Lao Banzhang Sampler· Five Elements & Sacred Beasts
2026 Ancient Tree Collection
The Five Elements & the Five Sacred Beasts
In ancient Chinese mythology, the world was believed to be guided by five fundamental forces, known as the Five Elements: Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth.
These elements were thought to shape the rhythm of nature—governing the seasons, the directions of the world, and the balance of life itself.
To guard these forces, five sacred mythical creatures were said to watch over the world.
The Azure Dragon guards the East and represents Wood and the season of spring.
It symbolizes growth, vitality, and the awakening of life.
The White Tiger guards the West and represents Metal and autumn.
It embodies strength, harvest, and resilience.
The Black Tortoise guards the North and represents Water and winter.
Often depicted as a tortoise entwined with a snake, it symbolizes wisdom, endurance, and the depth of time.
The Vermilion Bird guards the South and represents Fire and summer.
Like a bird made of flame, it represents warmth, energy, and the brightness of life.
At the center stands the Qilin, representing Earth.
It symbolizes harmony, balance, and the connection between all living things.
The Five Elements are believed to move in a natural cycle:
Wood creates Fire
Fire creates Earth
Earth creates Metal
Metal creates Water
Water creates Wood
Through this continuous cycle, ancient people believed the world remained in balance—allowing mountains, forests, and life to endure.
In this collection, five teas from the ancient trees of Lao Banzhang are inspired by these same ideas of balance and nature.
Each tea carries its own character, yet together they form a complete harmony—just like the Five Elements themselves. 🍃
Pre-order Notice
This tea is currently available for pre-order.
The spring harvest of Lao Banzhang will begin in late March 2026, when the ancient trees awaken from winter dormancy and the first fresh tea leaves are picked.
All teas are made from early spring 2026 leaves, and orders will be shipped no later than early May 2026.
During the pre-order period:
Customers who purchase a 100g set of five mixed-flavor tea cakes (one of each flavor) or a 200g set of five mixed-flavor tea cakes (one of each flavor) will receive:
• Exclusive Lao Banzhang No.89 custom tea cup
• 10% discount
• Dragon Pearl tea samples of all five flavors (5 pearls per flavor)
Customers who purchase a mixed set of five-flavor Dragon Pearls will receive:
• Exclusive Lao Banzhang No.89 custom tea cup
• 10% discount
This pre-order event allows you to experience the full range of flavors from the five Lao Banzhang ancient tree teas before their official release.
About Lao Banzhang
Lao Banzhang is one of the most famous tea villages in the world of Gongfu tea.
It is located deep in the primitive forests of Bulang Mountain in Yunnan.
The tea trees here are ancient trees over 100 years old, growing naturally in the forest rather than in managed plantations. Surrounded by moss, mist, and wild vegetation, these trees draw their character from centuries of untouched soil and environment.
Because of its strong character and rich taste, Lao Banzhang is often called the King of Pu’er tea.
Aging Potential
Lao Banzhang teas are naturally dense in structure and rich in internal compounds, making them highly suitable for aging.
Over time they develop:
• Greater long-term stability
• Clearer transformation of aroma and taste
• Strong value for traditional tea collectors
Teas in This Collection
All teas are made from 2026 early spring Lao Banzhang ancient trees.
Raw Pu’er Tea
The most classic Lao Banzhang tea.
Strong body, clear orchid fragrance, powerful first taste followed by a long lasting sweetness.
Ripe Pu’er Tea
Fermented from raw pu’er leaves.
Smooth texture with gentle woody and mushroom-like aromas, very comfortable for the stomach.
Sunlight Red Tea
Fully fermented red tea made from fresh leaves and dried under the sun.
Naturally sweet and easy to enjoy.
Moonlight White Tea
Made by gently drying fresh leaves in shade.
The simplest processing style, preserving the natural floral fragrance of Lao Banzhang.
Golden Leaf Tea
Selected mature leaves from Lao Banzhang trees.
Balanced sweetness and floral notes with a softer, smooth body.
Click here to experience the complete Five Elements Sacred Beasts collection.
Tea Formats
Dragon Pearls
Raw Pu’er (5g)
Ripe Pu’er (5g)
Sunlight Red Tea (5g)
Moonlight White Tea (5g)
Golden Leaf Tea (8g)
Each pearl can be brewed many times in a 100–150ml gaiwan, usually up to 20 infusions, depending on taste.
Tea Cakes
Raw Pu’er (100g / 200g)
Ripe Pu’er (100g / 200g)
Sunlight Red Tea (100g / 200g)
Moonlight White Tea (100g / 200g)
Golden Leaf (100g / 200g)
Special Bundle Packaging
When purchasing one cake of each flavor (5 cakes total):
• Packed together with traditional bamboo leaf wrapping
• Includes one baiyunteahouse tea knife
| Tea |
Aroma |
Taste |
Body |
| Raw Pu’er |
Orchid |
Strong & complex |
Powerful |
| Ripe Pu’er |
Woody |
Smooth |
Thick |
| Red Tea |
Honey |
Sweet |
Soft |
| White Tea |
Floral |
Fresh |
Light |
| Golden Leaf |
Floral Honey |
Balanced |
Rich |
Quick Brewing (Gongfu Style)
| Item |
Details |
| Brewing Style |
Simple gongfu-style brewing for daily tea drinking |
| Tea to Water Ratio |
5g tea / 120–150ml water |
| Water Temperature |
Raw Pu’er: 95–100°C
Golden Leaf: 95–100°C
Ripe Pu’er: 95–100°C
Sunlight Red Tea: 90–95°C
Moonlight White Tea: 90–95°C |
| Rinse Tea |
Add hot water, wait 20 seconds, then pour out |
| First Infusions |
Brew 3–5 seconds, then pour |
| Later Infusions |
Increase steeping time by 2-3 seconds each round
|
| Brewing Times |
Most teas can be brewed 20 infusions depending on taste preference |
Steep Brewing (Thermos / Mug Method)
| Item |
Details |
| Brewing Style |
A relaxed brewing method with no special teaware required |
| Best For |
Travel, work, or slow everyday drinking |
| Tea to Water Ratio |
Thermos: 5g / 1000ml
Tea Mug: 5g / 350ml
|
| Water Temperature |
Raw Pu’er: 95–100°C
Golden Leaf: 95–100°C
Ripe Pu’er: 95–100°C
Sunlight Red Tea: 90–95°C
Moonlight White Tea: 90–95°C |
| Rinse Tea |
Add a small amount of hot water, wait 15–20 seconds, then pour out |
| Tea Mug Steeping |
5–10 minutes
5 min: lighter and fresh
10 min: richer and fuller |
| Thermos Steeping |
20–30 minutes
20 min: smooth and light
30 min: stronger and deeper |
| Refill |
Hot water can be refilled several times as the tea continues releasing flavor |
Laobanzhang Tea Storage Guidelines
Avoid strong light
Keep tea away from direct sunlight and prolonged artificial light. Strong light accelerates oxidation, which can cause the aroma to fade and the flavor to become thin. In severe cases, the tea may develop sour or sun-exposed off-flavors.
Prevent odor absorption
Tea easily absorbs surrounding smells. Store it in a clean environment free of strong odors. Avoid placing it near alcohol, kitchen smoke, paint, or any items with strong or irritating smells, as these can contaminate the tea and alter its flavor.
Stable temperature and humidity
The ideal storage temperature is 20°C–30°C (68°F–86°F). Avoid extreme heat (above 40°C / 104°F) or very low temperatures. Keep tea away from heaters, radiators, and air conditioner vents, and prevent it from freezing during winter.
The recommended relative humidity is 50%–70%.
Too dry (below 50%): the aging process becomes extremely slow or may stop.
Too humid (above 70%): the tea may develop mold, resulting in unpleasant “storage” or musty flavors.
During humid seasons, especially the rainy season, take extra precautions. Seal the tea, keep it away from floors and walls, and use air conditioning or a dehumidifier to keep room humidity below 65%.
Storing a single cake
Place the tea cake in a sealed aluminum foil bag and store it at room temperature, away from light. Keep it away from damp floors and walls.
Storing full tongs or boxes
Full tong (wrapped stack): place inside a large resealable bag.
Full case: store in a water-resistant cardboard box.
Keep them in a cool, dry, dark place, ideally at least 5 cm away from the floor and walls to allow air circulation and prevent moisture exposure.
This method is suitable for all teas that improve in aroma and flavor over time.
（From Our Own Tea Garden）
Ancient-Tree Pure Material: “Pure material” means all the leaves come from the core Lao Banzhang region. “Ancient trees” means the leaves are picked only from large, old trees.
Blended Material: Most of the leaves come from Lao Banzhang, combined with a smaller portion from other regions, or a mix of leaves from ancient trees and younger trees.
All of our Lao Banzhang tea comes entirely from ancient-tree material. Please note the difference between ancient-tree pure material and blended material.
From Lao Banzhang — The King of Gongfu Tea Gardens
Lao Banzhang is not just a name — it’s a legend. Nestled deep in the mountainous terrain of Bulang Mountain Township, Lao Banzhang village is famed as the “Number One Pu-erh Village in China.”
The region’s high elevation (~1800m), dense vegetation, and abundant mists form a uniquely rich microclimate. With 1,500mm of annual rainfall and a year-round average temperature of 18.7°C, the environment is ideal for ancient tea trees to flourish.
Its soil is dark, fertile, and rich in humus, while remaining breathable—encouraging deep root systems to draw vital minerals and nutrients. The nearby Nada Meng Reservoir, one of the largest natural water sources in the region, provides sustained hydration throughout the year.
This cake is crafted exclusively from first-spring leaves from old trees in the core area of Lao Banzhang village, not blended or spliced. It reflects not only the terroir, but also the untamed power of this "overlord of ancient tea forests."
Final Note — A Ripe Pu-erh with the Soul of a Wild Mountain Warrior
Lao Banzhang is known for its bold, untamed spirit — and that’s often associated with raw Pu-erh.
Yet this ripe Pu-erh captures that same force, now mellowed and deepened by time and fire.
From the richness of its liquor to the quiet power of its aroma, this cake offers not just flavor—but presence.
It does not shout. It hums — with age, with patience, and with the resonance of ancient roots.
All Baiyun Teahouse teas are certified under ISO 9001 (Quality Management System) — ensuring that every step of production is standardized and traceable —
and ISO 22000 (Food Safety Management System) — guaranteeing that every stage, from raw leaves to final packaging, meets international food safety standards
From tea leaf to teacup, every step follows world standards —
where quality is assured, safety is safeguarded, and trust is protected.
