Lao Banzhang Ripe Pu’er Tea
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. 🍃
Specification
5g · 100g · 200g
Origin
Lao Banzhang Village, Xishuangbanna, Yunnan, China
Tea Variety
Menghai Large Leaf Variety (Banzhang Feather Tea)
Tree Age
Ancient tea trees over 100 years old
Altitude
Around 1800 meters
Environment
Ancient tea gardens surrounded by mist and forest
Planting Density
Naturally spaced growth
Harvest Season
Spring
Processing
Basket fermentation method. Suitable for aging.
Flavor Profile
Flavor
Rich and full-bodied
Liquor Color
Deep red and glossy
Aroma
Aged aroma with woody sweetness
Dry Leaves
Chestnut-brown color
Taste
Thick and smooth texture with a soft, refined mouthfeel
Leaf Base
Clean leaves with good elasticity
Click here to experience the complete Five Elements Sacred Beasts collection.
（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.
What’s the pinnacle of Gongfu tea? It has to be Lao Banzhang Pu’er — a name every true tea lover knows.
Think of it as the Rolls-Royce of tea, the Lafite of brews, the Blue Mountain of the tea world.
Because Lao Banzhang is rare and expensive, counterfeits flood the market. To protect this thousand-year-old ancient tea garden, only those with deep partnerships with local farmers can enter during the spring harvest. Bringing in tea from other mountains is strictly forbidden.
Today, only three companies in the world have processing factories in Lao Banzhang — baiyunteahouse is one of them. You're welcome to visit our ancient tea garden in person — don't be fooled by fakes!
The taste? Bold and intense. Bitter at first, but quickly turns sweet, with rich floral and fruity notes that bloom in the mouth. After three years of aging, the flavor reaches new heights — this is the true summit of Gongfu tea.
Highlights:
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Made from 100% ancient Lao Banzhang tea leaves
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Handcrafted by baiyunteahouse tea masters
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Naturally sweet, full-bodied, and long-lasting
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Limited production — made only once to meet tea lovers’ requests
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.
