Location and hierarchy
Five names are generally mapped to areas of present-day Mengla County, especially Yiwu and Xiangming, while Youle is associated with Jinuo Mountain in Jinghong. The grouping belongs to the Lancang River's eastern tea geography.
Why this origin matters
The framework helps explain Qing-era production, collection and trade networks and the later prestige of Yiwu. It also shows that a famous regional name can contain many villages, communities and changing trade centers.
How to read the market name
Treat 'Ancient Six Mountains' as a chapter heading, not a batch-level origin. A purchasable tea should still identify the actual mountain area, village or material source and maker.
Practical guidance
Study the six names on a modern administrative map, then compare that map with a historical account. This prevents old trade geography from being mistaken for today's village boundaries.
Identification and caution
Historical prestige does not authenticate a modern cake. Avoid products that use the collective name while withholding the actual source.