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Uncovering the Purity and Power of Ancient Tree Pu Erh Tea
Each spring, the mists of Yunnan clear just long enough to reveal their hidden treasures and in one remote corner of Lincang, the ancient trees of Bing Dao (冰岛) begin to stir. This year, I made the long journey to this legendary village to source some of the purest and most sought-after raw Pu Erh tea in China.
At Tea & Leaf, we believe that sourcing is not just about selecting leaves — it's about forming relationships, respecting the land, and listening deeply to what each mountain has to say.
📍 What Makes Bing Dao Pu Erh So Special?
Bing Dao which means “Ice Island” in Chinese — is one of the most coveted Pu Erh tea villages in Yunnan. Located in Mengku, Lincang Prefecture, this high-elevation region (over 2,000 meters) is known for:
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Ancient Gushu trees (100–300+ years old)
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Clean, mineral-rich soil and untouched forest ecology
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A crisp, cooling energy and refined bitterness that transforms into lingering sweetness
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Remarkable Cha Qi (茶气) — the tea’s body feel and spiritual energy
Bing Dao raw Pu Erh is often described as clean, powerful, yet elegant with a soft entrance, thick mouthfeel, and a huigan (returning sweetness) that lasts for minutes.
🛤️ The Journey Into the Mountains
Getting to Bing Dao is no small feat. From Lincang city, the road narrows into gravel paths that wind through steep mountainsides. We passed several lesser-known villages — many of which produce tea under the Bing Dao name but lack the same core-region purity.
My goal was simple: reach the original Bing Dao village and select leaves only from ancient trees within its core area. Anything less would not carry the same depth, clarity, or energy.
I arrived just in time for the first spring flush, when the weather is still cool and the leaves are bursting with vitality.
🍃 From Tree to Leaf: The Craft Behind the Cup
I spent the next few days walking through the old tea gardens with our trusted farmers families who have been caring for these trees for generations. Some of the trunks were wider than my arms could reach, towering above the mist in quiet majesty.
The leaves were hand-plucked, then gently pan-fired and sun-dried using traditional methods. Every step of the process was slow, mindful, and deeply connected to the land.
This year’s Bing Dao harvest offered everything I hoped for vibrant aroma, thick body, and a deep, grounding Cha Qi that seemed to radiate long after the last sip.
💎 Why We Source at Origin
There’s no substitute for firsthand selection. Too many teas on the market carry the Bing Dao name but are blended from neighboring regions or younger plantation trees.
At Tea & Leaf, we go directly to the source to ensure:
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Authentic single-origin leaves
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First-harvest Gushu material
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Traditional, chemical-free processing
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And direct relationships that support ethical sourcing
This isn’t just about quality, it’s about truth in the cup.
🌿 Tasting Notes: 2025 Bing Dao Gushu Raw Pu’er
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Origin: Bing Dao Village, Mengku, Yunnan
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Harvest: Spring 2025, Ancient Tree (Gushu)
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Aroma: Wildflowers, raw sugarcane, forest rain
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Taste: Sweet and airy entrance, soft bitterness, thick mouthfeel
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Energy: Cooling, uplifting, meditative
This tea is a perfect choice for gongfu-style brewing, aging, or quiet reflection. It’s a Pu’er you don’t just drink, you feel.
🍵 Final Thoughts from Tea & Leaf
The best teas are those you can trace back to the land, the people, and the moment they were born. This 2025 Bing Dao Gushu is more than just a rare tea — it’s a reminder that nature’s finest offerings often require the longest journey.
From ancient trees to your cup, taste the mountain, the stillness, and the spirit of Bing Dao.