Yunnan: Land of Living Tea

Yunnan: Land of Living Tea ///

In the misty highlands of southwest China, Yunnan stands as the birthplace of some of the world’s most extraordinary teas. Its crown jewel? Pu-erh—a tea as ancient as the forests it grows in.

Terroir Like Nowhere Else
From the icy Tibetan plateau to the lush Golden Triangle, Yunnan is a land of contrasts. Tropical rains, dry mountain breezes, and rich biodiversity give rise to teas as diverse as the land itself.

Here grows Camellia sinensis var. thaliensis—a tea plant found nowhere else.

Where Tea Becomes Story
Pu’er (Simao): The bustling center where production meets trade.
Jingmai Mountains: A living museum of ancient tea gardens.
Xishuangbanna, Lincang, Baoshan: Each region whispering its own flavor, its own tale.

Xishuangbanna: The Beating Heart
Bordering Myanmar and Laos, Xishuangbanna is the name every Pu-erh lover knows. A subtropical paradise, it cradles some of the oldest tea forests on Earth.

The Six Famous Mountains
Bulang. Jingmai. Menghai. Nannuo. Yiwu. Youle.
Six names that echo through the tea world—home to ancient trees and teas that collectors dream of.

Jingmai Mountain Ancient Tree Tea
A Legacy of Purity, Steeped in Time
Nestled in the misty peaks of Yunnan, China, Jingmai Mountain is home to centuries-old tea trees, revered for their wild-grown resilience and exquisite flavor. Handpicked by indigenous ethnic communities, these ancient leaves carry the essence of untouched forests and a living tea culture dating back over 1,300 years.

Laobanzhang: The King’s Village

Within Bulang Mountain lies Laobanzhang, legendary among Pu-erh connoisseurs. Its teas are bold and commanding—bitterness that melts into lingering sweetness, a flavor both raw and regal. Known as the “King of Pu-erh,” Laobanzhang embodies power, depth, and a finish that endures long after the last sip.

Zhanglang: A Hidden Heritage

Nearby, Zhanglang offers a quieter strength. Here, the Bulang people have tended ancient tea gardens for centuries, their heritage alive in every leaf. Zhanglang teas are strong yet balanced, carrying notes of earth, smoke, and wildflowers—a living bond between land, tradition, and tea.

Pu-erh: The Icon
Fermented, earthy, alive with age. Pu-erh is more than tea—it’s time captured in a cup. Each leaf carries the imprint of altitude, soil, and centuries of tradition.

Beyond Pu-erh
Yunnan doesn’t stop at one masterpiece. It also crafts:

  • Dianhong (Yunnan black): Smooth, malty, golden-tipped.
  • White teas: Gentle and fragrant.
  • Oolong-style teas: Rare, complex, unforgettable.
    All spun from the robust assamica tea plant.

 

More Than a Place
Pu’er, Lincang, Baoshan—each adds its own signature to the story. Together, they make Yunnan a living library of tea.

Here, tea isn’t just grown—it’s lived. Ancient trees, mountain mists, and centuries of craft make Yunnan a world unto itself for those who seek beauty in a cup.