Yunnan, located in the southwestern frontier of China, is one of the important origins of large-leaf tea in the country. The ancient tea garden of Bingdao is one of the birthplaces of Yunnan large-leaf tea. Locally known as "Bingdao," it is a famous tea-producing village in Shuangjiang County, renowned for its Bingdao large-leaf tea variety. It is also one of the earliest places in the county where tea trees were artificially cultivated. The Bingdao tea variety is a major component of the famous Mengku large-leaf tea, and Bingdao Village is the primary birthplace of the Mengku tea variety.

Entering the ancient tea garden of Bingdao is like stepping into an ancient tea leaf forest. During the tea-picking season, harvesters climb the trees to pick the leaves. The history of the Bingdao ancient tea garden dates back to the Chenghua period of the Ming Dynasty, spanning over 500 years. Subsequently, the seeds from the Bingdao ancient tea garden propagated in Mengku, forming the Mengku large-leaf tea population. Its descendants were directly or indirectly introduced and cultivated extensively within and outside the region, province, and even internationally, resulting in over 600,000 acres of cultivation in the Lincang area alone.

The large-leaf tea from the Bingdao ancient tea garden not only has large leaves but also contains relatively high levels of tea compounds. The weight of 100 buds with one bud and three leaves is 137.6g. Spring buds with one bud and two leaves contain 3.4% amino acids, 35.1% tea polyphenols, 4.9% caffeine, 16.7% total catechins, and 48.1% water extract. The tea is known for its strong aroma, sweet and intense flavor, making it an excellent variety for processing Pu'er tea. Therefore, the region is famous for producing Pu'er tea, and any Pu'er enthusiast must visit the Bingdao ancient tea garden at least once.

In 1984, Mengku large-leaf tea was certified as a national-level fine variety, ranking first among Yunnan large-leaf teas. After conducting field surveys and biochemical analyses of the Mengku large-leaf tea origin, Chinese tea experts concluded that "Mengku large-leaf tea is the authentic variety of Yunnan large-leaf tea." Tea buyers should note that Mengku large-leaf tea is characterized by thick and sturdy strips, prominent buds with fine hairs, a rich and intense flavor, a long-lasting sweet aftertaste, abundant intrinsic compounds, and high water extract. Only tea with these characteristics qualifies as authentic Mengku large-leaf tea.