On September 17, 2023, during the 45th UNESCO World Heritage Committee session held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, a historic decision was made: China’s “Cultural Landscape of the Old Tea Forests of Jingmai Mountain in Pu’er” was added to the World Heritage List.
This increased the number of China’s World Heritage sites to 57 and marked the first-ever World Heritage site dedicated entirely to tea.
For the guests of the Tea Art Garden, this gathering became a unique experience that blended history and culture.
Participants tasted sheng and shu pu-erh from various periods of Jingmai Mountain, as if savoring the very essence of the ancient tea forest.
Each tea revealed rich layers of aroma and deep cultural meaning, shaped by centuries of heritage and tradition.
Honored Guest: Master He Shihua
The event was especially meaningful due to the presence of He Shihua, Chairman of the Tea Art Association of Simao District, Yunnan Province — widely known as “the first man of ancient tea trees.”
Even at a time when old tea trees were undervalued, he recognized the exceptional importance of Jingmai’s ancient tea forests.
He actively urged the government and local farmers to protect the ecosystem, dedicating many years to the preservation and promotion of ancient tea trees.
During the gathering, Master He shared his deep affection for Jingmai Mountain and his motivation for protecting its ancient tea forests over many decades.
His words reflected profound understanding and love for tea culture, inspiring guests to think about the preservation of tea heritage.
Exclusive Jingmai Shu Pu-erh
To commemorate Jingmai Mountain’s addition to the World Heritage List, Master He created a special batch of shu pu-erh.
He personally supervised every step — from selecting ancient tea trees to overseeing the production process.
Crafting this tea required three years of meticulous work.
This pu-erh is more than just tea — it is a tribute to Jingmai’s culture, carrying unique aroma, depth of flavor, and centuries of history in every cup.
Continue Your Tea Journey with Gaba Tea House
This gathering was not only a tasting experience but also a celebration of tea culture preservation.
At Gaba Tea House, you can:
- Discover premium teas sourced from the same Jingmai Mountain plantations
- Enjoy their rich aromas and refined flavor profiles at home
- Immerse yourself in the depth and elegance of authentic tea culture, continuing your journey through taste and tradition
