Jingmai Mountain: A living heritage of tea and nature
By Li Hao, Published: 2026/10/21 0:27:14
The Cultural Landscape of Old Tea Forests of the Jingmai Mountain in Pu'er covers 28,000 mu of ancient tea forest, with more than 3.2 million old tea trees. In September 2023, the site was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It remains vibrant today and exemplifies a harmonious relationship between people and nature, as well as sustainable development. Photo: Li Hao/Global Times
Editor's Note:
The Cultural Landscape of Old Tea Forests of the Jingmai Mountain in Pu'er covers 28,000 mu of ancient tea forest, with more than 3.2 million old tea trees. Tea has been cultivated here for nearly 2,000 years. It is the largest, best-preserved, and oldest known man-made ancient tea plantation. In September 2023, the site was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

This unique cultural landscape comprises five ancient tea forests, nine villages inhabited by the Bulang and Dai ethnic groups, and three protective forests. It remains vibrant today and exemplifies a harmonious relationship between people and nature, as well as sustainable development. By combining tea and tourism, local residents now have more opportunities to increase their incomes. Photos: Li Hao/Global Times

The Cultural Landscape of Old Tea Forests of the Jingmai Mountain in Pu'er covers 28,000 mu of ancient tea forest, with more than 3.2 million old tea trees. In September 2023, the site was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It remains vibrant today and exemplifies a harmonious relationship between people and nature, as well as sustainable development. Photo: Li Hao/Global Times
The Cultural Landscape of Old Tea Forests of the Jingmai Mountain in Pu'er covers 28,000 mu of ancient tea forest, with more than 3.2 million old tea trees. In September 2023, the site was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It remains vibrant today and exemplifies a harmonious relationship between people and nature, as well as sustainable development. Photo: Li Hao/Global Times
The Cultural Landscape of Old Tea Forests of the Jingmai Mountain in Pu'er covers 28,000 mu of ancient tea forest, with more than 3.2 million old tea trees. In September 2023, the site was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It remains vibrant today and exemplifies a harmonious relationship between people and nature, as well as sustainable development. Photo: Li Hao/Global Times
The Cultural Landscape of Old Tea Forests of the Jingmai Mountain in Pu'er covers 28,000 mu of ancient tea forest, with more than 3.2 million old tea trees. In September 2023, the site was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It remains vibrant today and exemplifies a harmonious relationship between people and nature, as well as sustainable development. Photo: Li Hao/Global Times
The Cultural Landscape of Old Tea Forests of the Jingmai Mountain in Pu'er covers 28,000 mu of ancient tea forest, with more than 3.2 million old tea trees. In September 2023, the site was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It remains vibrant today and exemplifies a harmonious relationship between people and nature, as well as sustainable development. Photo: Li Hao/Global Times
The Cultural Landscape of Old Tea Forests of the Jingmai Mountain in Pu'er covers 28,000 mu of ancient tea forest, with more than 3.2 million old tea trees. In September 2023, the site was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It remains vibrant today and exemplifies a harmonious relationship between people and nature, as well as sustainable development. Photo: Li Hao/Global Times
The Cultural Landscape of Old Tea Forests of the Jingmai Mountain in Pu'er covers 28,000 mu of ancient tea forest, with more than 3.2 million old tea trees. In September 2023, the site was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It remains vibrant today and exemplifies a harmonious relationship between people and nature, as well as sustainable development. Photo: Li Hao/Global Times
The Cultural Landscape of Old Tea Forests of the Jingmai Mountain in Pu'er covers 28,000 mu of ancient tea forest, with more than 3.2 million old tea trees. In September 2023, the site was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It remains vibrant today and exemplifies a harmonious relationship between people and nature, as well as sustainable development. Photo: Li Hao/Global Times
The Cultural Landscape of Old Tea Forests of the Jingmai Mountain in Pu'er covers 28,000 mu of ancient tea forest, with more than 3.2 million old tea trees. In September 2023, the site was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It remains vibrant today and exemplifies a harmonious relationship between people and nature, as well as sustainable development. Photo: Li Hao/Global Times
The Cultural Landscape of Old Tea Forests of the Jingmai Mountain in Pu'er covers 28,000 mu of ancient tea forest, with more than 3.2 million old tea trees. In September 2023, the site was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It remains vibrant today and exemplifies a harmonious relationship between people and nature, as well as sustainable development. Photo: Li Hao/Global Times
The Cultural Landscape of Old Tea Forests of the Jingmai Mountain in Pu'er covers 28,000 mu of ancient tea forest, with more than 3.2 million old tea trees. In September 2023, the site was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It remains vibrant today and exemplifies a harmonious relationship between people and nature, as well as sustainable development. Photo: Li Hao/Global Times
The Cultural Landscape of Old Tea Forests of the Jingmai Mountain in Pu'er covers 28,000 mu of ancient tea forest, with more than 3.2 million old tea trees. In September 2023, the site was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It remains vibrant today and exemplifies a harmonious relationship between people and nature, as well as sustainable development. Photo: Li Hao/Global Times