Category: Yunnan (云南)
Quite simply, the birthplace of tea. Containing both Tropical and Subtropical climates, with both very wet monsoons and very dry winters, Yunnan is one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. Bordering Guangxi, Guizhou, Sichuan, Tibet, Vietnam, Laos, and Burma, Yunnan is also one of the most culturally diverse. Yunnan has six separate tea growing regions and boasts the oldest living tea tree (in Fengqing, ~3,200 years). Indeed, many tea trees in Yunnan are so old they must be climbed in order to harvest their leaves. Best known for its Pu-erh (the ancient trading post city of Pu’er (普洱市) lies in Yunnan), Yunnan also produces some very unique Greens and Blacks. Chief among them: Yunnan Gold, Fengqing Sheng Puerh, Dian Hong and Hazelberry. I honestly have no idea what my favorite Yunnan tea is–they’re all so amazing. I really enjoy TeaGschwendner’s China Yunnan Golden Downy Pekoe and Goldfish’s Loose Pu’er 2004.