GU SHU BAI LU
ANCIENT TREE WHITE DEW
WHITE TEA
★ PESTICIDE-FREE GARDENING
Lincang, Yunnan, China
Gu Shu Bai Lu is a refined white tea from Yunnan, produced from leaves of ancient tea trees. The use of old tree material gives the tea a deeper structure and a more grounded, mineral character compared to standard white teas. It is valued for its balance of gentle sweetness, soft floral notes, and a calm, layered complexity. MORE
200 g cake
AROMA
Dried fruits, citrus, vanilla
TASTE
Sweet, honey, woody
ALTITUDE: 2250 m
VARIETY: Da Ye
HARVEST: Spring, 2021
WHITE TEA
★ PESTICIDE-FREE GARDENING
Lincang, Yunnan, China
Gu Shu Bai Lu is a refined white tea from Yunnan, produced from leaves of ancient tea trees. The use of old tree material gives the tea a deeper structure and a more grounded, mineral character compared to standard white teas. It is valued for its balance of gentle sweetness, soft floral notes, and a calm, layered complexity. MORE
200 g cake
AROMA
Dried fruits, citrus, vanilla
TASTE
Sweet, honey, woody
ALTITUDE: 2250 m
VARIETY: Da Ye
HARVEST: Spring, 2021
White tea technology is one of the oldest tea processing techniques on earth when tea was considered a medicine. White tea is prepared according to a special technology of natural withering and drying, while maintaining its rich internal content with substances such as active enzymes, polyphenols, etc. Due to the special cultivars, climate, quality of the tea leaves, and low level of oxidation, this type of tea provides maximum vitamins and microelements. The highest quality white teas are made from spring young buds and leaves, traditionally dried under the sun.
Chinese traditional medicine claims that white tea has a cooling nature, dissipating heat and reducing fire. White tea strengthens the immune system, reduces the risk of heart disease, lowers blood pressure, prevents the development of cancer cells, and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It is considered that after 7 years of ageing, white tea acquires healing properties and could be used as a medicine. The taste develops and becomes richer and deeper.
Chinese traditional medicine claims that white tea has a cooling nature, dissipating heat and reducing fire. White tea strengthens the immune system, reduces the risk of heart disease, lowers blood pressure, prevents the development of cancer cells, and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It is considered that after 7 years of ageing, white tea acquires healing properties and could be used as a medicine. The taste develops and becomes richer and deeper.
Learn more about BIOCHEMISTRY OF A TEA LEAF
EASTERN (PIN CHA) ★
Temperature: 80-95 °C
Amount: 3-5 grams per 120 ml of water
Steeping: 10-30 sec x 7+
WESTERN (INFUSION)
Temperature: 90 °C
Amount: 2-3 grams per 250 ml of water
Steeping: 1-2 min x 3
Learn more about TEA BREWING METHODS
Tea absorbs surrounding aromas and moisture and loses its properties, including taste and aroma. Store it in a dry and cool place in airtight packaging. Avoid direct exposure to the sun and high temperatures.
BEST BEFORE: 2 years since production date!
*When properly stored, this tea gets better with time!
BEST BEFORE: 2 years since production date!
*When properly stored, this tea gets better with time!
Learn more ABOUT TEA STORAGE
ABOUT
Gu Shu Bai Lu is a white tea produced in Yunnan, in China, made from leaves harvested from old tea trees growing at high elevation. The term “Gu Shu” refers to these ancient trees, which develop deeper root systems and more concentrated leaf material compared to younger cultivated plants. The 2021 production reflects both the quality of the raw material and the conditions of that specific harvest year.
The production follows the classical white tea method, involving minimal processing without rolling or shaping. After harvesting, the leaves undergo controlled withering and slow drying, preserving their internal structure while allowing gradual natural oxidation. This approach maintains clarity while supporting the development of a stable and balanced profile.
Gu Shu Bai Lu occupies a distinctive position within the white tea category, combining the softness of white tea processing with the depth associated with ancient tree origin. It is valued for its smooth texture, structural integrity, and layered aromatic expression, offering a more grounded and expressive interpretation of white tea.
TERROIR
Gu Shu Bai Lu is sourced from the Ming Feng Shan area of Lincang, within Yunnan, at elevations around 2,250 meters. This high-altitude environment is defined by cool temperatures, strong day–night variation, frequent mist, and high humidity, creating conditions for very slow and controlled leaf development. These factors support the accumulation of aromatic compounds while preserving clarity and balance in the leaf.
The tea is harvested from very old tea trees growing in semi-wild forest ecosystems. These trees develop deep root systems that access a wide spectrum of minerals, while the surrounding biodiversity stabilizes the growing environment. The soils are typically well-drained, slightly acidic, and rich in organic matter, contributing to both structural density and mineral depth in the raw material. Microclimate plays a defining role, with diffused sunlight and persistent cloud cover moderating photosynthesis and maintaining a balanced biochemical composition. At this altitude, the slower metabolism of the plant allows for a refined distribution of amino acids and polyphenols, resulting in both softness and underlying structure. Compared to lower elevations, these conditions produce a more concentrated and stable profile.
Another important aspect is the interaction between extreme altitude and ancient tree material. The combination of old tree physiology and high-mountain conditions enhances the depth and integrity of the leaves. This ensures that the final tea expresses both the character of Ming Feng Shan terroir and the distinct qualities associated with Gu Shu material.
ORGANOLEPTICS
The dry leaf consists of a mix of buds and mature leaves, showing a natural, slightly open structure with tones ranging from olive green to light brown, reflecting high-altitude origin and careful processing. The aroma of the dry leaves is clean and layered, with notes of wildflowers, fresh herbs, and a subtle honeyed sweetness, supported by a light mineral nuance. In a preheated teapot, the leaves open gradually from the first infusion, releasing a refined aromatic profile where floral and vegetal tones are complemented by soft creamy and slightly resinous notes. As the infusion develops, the aroma becomes more integrated, combining gentle sweetness with a calm, mineral depth and a balanced, rounded character.
The aroma of the liquor is clear and expressive, with a harmonious combination of floral notes, soft sweetness, and a distinct mineral undertone. The taste is smooth and structured, with a medium body and a soft, slightly viscous texture. A natural sweetness forms the core of the profile, supported by floral and herbal tones and a mild, well-integrated astringency that adds definition. The high-altitude origin is reflected in a subtle cooling sensation and a precise, clean finish. The aftertaste is long and stable, with a returning sweetness and a persistent mineral impression. In the empty cup after drinking, a delicate sweet, floral, and lightly resinous aroma remains, leaving a refined and grounded final impression.
Gu Shu Bai Lu is a white tea produced in Yunnan, in China, made from leaves harvested from old tea trees growing at high elevation. The term “Gu Shu” refers to these ancient trees, which develop deeper root systems and more concentrated leaf material compared to younger cultivated plants. The 2021 production reflects both the quality of the raw material and the conditions of that specific harvest year.
The production follows the classical white tea method, involving minimal processing without rolling or shaping. After harvesting, the leaves undergo controlled withering and slow drying, preserving their internal structure while allowing gradual natural oxidation. This approach maintains clarity while supporting the development of a stable and balanced profile.
Gu Shu Bai Lu occupies a distinctive position within the white tea category, combining the softness of white tea processing with the depth associated with ancient tree origin. It is valued for its smooth texture, structural integrity, and layered aromatic expression, offering a more grounded and expressive interpretation of white tea.
TERROIR
Gu Shu Bai Lu is sourced from the Ming Feng Shan area of Lincang, within Yunnan, at elevations around 2,250 meters. This high-altitude environment is defined by cool temperatures, strong day–night variation, frequent mist, and high humidity, creating conditions for very slow and controlled leaf development. These factors support the accumulation of aromatic compounds while preserving clarity and balance in the leaf.
The tea is harvested from very old tea trees growing in semi-wild forest ecosystems. These trees develop deep root systems that access a wide spectrum of minerals, while the surrounding biodiversity stabilizes the growing environment. The soils are typically well-drained, slightly acidic, and rich in organic matter, contributing to both structural density and mineral depth in the raw material. Microclimate plays a defining role, with diffused sunlight and persistent cloud cover moderating photosynthesis and maintaining a balanced biochemical composition. At this altitude, the slower metabolism of the plant allows for a refined distribution of amino acids and polyphenols, resulting in both softness and underlying structure. Compared to lower elevations, these conditions produce a more concentrated and stable profile.
Another important aspect is the interaction between extreme altitude and ancient tree material. The combination of old tree physiology and high-mountain conditions enhances the depth and integrity of the leaves. This ensures that the final tea expresses both the character of Ming Feng Shan terroir and the distinct qualities associated with Gu Shu material.
ORGANOLEPTICS
The dry leaf consists of a mix of buds and mature leaves, showing a natural, slightly open structure with tones ranging from olive green to light brown, reflecting high-altitude origin and careful processing. The aroma of the dry leaves is clean and layered, with notes of wildflowers, fresh herbs, and a subtle honeyed sweetness, supported by a light mineral nuance. In a preheated teapot, the leaves open gradually from the first infusion, releasing a refined aromatic profile where floral and vegetal tones are complemented by soft creamy and slightly resinous notes. As the infusion develops, the aroma becomes more integrated, combining gentle sweetness with a calm, mineral depth and a balanced, rounded character.
The aroma of the liquor is clear and expressive, with a harmonious combination of floral notes, soft sweetness, and a distinct mineral undertone. The taste is smooth and structured, with a medium body and a soft, slightly viscous texture. A natural sweetness forms the core of the profile, supported by floral and herbal tones and a mild, well-integrated astringency that adds definition. The high-altitude origin is reflected in a subtle cooling sensation and a precise, clean finish. The aftertaste is long and stable, with a returning sweetness and a persistent mineral impression. In the empty cup after drinking, a delicate sweet, floral, and lightly resinous aroma remains, leaving a refined and grounded final impression.
Check out our 2021 Gu Shu Bai Cha video review in 4K!
2021 Gu Shu Bai Cha
4K Timelapse Video
WHITE TEA
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