The Royal Duo of Pu-erh Tea: Lao Ban Zhang as King, Yi Wu as Queen
The King: Lao Ban Zhang
Lao Ban Zhang, a name that commands respect among tea connoisseurs, is synonymous with power and dominance. Nestled deep in the Bulang Mountains, this ancient village produces some of the most sought-after Pu-erh teas in the world.
With an annual yield of only about 40 tons of ancient tree tea and 8 tons of young tree tea, Lao Ban Zhang’s leaves carry a distinctive "Ban Zhang character"—bold, intense, and commanding. The tea liquor is thick and robust, with a lingering aroma that clings to the cup. The first sip delivers a powerful bitterness that swiftly transforms into sweetness, leaving a long-lasting huigan (returning sweetness) and a strong, invigorating qi. This is a tea that demands attention, truly deserving its title as the "King of Pu-erh."
The Queen: Yi Wu
If Lao Ban Zhang is the mighty king, then Yi Wu is the graceful queen. The name "Yi Wu" comes from the Dai language, meaning "Land of the Beautiful Serpent." This thousand-year-old tea horse town is renowned for its "fragrant aroma and silky texture."
Covering an expansive 750 square kilometers, Yi Wu is the largest among the six ancient tea mountains. Its teas are delicate, smooth, and gentle, with minimal bitterness and a quick, enduring sweetness. Aged Yi Wu tea develops an even more enchanting profile, earning it titles like "The Birthplace of Pu-erh," "The Queen of Tea," and "A Living Tea History Book."
A Perfect Pairing: King and Queen
Lao Ban Zhang and Yi Wu—one bold and powerful, the other elegant and refined—complement each other perfectly. Together, they showcase the incredible diversity of Pu-erh tea, where each mountain produces a tea with its own distinct personality.
On this mystical land, the royal duo of Lao Ban Zhang and Yi Wu continues to write the timeless legend of Pu-erh tea. Every infusion tells a story of Yunnan’s rich terroir, and every lingering fragrance carries the legacy of the ancient Tea Horse Road.