichuan Province, in the southwestern part of the Sichuan Basin, is a picturesque and culturally significant mountainous area. With a total area of 54 square kilometers, its terrain rises to the north and descends to the south, culminating at its highest peak, Shangqing Peak, standing at an elevation of 1456 meters.
The name “Mengding” translates to “covered in mist” or “veiled in clouds,” a fitting moniker for a mountain often shrouded in rain and fog. Throughout history, Mengding Mountain has been renowned alongside Qingcheng and Emei Mountains as one of the three major mountains in the Shu region, earning the poetic reputation of “Mengding tops the world, elegant and refined.” Additionally, it is celebrated as the birthplace of “Imperial Tea,” contributing to its title as the “Hometown of Immortal Tea.”
In 2004, during the 8th International Tea Culture Symposium, the “Declaration of Mengding Mountain as the World Tea Culture Birthplace” was announced, recognizing Mengding Mountain as the origin of world tea civilization, the birthplace of global tea culture, and a sacred mountain of world tea culture.
Mengding Mountain boasts an impressive forest coverage of 95%, harboring a diverse array of plant species comprising 58 families and 373 varieties. Notable among them are rare species such as the Qitong tree, millennium-old ginkgo trees, the eight-person-embraced Hongdou tree, and wild ancient tea trees dating back over 700 years. The rich flora also includes herbaceous plants like the Ming Dynasty-planted Hongdujuan and the Seven-heart Camellia, with unique species like “Immortal Tea,” “Immortal Mushroom” (also known as the Thousand Buddha Mushroom or Gray Tree Flower), and “Immortal Fruit” (seedless ginkgo fruit) adding to the mountain’s botanical diversity.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of Mengding Mountain
- Vlog about Mengding Mountain
- Useful Tips from Genuine Reviews
- Other Attractions in Ya’an
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 4 – 5 hours |
| Ticket Price | 60 RMB (1st April – 31st October) 45 RMB (1st November – 31st March the next year) |
| Cable Car | Single: 20 RMB Round: 30 RMB |
| Tea Museum | 20 RMB |
| Opening Hours | 8.30 – 18.00 |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0835-3232118 |
Location and Transportation
Mengding Mountain is located in Ya’an City, in the southwestern province of Sichuan, China. Ya’an is approximately 120 kilometers (about 75 miles) away from the provincial capital, Chengdu.
The mountain itself is situated at a latitude of approximately 30.03 degrees North and a longitude of around 103.80 degrees East. The region enjoys a humid subtropical climate, characterized by mild winters and warm summers, with frequent rainfall throughout the year. This climate, along with the fertile soil, makes it an ideal environment for cultivating tea, earning it the distinction of being one of the birthplaces of Chinese tea culture.
Tourists from Chengdu can first take a high-speed train to Yan’an City and then transfer to a taxi to cover the remaining 18 Kilometers. This should be the most time-saving and convenient way.
Highlights of Mengding Mountain
Tea Terraces
The tea terraces of Mengding Mountain, in Sichuan, China, are a mesmerizing sight to behold. Carved into the emerald-green slopes, these terraces are the birthplace of the legendary Mengding Ganlu tea, one of China’s earliest cultivated teas. Spanning the mountainside, the meticulously manicured tea plantations create a stunning landscape that reflects centuries of tea cultivation tradition. As visitors traverse these terraces, they witness skilled farmers carefully tending to the tea bushes, while the intoxicating aroma of fresh tea leaves fills the air.
Imperial Tea Garden
The Imperial Tea Garden graces the five small peaks surrounding the main summit of Mengding Mountain. Nestled within the heart of a lotus-shaped landscape, the garden is considered an auspicious “feng shui treasure” due to its location at the center of the lotus. In the Han Dynasty, the founder of Mengding tea, Wu Lizhen, planted seven sacred tea plants known as “Spirit Tea Seed” here. Since the Tang Dynasty, it has been the site for harvesting tribute tea, officially named “Imperial Tea Garden” during the 13th year of Song Emperor Chunxi’s reign. Enclosed by stone railings and adorned with a twin-leaf stone gate at its entrance, the garden also features the Mengquan Well, also known as “Ganlu Well,” with intricately carved twin dragons playing with pearls – a place where Master Ganlu drew water for tea cultivation during ancient times.
Tea Museum
The Tea Museum, situated at the starting point of the Tianladder Ancient Path in Mengding Mountain, stands as a testament to the earliest documented artificial tea cultivation in Chinese history. Inside, it houses literature, poems, specimens, and tea utensils related to Mengding tea. The inscribed steles and tablets detailing the history of Mengding tea serve as tangible evidence. Various renowned teas and a diverse collection of tea utensils from different dynasties illuminate the museum, showcasing the evolution of tea culture and artifacts associated with it.
Tiangai Temple
Tiangai Temple, located at the summit of Mengding Mountain, was established during the Han Dynasty and underwent reconstruction in the Song Dynasty. Occupying an area of 8,000 square meters, it is surrounded by 12 ancient ginkgo trees, each over a millennium old. At the center stands the stone-columned main hall, a Ming Dynasty structure, marking the tea cultivation site of Wu Lizhen, the founding master of Mengding tea. The hall houses a seated statue of Master Wu Lizhen and displays visual and tangible exhibits showcasing the history of Mengding tea. With its serene surroundings and historical significance, Tiangai Temple stands as the ideal destination for experiencing the essence of Mengding tea culture.
Vlog about Mengding Mountain
Useful Tips from Genuine Reviews
Shopping Opportunities: There are various supermarkets on the mountain where visitors can buy things. It is mentioned that there’s no need to bring too many things, suggesting that essential items are available for purchase.
Tourist Center and Holiday Hotel: Upon entering the tourist center, there is a holiday hotel. If visitors wish to stay for two days, they can consider staying within the scenic area.
Signage Caution: The reviews emphasize that the signage, especially when descending without using the cable car, is not very clear. Taking a panoramic picture at the bottom of the mountain is suggested to aid in navigation.
Path Conditions: While the pathways are made of stone slabs, some areas may have slippery surfaces with moss. Caution is advised, especially for elderly individuals and children. Public toilets are available along the paths, and there are places to have tea, snacks, and meals.
