2025 Laobanzhang Ancient Tree Raw Pu 'er Tea

What is Laobanzhang Pu 'er tea

Laobanzhang is one of the many Pu 'er tea production areas. Laobanzhang is the name of this production area.

Laobanzhang – The King of Gong Fu Tea

Laobanzhang is not just a tea — it is a legend.

Grown in the remote mountains of Xishuangbanna, this ancient tea village produces Pu’er tea from old trees that are hundreds of years old.
Laobanzhang is often called “The King of Pu’er”, and among gong fu tea lovers, it is simply the ultimate expression of strength and clarity.

Why it’s the pinnacle of gong fu tea:

• 🌱 Ancient Tea Trees: Some over 600 years old, deep roots bring deep energy.

• 🏔️ High-Altitude Power: Grown at 1,700m+, every leaf carries the essence of mountain spirit.

• 🥋 Strong Cha Qi: A bold, penetrating body feeling treasured by tea masters.

• 🍯 Thick & Sweet Aftertaste: Bitter at first sip, then flows into honey and stone fruit finish.

• 🔥 Brews Deep, Brews Long: One scoop can deliver 20+ infusions — perfect for gong fu style brewing.

Whether you’re sitting alone in focus or sharing tea with friends, Laobanzhang delivers the power, patience, and purity that define gong fu tea at its highest level.

🏆 The True Laobanzhang — Rare, Authentic, Powerful

Laobanzhang is known as the King of Pu’er, prized for its powerful cha qi, complex bitterness-to-sweetness transformation, and commanding presence in the world of kung fu tea.
Because of its fame and high value, the market is full of fake or mislabeled "Laobanzhang" teas.

At Baiyun Teahouse, we work directly with growers in the core ancient gardens of Laobanzhang, ensuring every tea cake is 100% authentic, traceable, and expertly crafted.
We divide our Laobanzhang series into three distinct levels, based on the source and age of the tea trees:

🌳 Gushu — Ancient Tree

Harvested from across the Laobanzhang ancient tea gardens, these trees are over a century old.
The flavor is bold, layered, and delivers the signature intensity Laobanzhang is famous for.

🌿 Tiaocai —carefully chosen tea trees

Picked from older and stronger trees within the garden that produce more concentrated aroma and flavor.
More refined than general gushu, this grade offers deeper sweetness and longer aftertaste.

🌲 Xuanzhu — Rare Ancient Tea Trees

Harvested from one single, top-performing ancient tree, known locally as the "King Tree" of the garden.
Its power, clarity, and aging potential make it a collector’s treasure. Only very limited quantities are available each year.

At Baiyun Teahouse, we do not hype — we verify.
Every tea cake is labeled by grade and origin, and we support video traceability and in-person garden visits by request.
You’re not just buying a name — you're tasting the real Laobanzhang.

Aging & Collectibility

Laobanzhang is one of the most sought-after aging teas in the world of Pu’er.

• High altitude, ancient tree material, and strong structure make it ideal for long-term storage.

• With each year, the bitterness softens, the texture thickens, and the fragrance deepens.

Why collectors choose Laobanzhang:

• It’s rare — especially true gushu and danzhu material

• It improves dramatically with time

• It holds value in the global tea market

• It tells a story of mountain, time, and tradition

Properly stored in a dry, clean, ventilated space, your cake will only get better — and more valuable — with time.

Brewing Tips

Laobanzhang is best appreciated through gongfu-style brewing, using small vessels and multiple short infusions.

• Water temperature: 95–100°C (203–212°F)

• Tea-to-water ratio: ~8g per 120ml

• Rinse: Quick rinse recommended (5 sec)

• Vessel: Yixing teapot or  gaiwan 

Expect 20+ infusions, with a dynamic shift from bold bitterness to long-lasting sweetness and stone fruit aromas.
Drink slowly — the cha qi builds over time.