Li Hong - Pu-erh Tea (普洱茶)

Thanks to Jing Xiaomin, Li Mei, Madhumita Bardhan Sinha, Wang Li, Lisa Zhang and Suodi Song for their tireless efforts to make the project possible.

A Visit to the Ancient Tea Trees in the Remote Mountains

Ancient tea trees more than 800 years old in Nannuo Mountain

You have to visit the virgin forests in southwest Yunnan to see the original ancient tea trees. Oblivious to the changing market economy, these trees remain unmoved, watching the mountain fog gathering and clearing all year round. Unlike young trees which flourish every season padding the tea farmers' wallets, ancient trees slow down their growth, showing dignity. The phrase "tea from wild ancient trees" touches your heart, transporting you to the vast fields and remote mountains, offering tranquility.

King of tea trees in Nannuo Mountain

Leaves of ancient tea trees in Yiwu

Leaves of ancient tea trees in Yibang

Young 2030-year-old tea trees at the foot of ancient 400500-year-old tea trees

"Crab pincers" of ancient arbor tea trees in Nannuo Mountain

Blossoms of the ancient tea trees in Gaoshan Village of Yiwu

Where can you find ancient tea gardens but in the mountains? Unlike the tender and light green tea trees found south of the Yangtze River, tea trees here are as sturdy and high as ancient pines, with tough dark green leaves. The rough leaves reflect strength accumulated with age. The tea blossoms are as delicate as they were when the tree first budded. Amid such breathtaking surroundings, one cannot but bow in reverence.

A Hani tea farmer of Bangzha Community in Pu-erh

Part 1
Learning about Pu-erh Tea from Its Processing Techniques

The increasing popularity of Pu-erh tea arouses people's interest in it. To know Pu-erh tea, you must first learn about its processing techniques. Many mysteries are rooted in its processing procedures. Learning about them and their techniques will help unveil the mysteries.

I. Chinese Tea Classifications and Pu-erh Tea

Pu-erh tea is not just dark tea but the most famous type of dark tea today.

() Classifications of Chinese Tea

China produces various kinds of tea. According to incomplete statistics, China has over 1,000 varieties of famous teas. Tea is classified according to different standards, including processing technique, place of origin, production season, quality grade, shape and sales.