Exploring Lincang, Yunnan: A Major Pu Erh Tea Production Region

Lincang, Yunnan Pu Erh Tea Production Region

Lincang is a major pu erh tea production region nestled in the southwest of Yunnan, along the middle and lower reaches of the Lancang river. The mountainous region is characterised by a warm and humid climate, offering perfect conditions for tea cultivation.

Pu erh teas in the region are made from the local large leaf tea varietal, also known as 'Da Ye Zhong'. Lincang pu erh tea is known for their thick mouthfeel, pronounced bitterness, sweet aftertaste, and robust tea energy (cha qi). Moreover, teas produced from leaves harvested from ancient tea trees are particularly valued for ageing potential.

Besides pu erh, the region is also known for its black tea. Dian Hong tea from Fengqing County is China's second most popular black tea after Lapsang Souchong. Dian Hong tea is famous for its rich and smooth texture and honeyed, floral sweetness, which contrasts with stronger black teas such as Lapsang Souchong. As a result, Dian Hong tea is a popular choice among tea drinkers who enjoy a light and fragrant black tea. Lastly, Lincang also produces a small volume of green tea and white tea.

Tea History in Lincang

Tea History in Lincang

Western Han

Tea cultivation in Lincang has a rich history spanning over 2,000 years. Archaeological finds indicate that tea has been cultivated in this region since the Western Han dynasty (206 BC – 9 AD). During this time, tea was not only consumed for its flavor but also valued for its medicinal properties.

Ming Dynasty: Tea Horse Road

As a critical tea trading hub along the ancient Tea Horse Road during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), Lincang has long been an important center for tea trade. The Tea Horse Road was a significant trade route that connected China with Tibet and beyond, facilitating not only the exchange of tea but also horses and other goods. This route played a vital role in cultural exchanges and economic interactions, allowing Lincang to thrive as a center for high-quality tea production and trade, contributing to the rich history of tea culture in China.

Fengqing Black Tea

Fengqing County, in particular, is famous as the birthplace of Dianhong (Yunnan black tea). In 1939, the first batch of Dianhong black tea was produced in Fengqing and quickly gained international recognition. Dianhong black tea from Yunnan competed with Fujian black teas like 'Lapsang Souchong' and 'Jin Jun Mei', adding diversity to Chinese black teas. In a later section, we'll discuss in more detail the tea varieties and unique teas from Lincang.

Tea Regions in Lincang

Tea Regions in Lincang

Lincang is home to some of the most prestigious pu erh tea areas. With their unique climates and terroirs, these subregions offer distinct flavours and characteristics in the teas they produce. The main subregions of the Lincang tea region include:

Shuangjiang County (Mengku Region)

Shuangjiang, also known as Mengku, is famous for producing Mengku large leaf (big leaf) tea, a highly appreciated variety of pu erh tea. The high-altitude, foggy climate of the region, combined with traditional tea processing methods, results in Pu Erh teas known for their thick, bold flavours, strong tea energy and impressive ageing potential.

Fengqing County

Fengqing is known as the birthplace of Dianhong, one of China’s most famous black teas. The county’s tea gardens are located at high altitudes, contributing to the tea’s strong, sweet, and malty taste. Fengqing Pu erh is also renowned for its robust tea energy (cha qi) and excellent ageing potential.

feng qing lincang

Yongde County

Yongde County is known for its high-altitude tea forests, where lots of ancient tea trees grow. The area produces both raw and ripe Pu erh teas that are praised for their complex aromas, rich mouthfeel, and pronounced tea energy. Yongde teas tend to have a balance of sweetness and bitterness, making them distinctive among Lincang Pu erh varieties.

Gengma County

Located in the western part of Lincang, Gengma is home to vast forests of ancient tea trees. The Pu erh tea from Gengma is known for its thick, rich taste and high potential for long-term ageing. The tea often displays a robust bitterness with a lasting sweet aftertaste, making it popular among Pu erh collectors.

Cangyuan County

Cangyuan County is located near the border with Myanmar and is known for its old tea tree resources. The unique climate and geography give Cangyuan Pu erh tea a distinctive aroma and a smooth, mellow taste. Teas from this region are appreciated for their natural sweetness and long-lasting aftertaste.

Zhenkang County

Zhenkang is another important subregion known for its ancient tea trees and diverse ecosystem. The region’s Pu erh teas are recognised for their complex taste profiles, with a perfect balance of bitterness and sweetness. Zhenkang’s natural environment produces teas with a deep, earthy flavour and high ageing potential.

Linxiang District

Linxiang is the administrative centre of Lincang and is home to both small tea gardens and large plantations. The district produces high quality Pu erh and green teas known for their smooth, refreshing palate. Although not as famous as other subregions, Linxiang still plays a significant role in the overall diversity of Lincang’s tea production.

At last, Lincang is also home to notable factories including Shuangjiang Mengku factory, Fengqing factory and Xiaguan factory.

Tea Culture and Traditions in Lincang

Tea is an inseparable part of everyday life for the people of this region, who use it not only as a daily drink but also in social rituals, religious ceremonies, and as a way of honoring guests. A unique cultural practice in Lincang is the use of ‘tea offerings’, where tea is given as a gift at important events such as weddings, festivals, and even to mark the beginning of new relationships or partnerships. Tea is seen as a symbol of purity, sincerity, and respect.

Lincang is also home to various ethnic groups such as the Wa, Lahu, Bulang, and Dai, each with their own customs and traditions surrounding tea.

Wa people

Wa people, lincang

The Wa people, an ethnic group primarily found in Myanmar and Yunnan, China, inhabit the mountainous regions of the Wa Special Region, where they maintain a distinct identity through their language, clothing, and customs. The Wa have a strong sense of community and are known for their agricultural practices, often cultivating rice and other crops. Their traditional beliefs are deeply intertwined with nature, and they celebrate various festivals that reflect their connection to the land and ancestors. They often incorporate tea into religious ceremonies and offerings to their deities.

Lahu people

lahu people lincang

The Lahu people are an ethnic group primarily found in the mountainous regions of Southeast Asia, particularly in countries like China, Myanmar, Thailand, and Laos. Like the Wa people, the Lahu have a unique language and traditions that reflect their deep connection to the land. Traditionally, they are agriculturalists, cultivating crops such as rice and corn, and are also known for their skills in hunting and gathering. The Lahu are celebrated for their colorful traditional attire, often decorated with intricate embroidery, and their lively community celebrations, which often include music, dance, and rituals that honor their ancestors.

Bulang people

Bulang people lincang

The Bulang people are traditionally agriculturalists, cultivating crops like rice, tea, and maize. They have their own distinct language, which belongs to the Sino-Tibetan language family. The Bulang community is renowned for its craftsmanship, particularly in weaving and embroidery, reflecting their vibrant cultural identity.

Dai people

The Dai people, an ethnic group, reside in the Yunnan province of China. They are closely related to the Tai ethnic groups found in Southeast Asia, and their society is characterized by a deep connection to nature, agriculture, and Buddhist beliefs. The Dai celebrate various festivals that reflect their unique customs, with the Water Splashing Festival being one of the most notable, symbolizing the arrival of the new year and the washing away of misfortunes. Their traditional dress, colorful textiles, and handicrafts showcase their artistic skills and cultural identity.

Despite facing challenges from modernization and political changes, these minority groups continue to preserve their cultural practices, making them an intriguing subject of study in the context of ethnic diversity in Southeast Asia. As modernization encroaches on their traditional way of life, efforts are being made to preserve their cultural identity and promote sustainable development within their communities.

Lincang Annual Tea Festivals

Lincang also hosts several annual tea festivals, where locals and visitors alike gather to celebrate the region’s rich tea heritage. These events often include tea tastings, tea art performances, and competitions for the best pu erh and black teas. Such gatherings play a vital role in maintaining and promoting Lincang’s tea culture, while also contributing to its growing reputation on the global tea stage.

Fengqing Dianhong Tea Festival

The Fengqing Dianhong Tea Festival is an annual spring celebration in Fengqing County, honouring the birthplace of the world-famous Dianhong. This vibrant festival is a must-visit for tea lovers. It offers a wide range of engaging activities that allow visitors to immerse themselves in the heart of the black tea culture. You'll have the chance to savour rich, malty brews at guided tastings, where experts bring the region’s finest teas to life, highlighting Dianhong’s unique flavour profiles.

The festival is also a stage for friendly competition, with local tea farmers and producers showcasing their finest batches in the hope of winning top honours. Beyond the tea tasting, you’ll enjoy colourful cultural performances, from traditional Yunnan dances to captivating tea art demonstrations. Exhibitions give you an insight into the traditional methods of tea production, with live demonstrations of picking, rolling, and drying. Whether you’re participating in a serene tea ceremony or learning about the centuries-old legacy of Dianhong, this festival is a fun and enriching experience that brings the rich history and traditions of Yunnan’s black tea to life.

Mengku Pu Erh Tea Festival

Held in autumn during the harvest season in the Mengku region of Shuangjiang County, the Mengku Pu Erh Tea Festival is a bustling celebration of one of Yunnan’s most treasured tea-growing areas. Famous for its ancient tea trees and large leaf tea varieties, the festival offers tea enthusiasts a rare opportunity to explore the origins of premium Pu erh tea. Visitors can dive into a world of rich, earthy flavours through guided tastings of both raw and ripe Pu erh.

One of the highlights of the festival is the opportunity to take part in educational workshops led by local tea artisans who reveal the detailed steps of tea processing, from leaf picking to fermentation. It’s a hands-on experience that gives participants a deeper appreciation of the craft and history of Pu erh tea.

The preservation of the ancient Tea Horse Road and its historical significance is another important cultural aspect of Lincang. This ancient trade route not only spread tea throughout China and beyond, but also shaped the region’s identity, combining trade and cultural exchange. Today, the remains of this route serve as a testament to Lincang’s long-standing relationship with tea and trade.

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