Bingdao Old Village, also known as “Bingdao Natural Village,” is the highest-elevation Dai village in Mengku, Yunnan, with over 500 years of Tea cultivation history. Its name is associated with the Dai people; in the mid-slopes of the Bangma Mountains north of Mount Bangma in Lincang, Yunnan, lies an ancient Dai village, Bingdao Old Village, referred to in the Dai language as “Bian Dao” or “Bing Dao.” Pu'er teas are often named after their place of origin, and thus, the Pu'er tea produced here is named Bingdao tea.

The government relocated the entire village to protect the growth of ancient tea trees, and now the residents of Bingdao Old Village live in small earthen houses. The ancient tea trees here are a precious gift from nature to the Chinese people. Last year, the Bingdao Tea King tree and Bingdao Tea Venerable were auctioned off for fresh leaves at prices of 1.88 million yuan and several hundred thousand yuan respectively by Xing Ji Hao and other buyers for one year.

Bingdao Old Village sits on the mid-slope of the western half-mountain in Mengku, Yunnan, and is also the highest-elevation Dai village in the Mengku region. Only about 70 households of the Lahu, Dai, and Han ethnic groups live together within the village.

The tea production history of Bingdao Old Village dates back more than 500 years. There are written records dating back to the Ming dynasty (around 1485), and oral traditions suggest it predates the Ming period. During the Chenghua period of the Ming Dynasty, Bingdao was already a tribute tea for the local Dai chieftain.

Currently, there are only about 200 tea trees over 300 years old and 2,756 tea trees over 100 years old within the village. Since its introduction during the Chenghua period of the Ming Dynasty, after over 500 years of cultivation and evolution, it has spread and developed into the Mengku large-leaf tea variety in Mengku, making it one of the birthplaces of Yunnan large-leaf tea.

Geographical Features of Bingdao Old Village

This Bingdao Pu'er tea (shengpu) comes from Bingdao Old Village, which is located in the western half-mountain of Mengku Town, Shuangjiang County, Lincang, Yunnan. The altitude ranges from 1,500 meters to 2,500 meters, with an annual average temperature of 20 degrees Celsius. This mountain is shrouded in mist and clouds, with snow-capped peaks throughout the year. High mountains and cloudy mists have always been associated with fine tea, and Bingdao Old Village is the top representative of the sweet and smooth teas of the Lincang tea region, as well as the leading village among the five Bingdao villages.

Characteristics of Fresh Leaves from Bingdao Old Village

There are over 4,000 ancient tea trees that are more than a hundred years old in Bingdao Old Village, and only around 200 trees over 300 years old. The scarcity of these trees is evident. Upon visiting Bingdao Old Village, you will undoubtedly be captivated by the ancient tea trees. The tea from this old village belongs to the typical Mengku large-leaf variety, with distinct characteristics: the fresh leaves are long and large, glossy dark green, thick and soft in texture, and strong in tenderness. The buds and leaves are plump. The dry tea has clear and bright strands, is robust, and covered in fine hairs.

Taste Characteristics of Bingdao Old Village

Bingdao Old Village Pu'er tea is known as the “Queen of Pu'er” and is famous for its gentle aroma and unique rock Sugar-like flavor. The tea soup is golden and translucent, with a clear, sweet, full-bodied taste and no prominent bitterness or astringency. The aftertaste and salivation develop like two small streams, refreshing and fragrant, with floral and fruity aromas lingering in the mouth, accompanied by a cool sensation in the throat. It offers an ultimate taste experience that satisfies all fantasies about ancient tea trees! Even after twenty infusions, the color remains bright yellow, and the taste is still rich. The leaves at the bottom of the Cup are thick, full, and intact, with a lustrous appearance and very soft texture.

The true Bingdao Old Village Pu'er tea is rare, a product of heaven and earth, a divine creation, and a perfect harmony between nature and humanity. Its essence is simple and natural. Although seemingly within reach, it is also unattainably distant. Once tasted, it leaves a profound impression, much like “standing atop Mount Tai and looking down upon the world.”