Tongqinghe Ancient Tree Raw Pu'er Tea from Yi Wu Protected Forest – 357g Cake | Sheng Pu'er

Product Description

Tongqinghe, administratively part of Yao District, Mengla County, sits at an elevation between 1,500 and 1,900 metres. Nestled deep within the primeval forest, reaching this tea region requires a trek on foot – with a river crossing along the way. It is a journey that rewards only the determined.

The natural ecosystem here is remarkably well-preserved. The forest is rich and diverse, and the water that flows through it is famously sweet. Sunlight is well-distributed, temperatures remain cool, and the tea trees – many towering over ten metres in height – have deep roots and sprawling canopies. These pristine conditions, shaped by nature's own design, are the very reason Tongqinghe tea possesses such formidable tea energy and distinctive character.

Tongqinghe raw tea is highly recognisable. The dry leaves are visually striking – straight, firm, and beautifully structured, with a heavy, dense quality that speaks to the richness of the material. The infused leaves are a testament to their origin: complete, thick, and robust, with sturdy stems that showcase their wild vitality. These are the hallmarks of authentic Tongqinghe material.

Drinking Tongqinghe is like walking through the jungle itself – an immersive experience that engages all the senses. The flavour profile is deep and layered, with powerful returning sweetness, rapid salivation, and an exceptionally high level of natural sweetness. The liquor is golden and translucent with a thick, almost syrupy texture. There is a gentle bitterness on entry, balanced by remarkable complexity and a pronounced "wild" character that seasoned Pu'er drinkers deeply appreciate. The mouthfeel is full and mellow, with harmonious bitterness and astringency, a broad and expansive sensation, and a long, deep throat resonance that lingers. The floral fragrance is elegant and enduring – refined yet powerful.

Tasting Notes

Key Specifications

Packaging Options

Brewing Recommendation

Steps:

1. Warm the vessel – Rinse with boiling water and discard.

2. Add the leaves – Break off a piece of the cake. Keep the pieces intact rather than crumbling.

3. Rinse (Awakening) – Pour boiling water over the leaves and immediately pour it out after 3–5 seconds. This awakens the leaves and removes any dust.

4. First infusion – Refill with boiling water, cover, and steep for 5–8 seconds. Decant into a fairness cup.

5. Subsequent infusions – Add 5–10 seconds to the steeping time for each additional brew. This tea holds its character for 10–12 infusions, with the flavour evolving beautifully – the early infusions reveal its wild character and complexity, while later infusions become sweeter and more mellow.

Pro Tip: The thick, syrupy texture and powerful returning sweetness of Tongqinghe are best appreciated with a Yixing purple clay pot, which enhances the tea's body and depth. Pay close attention to the throat resonance – it is one of the defining characteristics of this tea and will linger long after each sip.

Storage Advice

To allow this tea to continue improving over time:

• Store in a clean, dry, well-ventilated place away from direct sunlight.

• Avoid strong odours – tea absorbs surrounding scents easily.

• Ideal conditions: temperature 20–30°C, relative humidity 50–70%.

• With proper care, this tea will develop even deeper complexity and richness over the years – a true investment for the patient tea drinker.

Product Highlights at a Glance

• Sourced from Tongqinghe – a legendary micro-region within the Yi Wu protected forest

• Ancient tree material from pristine primeval forest

• Visually striking dry leaves – straight, firm, and dense

• Thick, syrupy liquor – viscous and full-bodied

• Gentle bitterness with rapid, powerful returning sweetness

• Deep, long-lasting throat resonance – a hallmark of premium Yi Wu tea

• Elegant floral fragrance – refined and enduring

• Rich "wild" character – an immersive jungle-like experience

• 2021 vintage – already showing excellent depth, with great aging potential

Complete Specification Summary

This 2021 Tongqinghe Ancient Tree Raw Pu'er is a tea that transports you to the heart of the Yi Wu primeval forest with every sip. From its visually striking dry leaves to its thick, syrupy liquor and deep, lingering throat resonance, every element reflects the pristine environment from which it comes. The harmonious balance of gentle bitterness, powerful sweetness, and elegant floral fragrance makes this a tea of remarkable depth and complexity – one that will reward both immediate enjoyment and patient aging. For those who seek the true character of Yi Wu, Tongqinghe is an experience not to be missed.