Menghai Voyage Tips and guide

Contents

Menghai County is in the southwest of Yunnan Province and the west of Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture. Menghai is famous for its Bulang tea, a type of pu-erh grown in the Bulang Mountain area and its environs. Menghai is a hub of tea culture and ethnic diversity. Explore its tea plantations, Buddhist temples, and traditional Dai villages.

The population is 354,000 (2020). The government is in Menghai Town.

Menghai is renowned for its rich tea culture, distinctive ethnic customs, and natural landscapes. As one of the core production areas for Pu-erh tea, Menghai has an ideal geographical environment and climate for tea cultivation, particularly for large-leaf tea varieties. Pu-erh tea from Menghai is widely recognized, and many tea enthusiasts appreciate its thick tea color, mellow aroma, and unique aged fragrance. Famous plantations include Laoman'e, Xinbanzhang and Laobanzhang.

In addition to tea culture, Menghai is also rich in ethnic diversity, with ethnic groups such as the Dai, Hani, and Lahu residing there. Their traditional customs, clothing, festivals, and architecture are filled with local characteristics, making Menghai an ideal destination for experiencing diverse cultures. Local festivals like the Water Splashing Festival and Torch Festival not only showcase ethnic traditions but also attract numerous visitors to participate.

Menghai’s natural scenery is equally captivating, featuring pristine forests, terraced tea plantations, and tropical rainforests. Popular attractions include Nannuo Mountain, Bulang Mountain, and the Mengbalanaxi Scenic Area. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking natural landscapes while learning about traditional tea harvesting and production processes.

The best time to visit is November to April for dry, pleasant weather and clear skies.

Menghai has a typical tropical monsoon climate. The temperature is warm throughout the year, and the temperature difference is small, especially between summer and winter. The annual precipitation in Menghai ranges from 1,500 mm to 2,000 mm, with precipitation concentrated during the rainy season (May to October), which makes the vegetation and crops here very prosperous. Compared with inland areas, Menghai's climate is more humid, especially in summer, and the air humidity is often more than 80 percent even if there is no precipitation. During the rainy season, humidity can be close to 100%, which is a climate characteristic that is conducive to the growth of tropical fruits, tea and other crops.

Menghai does not have its own airport. The nearest airport is located in Jinghong, about 50 km away from Menghai. There are several flights daily to Jinghong from Kunming. From the airport, you can reach Menghai by:

• Taxi: The journey takes approximately 1 hour and costs around ¥200.
• Bus: Head to the Jinghong Bus Station, where you can find affordable buses to Menghai, ideal for budget travelers.

• From Kunming: Menghai is approximately 550 km from Kunming. The drive along the Kunming-Mohan Expressway (G8511) takes about 8 hours, offering good road conditions and scenic views.
• From Jinghong: Menghai is 50 km from Jinghong, and the drive takes around 1 hour, perfect for a short excursion.

• From Kunming: daily long-distance sleeper buses depart from Kunming South Bus Station to Menghai. The journey takes about 10 hours.
• From Jinghong: buses leave from Jinghong Bus Station to Menghai frequently. The ride takes approximately 1 hour and costs around ¥20.

With the opening of the Pan-Asia Railway, reaching Menghai via Jinghong has become more convenient. Daily high-speed trains from Kunming to Jinghong (Xishuangbanna Station) take about 3.5 hours.

From Jinghong to Menghai: from Xishuangbanna Station, transfer to a car or bus to reach Menghai, which is about 50 kilometers away.

Menghai is near the China-Laos border. Travelers from Luang Prabang or Huay Xai in Laos can cross the border at the Mohan Port and proceed to Menghai.

Menghai County's transportation infrastructure is relatively complete, and the transportation in the county mainly relies on road transportation. Use taxis or rent a car to explore the area conveniently.

Short-distance travel is mainly by buses, minibuses and other public transportation. There are buses or minibuses between the county and the surrounding townships. The cost is relatively cheap, suitable for daily commuting and short trips.

There are taxis operating in the county, which is more convenient and affordable. In addition, some areas can use online car-hailing services, such as Didi Taxi, to meet personal travel needs.

Menghai County has a passenger terminal, which provides long-distance bus services to neighboring cities such as Jinghong City, which is convenient for contact with other counties and cities in Xishuangbanna. The road transportation network in the county is relatively developed, which can be connected to the outside world through the road.

Within the county seat of Menghai County, many residents and tourists use bicycles or motorcycles as a tool for daily travel. Bicycles or motorcycles are also common, suitable for short trips or sightseeing.

Menghai County has a relatively developed highway system. Through the expressway, it is convenient to go to other areas of Xishuangbanna, such as Jinghong City, and the neighboring Pu'er City and Kunming City.

• Visit religious and historical sites: Menghai has a rich history and spiritual significance reflected in its temples and ancient landmarks.
• 21.9544100.3051 Jingzhen Octagonal Pavilion, ☏ +86 691 545 0233. A 15 m (49 ft) high Dai Buddhist pavilion built in 1701. Architecturally, the pavilion is characteristic of the region, blending traditional Chinese with Southeastern styles. ¥20 for entry. (updated Sep 2021)

Menghai is a paradise for tea enthusiasts, nature lovers, and cultural explorers.

Hiking and trekking: Explore trails in the tea mountains and rainforests, where you’ll encounter picturesque views and diverse wildlife.

Explore tea culture: Menghai is the heart of Pu’er tea production, offering visitors an immersive experience in tea culture.

• 21.538100.27651 Bulang Mountain Tea Plantation. A renowned tea-growing area where ancient tea trees and terraced tea gardens create breathtaking scenery. (updated Dec 2024)
• Tea tasting: Visit local tea houses and factories to taste authentic Pu’er tea and learn about its processing techniques.
• 22.755100.3592 The Ancient Tea Trees in Jingmai Mountain. Home to a UNESCO World Heritage site, this area boasts tea plantations cultivated for over 1,000 years. (updated Dec 2024)

Experience Dai and other ethnic cultures: Menghai is home to diverse ethnic groups, including the Dai, Hani, and Lahu people, who offer unique cultural experiences.

• Ethnic festivals : If you visit during a festival, such as the Water Splashing Festival in April, you can join the joyous celebrations.
• Hani and Lahu traditions : Discover the rich heritage of these ethnic groups through their music, dance, and handicrafts.

Indulge in local cuisine: Menghai’s food scene is a delightful blend of Dai and other ethnic flavors.

Experience the border culture: Menghai’s location near the China-Laos border adds an international flavor to the region.

• Border trade towns: Visit places like Menglong to experience the fusion of Chinese and Southeast Asian cultures.
• Cross-border trade markets: Explore local goods and handicrafts influenced by neighboring countries.

Menghai is a center of tea culture and a place rich in ethnic handicrafts and local specialties.

• Pu’er Tea: Menghai is one of the core production areas of Pu’er tea, known for its high-quality products and rich flavors. Menghai is famous for its Aged Pu’er Tea, which has a rich and mellow aroma. Ancient Tree Tea is harvested from ancient tea trees in places like Jingmai Mountain and Bulang Mountain, it has a unique flavor and is highly collectible. You can buy tea in local tea shops or markets
  • 22.01100.49461 Menghai Tea Factory. The home of the famous “Dayi Tea” brand, where you can tour the factory and purchase authentic tea products. (updated Dec 2024)
• Dai and ethnic handicrafts: Menghai is home to Dai, Hani, Lahu, and other ethnic groups, whose traditional crafts are distinctive and unique. In ethnic handicraftvshops and traditional markets, you will find:
  • Dai bamboo weavings: Items like bamboo baskets, mats, and utensils are both functional and artistic.
  • Ethnic clothing and embroidery: Vibrant ethnic garments, scarves, and bags are beautifully crafted and highly collectible.
  • Wooden carvings and artworks: Intricate handmade carvings of Buddha statues and traditional ornaments.
• Local specialty foods: can be found in the Menghai Farmer’s Market, supermarkets and specialty stores:
  • Pu’er tea-infused snacks: Tea biscuits, tea candies, and tea-flavored cakes bring out the aroma of Pu’er tea in delicious ways.
  • Dai-style preserved foods: Items like pickled bamboo shoots and sour fish offer a taste of local cuisine.
  • Tropical dried fruits: Dried pineapple and mango are healthy and delicious.
• Jingmai Mountain Products: Jingmai Mountain, a famous tea-growing area in Menghai, also offers other unique specialties:
  • Jingmai Honey: Pure and natural with a delightful taste.
  • Tea sets: Items like Yixing clay teapots and ceramic cups, perfect for pairing with Pu’er tea.
• Border trade goods: Being close to the China-Laos border, Menghai offers a variety of imported goods at reasonable prices in towns like Menglong.
  • Southeast Asian spices: Lemongrass, curry powders, and more.
  • Lao Handicrafts: Silk, wood carvings, and natural herbal products.

Shopping tips

• Bargaining: When shopping in markets, feel free to negotiate prices.
• Quality check: Especially for Pu’er tea and handicrafts, compare several shops and choose reputable sellers.
• Easy to carry: Packaged specialty foods and handicrafts are ideal for taking home, while fresh items may require careful handling.

• Qiangji Beef in Clear Soup (Menghai Branch), J-2, Guowei Fortune Center, Nanhai Road, ☏ +86 181 83776331. 09:30-22:00. ¥81/person. (updated Jan 2023)
• Guhua Chicken Roast Chicken Restaurant, Next to the Big Buddha Temple, No. 105, Manhe Village (next to the Holy Water Well), ☏ +86 691 5138811. 10:00-22:00. ¥46/person. (updated Jan 2023)
• Mengbala Yunding Restaurant, Mengbala Manxing Lake, No. 214, National Highway, ☏ +86 691 5136888. 10:00-21:00. ¥65/person. (updated Jan 2023)

• 21.9512100.45571 Menghai Tea Factory. One of the most famous producers of pu'erh tea in China. The Menghai Tea Factory pioneered the accelerated fermentation technique in the 1970s, which has become the standard method of producing pe'erh in modern times. (updated Sep 2021)

• Xishuangbanna Jianglu Nannuoshan, No. 98, Nannuoshan Village, Gailanghe Township, ☏ +86 133 24981800. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. ¥1388. (updated Jan 2023)
• Menghai Chating Holiday Hotel, Building 4, Pinwei Tianxia Pedestrian Street, Longgang, ☏ +86 691 3067188. Check-in: 09:00, check-out: 14:00. ¥296. (updated Jan 2023)
• Menghai Manshu Hotel, 10th Floor, Building 4, Fohai Hua Ting, No. 101, Manxing Road, ☏ +86 153 68934306. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 13:00. From ¥195. (updated Jan 2023)

Local etiquette: Respect local customs, especially when visiting ethnic villages or temples.

Emergency Phone Numbers: Police ： 110 first aid ： 120 Fire ： 119