Mengding Mountain (Mengding Shan) Tours and Activities

Mengding Mountain (Mengding Shan) is considered the birthplace of the world’s tea culture and home to some of the oldest plantations. Visitors to this verdant and historic locale can tour a tea plantation, soak up spectacular views, and purchase tea close to the source.
 
The Basics
China is famous for its tea, and it started on this mountain. The tea known as Mengshan tea is believed to have medicinal powers, earning it the nickname Holy Tea. Great poets from the Tang, Song, Ming, and Qang dynasties wrote verses describing its virtues. Learn about tea cultivation and culture on a private tea-making tour of the Mendingshan plantation, where a farmer will take you through the process from harvesting to brewing.
 
Things to Know Before You Go

• Mengding Mountain is an enjoyable destination for outdoor enthusiasts and anyone interested in Chinese tea culture.
• Day trips to a tea plantation from Chengdu typically last around eight hours.
• Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking over uneven surfaces, as many of the tea terraces are quite steep.
• Don’t forget to bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat.
• Bring rain gear; the Chinese word “meng” means rainy and foggy.

How to Get There
Mengding Mountain is located 62.1 miles (100 kilometers) from Chengdu and 9.3 miles (15 kilometers) from Ya'an. Buses are available at Chengdu New South Gate Bus Station and run to Mengshan County about 75 miles (120 kilometers) away. The easiest way to get there is to join a guided tour from Chengdu.
 
When to Get There
Though you can tour the tea plantations of Mengding Mountain any time of year, April is one of the best months to visit, both for the weather and because tea leaves are ready for picking.
 
Tea History Museum
If you have some time to spare in the area, consider stopping by the Tea History Museum. The collection here includes poems, works of literature, tea ware, and tea specimens that help trace the long history of Mengding Tea.