Laobanzhang Tea Plantation in Menghai County, XishuangBanna

Laobanzhang Tea Plantation in Menghai County, XishuangBanna
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Laobanzhang Village(老班章村) is a Hani village in the southeast of Menghai County(勐海县), north of the township government of Bulang Mountain(布朗山). Laobanzhang, also known as the Xiabanzhang(下班章), has an altitude of 1700 meters, the ancient tea gardens are distributed around the village. The ecological environment of tea gardens is very good, the gardens are symbiotic with the forest. These tea trees are large and aged, and all of them are standard large-leaf tea. The age of tea trees and the environment in which they grow determine the quality and flavor of tea.

Chinese Name: 老班章村和老班章普洱茶
English Name: Laobanzhang Village and Laobanzhang Puer Tea Plantation in Menghai County, XishuangBanna
ADD:云南省西双版纳傣族自治州勐海县布朗山布朗族乡班章村委会

“Laobanzhang Tea” (老班章茶)is regarded as the “King of Tea” in Puer Tea circle. The trees are old aged and grew in the mountains, so the smell of tea is very strong. After drinking this kind of tea, people’s hands, feet, head and back will get hot and sweat slightly. Laobanzhang Tea is worth buying as the top Puer Tea, and Laobanzhang Village is also a good place to travel for people who like tea.

Lao Ban Zhang Tea Overview

Lao Ban Zhang, situated to the north of the Bulang Mountain Township government, is a Hani ethnic village officially known as Lao Ban Zhang Village. To reach Lao Ban Zhang, you can take a road from Lihai to Daluo for about 10 kilometers, then follow the signs at the Menghun Township junction and drive east along the rural roads for another 10 kilometers, entering the mountainous region. From there, you’ll drive approximately 30 kilometers along mountain roads to arrive at Lao Ban Zhang.

Geographic and Cultural Context

Also referred to as Xia Ban Zhang, Lao Ban Zhang has 114 households and a population of 460, located at an elevation of 1700 meters. The ancient tea gardens are distributed around the village, with ancient tea trees located in the vicinity. The ecological environment of the tea gardens is excellent, coexisting with forests, and the trees are of standard large-leaf variety, characterized by their robust and ancient trunks. The age of the tea trees and their wild growing environment contribute to the superior quality, rich aroma, and strong mountain characteristics of Lao Ban Zhang tea.

Reputation as the “Tea King”

Lao Ban Zhang is famously known as the “King of Tea” and is renowned for its exceptional tea aroma. It is regarded as one of the most aromatic varieties in Pu-erh tea, with its distinct characteristics attributed to its standard large-leaf variety, resulting in thick, robust leaves with abundant buds and fuzz. Few other tea regions produce leaves of such vigor.

Lao Ban Zhang boasts a strong ecological environment and ancient trees, imbuing it with a pronounced mountain character. The aroma of scattered tea and tea cakes is distinctly that of ancient tree tea, exhibiting a fragrance reminiscent of orchids and floral nectar.

Tasting Profile

  • Appearance and Color:
    Within three years of aging, Lao Ban Zhang tea presents a bright golden hue. After three years, the color shifts from golden to reddish-yellow.
  • Flavor Profile:
    The bitterness and astringency of Lao Ban Zhang tea dissipate quickly, transitioning to a rich sweetness within about a minute. After drinking, the entire mouth and throat feel sweet and smooth, with this sensation lasting for hours if no spicy foods are consumed.
  • Brewing Characteristics:
    Lao Ban Zhang tea is robust, with a noticeable tea essence. It can be steeped over ten times while retaining its sweetness and aroma. The spent leaves exhibit the unique fragrance of ancient tree tea, free from any off-flavors. The leaves should appear relatively uniform; if not broken during processing, the leaves and buds remain intact and thick, presenting a yellow-green hue within three to five years.

Single Tree and Blended Tea

The 2014 Lao Ban Zhang ancient tree single-bud tea is harvested from a single ancient tree, processed in one batch to produce a high-quality Pu-erh that exemplifies purity. This single-bud tea is considered the “king among kings,” prioritizing flavor purity. Compared to blended teas, it offers a fresher taste and longer-lasting sweetness, although it may slightly lack the thickness found in mixed harvests. The production is limited, resulting in a high price, but the quality is guaranteed. Lao Ban Zhang is a premier choice for Pu-erh tea lovers and is certainly worth acquiring.

Development of Lao Ban Zhang Pu-erh Tea

1. 2000-2005: The Rise of New Lao Ban Zhang

During this period, the term “Cai Niao Ban Zhang” emerged, referring to the eco-teas known as “Big Cabbage Ban Zhang” and “Peacock Ban Zhang.” These were produced by the He brothers at the state-run Menghai Tea Factory and the Xinghai Tea Factory.

  • 2000: The He brothers began producing the “Big Cabbage Ban Zhang” series of ecological teas, using raw materials processed at the Menghai Tea Factory.
  • 2004: After the Menghai Tea Factory underwent reform, the He brothers shifted their focus to the Xinghai Tea Factory, where they created the “Peacock Ban Zhang” ecological tea.

The Big Cabbage Ban Zhang and Peacock Ban Zhang have since become star products in the mid-range Pu-erh tea market. Notable representative teas include the 2000 Rubber Band Tea, 2003 Six-Star Peacock Ban Zhang Qing Bing, 2004 Free-Range Chicken Tuos, and the 2004 Xinghai ABCD Pile teas.

2. 2005-2012: Emergence of High-Quality Ban Zhang Brands

In 2005, the Fuzhin Tea Factory was established, focusing on high-quality custom teas made from Ban Zhang tea. Representative products include the 2006 3000g Tea King Brick, 2006 Ban Zhang Tea King Qing Bing, and the 2007 1000g Tea King Brick.

  • 2007: Fuzhin Tea Factory moved away from naming teas based on mountain ranges, opting instead for a classification system that emphasized tea grades rather than specific origins. Although Ban Zhang tea was still used as a raw material, the products no longer carried the Ban Zhang name.
  • 2008: Chen Shenghao was established, forming a procurement agreement with Ban Zhang Village to implement a “company + base + farmers” production model, aiming to create a benchmark brand for Lao Ban Zhang tea.

3. 2012-Present: Emergence of More Brands

In 2012, He Baoqiang separated from Fuzhin Tea Factory to establish the Jin Da Fu Tea Factory. As a key producer of the “Big Cabbage Ban Zhang” series, he continued to create teas named after Ban Zhang, such as the 2013 “Ban Zhang Li Tea” and the 2014 Ban Zhang Zhen Cang Qing Tuo.

At the same time, various teas named after Ban Zhang appeared in the market, but only a few have been recognized as noteworthy.

Lao Ban Zhang Pu-erh Tea Characteristics

1. Regional Identity: The name of the Lao Ban Zhang tea-producing area reflects the significance of geographical origin in determining the tea’s flavor. Similar to how wine is classified by vineyards, Pu-erh tea is categorized based on mountain origins. Lao Ban Zhang refers to the tea produced in the old and new villages of Ban Zhang, located in Menghai County, Xishuangbanna Prefecture.

2. Appearance:

  • The tea leaves are thick and robust with prominent tips.
  • The color is glossy, with the tips showing white down and the leaves appearing dark green and shiny.

3. Aroma:

  • The aroma is deep and subtle, with a distinct fragrance.
  • New tea exhibits bright floral and honey notes, while the overall scent profile shifts towards a floral and honey-like fragrance over 1 to 4 years, with a noticeable orchid scent.

4. Liquor Color:

  • The color of the tea liquor varies by age. Fresh tea has a clear appearance, while tea aged for three years turns a bright yellow and oily, with a thick and rich consistency.

5. Taste Profile:

  • Lao Ban Zhang tea is known for its quick transition from bitterness to sweetness. Within about a minute of brewing, the bitterness diminishes, leaving a sweet and smooth sensation in the mouth and throat that can last for several hours if not paired with strong flavors.

6. Leaf Bottom:

  • The leaves are relatively long, flexible, and thick, with a uniform color and prominent downy hairs.

7. Overall Flavor Profile:

  • Lao Ban Zhang tea has a strong mountain and wild character. The aroma of the scattered tea and tea cakes showcases the unique fragrance of ancient tree tea, striking a balance between orchid and honey scents.

Brewing Method for Lao Ban Zhang Pu-erh Tea

  1. Preparation:
    • Gather the necessary tea ware and ensure it is clean.
  2. Tea Selection:
    • Measure out an appropriate amount of Lao Ban Zhang Pu-erh tea leaves.
  3. Warm the Teapot:
    • Pour hot water into the teapot to warm it, helping to release the tea’s aroma.
  4. Rinse the Tea:
    • Place the tea leaves in the teapot, pour hot water over them, and then discard the liquid. This step cleans the leaves of dust and impurities.
  5. Brewing:
    • Pour hot water into the teapot again and wait for about 10 seconds.
  6. Pouring the Tea:
    • Pour the brewed tea into cups to enjoy the aroma and flavor of Lao Ban Zhang Pu-erh tea.
  7. Tasting:
    • Savor the unique taste and aroma of the tea, and appreciate its health benefits.