Yiwu, the hometown of tribute Tea and the origin of the Tea Horse Road, is renowned as the birthplace of Pu'er tribute tea. In the second year of the Yongzheng era (1724), a large number of craftsmen and tea makers flocked to Yiwu. They renovated old tea gardens and established new ones, creating a thriving scene where “every mountain had a tea Village, and every place was home to people.” Tribute tea is a calling card for Yiwu, which is also the starting point of the Tea Horse Road. During the Guangxu period, Jibang declined due to strategic reasons and an epidemic, allowing Yiwu to replace Jibang and become the center for processing and distribution of tea from the ancient six major tea mountains.

Yiwu tea transforms quickly and stably over time, changing significantly every three to five years, and presenting an entirely different taste after ten or twenty years. As it ages, its robust qualities gradually emerge, offering pleasant surprises for both tasting and collection.

The taste and status of Yiwu tea in the market are perennially popular topics. Seasoned tea connoisseurs have even exclaimed, “Ten-year-old Yiwu rivals that of Lao Banzhang.” The remarkable transformation of aged Yiwu teas makes them regulars at auction markets.

Why is Yiwu tea a top choice for collectors?

1. Excellent aging potential of Yiwu tea

The aging potential of Yiwu tea has been proven over time. When you taste Yiwu tea that is 20 or 30 years old, the soft, rich, and sweet flavor will prompt you to exclaim, “Yiwu tea truly deserves its title as the king of aging.” You don't need to worry about the aging process when storing Yiwu tea; as long as the storage conditions are good, you're sure to be pleasantly surprised by its development.

Good aging potential means there's room for appreciation in value. If you're unsure what tea to collect, Yiwu tea is always a safe bet.

2. High quality of Yiwu tea

Many Yiwu teas are ancient tree teas grown in forests. Some high-stem ancient trees, like those from Bohetang, Guafengzhai, and Tongjing River, grow in the Yiwu state forest, far from human habitation, surrounded by towering trees and the sounds of birds. The excellent ecological environment endows Yiwu tea with unique characteristics and flavors.

The taste of Yiwu tea is widely loved by tea enthusiasts. Its sweet and exceptionally smooth flavor makes it irresistible. As a result, prices for premium Yiwu teas have steadily climbed in recent years. Everyone understands that only good tea is worth collecting.

3. Yiwu tea never gets boring

When you're unsure what tea to store, choose Yiwu. When you're unsure what tea to drink, Yiwu is still your go-to. The sweet and smooth taste of Yiwu tea ensures that it never grows tiresome, even if consumed daily.

Some compare Lao Banzhang to strong liquor—occasionally enjoyable but painful if consumed daily. Yiwu tea, on the other hand, is like red wine, never tiring even with daily consumption.

If you're a seasoned tea enthusiast, you'll likely find yourself returning to Yiwu tea after exploring various Pu'er regions.