XI GUI GU SHU MAO CHA
XI GUI ANCIENT TREES
SHENG (RAW) PU'ER
★ PESTICIDE-FREE
Xigui, Da Xue Shan, Lincang, Yunnan, China
2023 Xi Gui Gu Shu Mao Cha is a high-grade raw Pu'Er tea produced from ancient tea trees growing in the Xi Gui area of Lincang, Yunnan province, one of the most respected modern origins for premium Sheng Pu'Er tea. Harvested in spring 2023 and processed according to traditional sun-dried mao cha methods, the tea is known for its powerful structure, distinctive aromatic clarity, and characteristic mineral-driven profile. The infusion is dense and energetic, offering floral sweetness, pronounced freshness, elegant bitterness, and a long, cooling aftertaste with strong returning sweetness. MORE
AROMA
Fruity, honey
TASTE
Herbal, fruity
HARVEST: Spring, 2023
SHENG (RAW) PU'ER
★ PESTICIDE-FREE
Xigui, Da Xue Shan, Lincang, Yunnan, China
2023 Xi Gui Gu Shu Mao Cha is a high-grade raw Pu'Er tea produced from ancient tea trees growing in the Xi Gui area of Lincang, Yunnan province, one of the most respected modern origins for premium Sheng Pu'Er tea. Harvested in spring 2023 and processed according to traditional sun-dried mao cha methods, the tea is known for its powerful structure, distinctive aromatic clarity, and characteristic mineral-driven profile. The infusion is dense and energetic, offering floral sweetness, pronounced freshness, elegant bitterness, and a long, cooling aftertaste with strong returning sweetness. MORE
AROMA
Fruity, honey
TASTE
Herbal, fruity
HARVEST: Spring, 2023
Because the leaves undergo only the essential stages of Sheng Pu'Er production before pressing or further aging, GU SHU MAO CHA preserves a high concentration of naturally occurring polyphenols, amino acids, minerals, aromatic compounds, and other valuable substances accumulated by the deep-rooted ancient trees.
It is believed that regular consumption of Gu Shu Mao Cha may support cardiovascular health, contribute to the body's natural antioxidant defenses, promote healthy digestion, and enhance mental clarity and focus. Traditionally, ancient tree teas have also been appreciated for their powerful Cha Qi, long-lasting sweetness, mineral richness, and their ability to create a balanced state of physical vitality, calm concentration, and overall well-being.
It is believed that regular consumption of Gu Shu Mao Cha may support cardiovascular health, contribute to the body's natural antioxidant defenses, promote healthy digestion, and enhance mental clarity and focus. Traditionally, ancient tree teas have also been appreciated for their powerful Cha Qi, long-lasting sweetness, mineral richness, and their ability to create a balanced state of physical vitality, calm concentration, and overall well-being.
Learn more about the BIOCHEMISTRY OF A TEA LEAF
SEED-GROWN TEA PLANT
This tea refers to a Qunzi Zhong, a "seed-grown tea plant". Unlike cloned or asexually propagated cultivars, which are created by cuttings or grafting from a single "mother" plant, Qunzi Zhong tea trees are grown from seeds. This results in a genetically diverse population of plants. Each seed-grown tea tree is unique, with slightly different characteristics. This genetic variety helps improve the resilience of the tea garden, making it more resistant to pests, diseases, and environmental stress. Seed-grown trees usually develop stronger and deeper roots than cloned plants, allowing them to draw nutrients and minerals from deeper soil layers, often giving the tea a more complex and rich flavor profile. Qunzi Zhong represents the traditional way of tea cultivation. Because of the genetic diversity, teas made from Qunzi Zhong plants tend to offer more layered and nuanced flavors, reflecting a richer expression of the local terroir (soil, climate, and environment).
WILD TEA
Wild tea refers to plants that grow naturally in the forest or mountains without human planting, pruning, or care. These trees are very old, deeply rooted in the earth, and part of a diverse natural ecosystem. These are tall, old trees, some more than 100, 300, or even 1000+ years old, rooted deep into mineral-rich soil, thriving in diverse ecosystems. Wild tea trees grow tall and strong, with roots reaching deep into the earth. This allows them to absorb various minerals, creating complex, full-bodied flavors that change with each harvest. Growing in remote forests, these trees are untouched by pesticides or fertilizers. Many tea lovers say wild teas carry a unique energy, a grounding, calming, and sometimes uplifting presence. This is believed to be the "Qi" of the mountains, the life force of ancient trees, passed into the leaves. Wild tea is often high in antioxidants, polyphenols, and minerals. Because these trees grow slowly and absorb nutrients naturally, their leaves produce clean, nourishing brews that are gentle on the body but rich in effect.
Learn more about Pesticide-Free Gardening
EASTERN (PIN CHA) ★
Temperature: 99 °C
Amount: 3-5 grams per 120 ml of water
Steeping: 10-30 sec x 7+
WESTERN (INFUSION)
Temperature: 99 °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. This type of tea oxidizes when it comes into contact with oxygen 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!
*Suitable for long-term aging. Under proper storage conditions, the tea may gradually develop increased depth, smoothness, and complexity.
BEST BEFORE: 2 years since production date!
*Suitable for long-term aging. Under proper storage conditions, the tea may gradually develop increased depth, smoothness, and complexity.
Learn more ABOUT TEA STORAGE
ABOUT
Xi Gui is one of the most respected modern tea-producing areas in Lincang, Yunnan province, widely recognized for raw Pu'Er teas with strong character, aromatic precision, and remarkable balance between power and elegance. Located near the Lancang River, this region has gained significant recognition among experienced tea lovers due to the distinctive mineral-driven profile and energetic structure of its ancient tree material. Compared to many other famous Pu'Er regions, Xi Gui teas are often appreciated for combining intensity and freshness with refined sweetness and clarity.
This 2023 Xi Gui Gu Shu Mao Cha was produced from spring-harvested leaves collected from ancient tea trees and processed according to traditional raw Pu'Er production methods. The leaves undergo withering, wok-firing, rolling, and sun-drying, preserving the living character of the tea and supporting long-term ageing potential. As loose mao cha, the tea remains in its most natural and uncompressed form, allowing a direct expression of the material, terroir, and craftsmanship.
Xi Gui teas are traditionally distinguished by their dense texture, pronounced aromatic lift, elegant bitterness, and long cooling aftertaste. The ancient tree material from this area is especially valued for its strong cha qi, persistent sweetness, and layered mineral complexity. These characteristics have made Xi Gui one of the most sought-after origins in contemporary high-grade Sheng Pu'Er tea culture.
TERROIR
Xi Gui is located in the Bangdong area of Lincang, Yunnan province, near the Lancang River, within a mountainous environment known for producing some of the most distinctive modern raw Pu'Er teas. The region is characterized by steep slopes, mineral-rich soils, abundant sunlight, significant day and night temperature variation, and humid subtropical climate conditions. Frequent river mist and stable environmental conditions support slow and balanced leaf development, contributing to the strong aromatic clarity and dense structure associated with Xi Gui teas.
The tea trees growing in this area are primarily old large-leaf Assamica varietals with deep root systems capable of absorbing minerals from rocky mountain soils. Many ancient trees grow in semi-wild environments integrated with surrounding forest vegetation, creating a diverse ecological system that supports healthy plant development and complex aromatic expression. The combination of altitude, humidity, rocky terrain, and strong sunlight contributes to teas with pronounced minerality, floral freshness, elegant bitterness, and long-lasting sweetness.
Compared to many softer and sweeter regions such as Yiwu, the terroir of Xi Gui is traditionally associated with stronger structure, greater intensity, and a more energetic profile. At the same time, unlike some aggressively bitter Bulang teas, Xi Gui maintains balance and refinement, combining power with clarity and smoothness. This distinctive environmental character has made Xi Gui one of the most respected and recognizable terroirs in contemporary Sheng Pu'Er tea culture.
ORGANOLEPTICS
The dry leaf appearance is bold and expressive, with long twisted leaves and silver buds showing shades of dark green, olive, and muted brown characteristic of ancient tree raw Pu'Er tea. The aroma of the dry leaves is clean and penetrating, combining floral freshness with mineral notes, wild herbs, light citrus tones, and subtle woody depth. In a preheated teapot, the tea gradually opens up, the aroma becoming warmer and more concentrated, revealing notes of mountain flowers, warm stone, resin, ripe fruits, and light honey sweetness. After a brief rinse, the leaves fully awaken, and the aroma becomes more vibrant and layered, combining fresh floral character with cooling herbal freshness, mineral depth, and subtle smoky-woody nuances. The aroma of the liquor in the empty cup is intense and persistent, showing floral sweetness, warm minerals, dried fruits, and a clean cooling freshness that remains stable throughout the session.
The taste is dense, energetic, and well-structured, with a thick texture and pronounced aromatic lift from the first infusions. Gentle floral sweetness and fresh mineral notes gradually develop into deeper woody, herbal, and lightly fruity tones supported by elegant bitterness and strong internal structure. The bitterness is clear and expressive but balanced, quickly transforming into returning sweetness and a long cooling sensation characteristic of high-quality Xi Gui tea. The mouthfeel remains smooth and oily while maintaining clarity and precision throughout multiple infusions. The aftertaste is exceptionally long, refreshing, and persistent, with strong salivation, cooling sensations, and lingering sweetness developing deeply in the throat and mouth. In the empty cup after drinking, warm floral notes, minerals, honey, dried fruits, and soft resinous nuances remain with a powerful and refined aromatic finish.
Xi Gui is one of the most respected modern tea-producing areas in Lincang, Yunnan province, widely recognized for raw Pu'Er teas with strong character, aromatic precision, and remarkable balance between power and elegance. Located near the Lancang River, this region has gained significant recognition among experienced tea lovers due to the distinctive mineral-driven profile and energetic structure of its ancient tree material. Compared to many other famous Pu'Er regions, Xi Gui teas are often appreciated for combining intensity and freshness with refined sweetness and clarity.
This 2023 Xi Gui Gu Shu Mao Cha was produced from spring-harvested leaves collected from ancient tea trees and processed according to traditional raw Pu'Er production methods. The leaves undergo withering, wok-firing, rolling, and sun-drying, preserving the living character of the tea and supporting long-term ageing potential. As loose mao cha, the tea remains in its most natural and uncompressed form, allowing a direct expression of the material, terroir, and craftsmanship.
Xi Gui teas are traditionally distinguished by their dense texture, pronounced aromatic lift, elegant bitterness, and long cooling aftertaste. The ancient tree material from this area is especially valued for its strong cha qi, persistent sweetness, and layered mineral complexity. These characteristics have made Xi Gui one of the most sought-after origins in contemporary high-grade Sheng Pu'Er tea culture.
TERROIR
Xi Gui is located in the Bangdong area of Lincang, Yunnan province, near the Lancang River, within a mountainous environment known for producing some of the most distinctive modern raw Pu'Er teas. The region is characterized by steep slopes, mineral-rich soils, abundant sunlight, significant day and night temperature variation, and humid subtropical climate conditions. Frequent river mist and stable environmental conditions support slow and balanced leaf development, contributing to the strong aromatic clarity and dense structure associated with Xi Gui teas.
The tea trees growing in this area are primarily old large-leaf Assamica varietals with deep root systems capable of absorbing minerals from rocky mountain soils. Many ancient trees grow in semi-wild environments integrated with surrounding forest vegetation, creating a diverse ecological system that supports healthy plant development and complex aromatic expression. The combination of altitude, humidity, rocky terrain, and strong sunlight contributes to teas with pronounced minerality, floral freshness, elegant bitterness, and long-lasting sweetness.
Compared to many softer and sweeter regions such as Yiwu, the terroir of Xi Gui is traditionally associated with stronger structure, greater intensity, and a more energetic profile. At the same time, unlike some aggressively bitter Bulang teas, Xi Gui maintains balance and refinement, combining power with clarity and smoothness. This distinctive environmental character has made Xi Gui one of the most respected and recognizable terroirs in contemporary Sheng Pu'Er tea culture.
ORGANOLEPTICS
The dry leaf appearance is bold and expressive, with long twisted leaves and silver buds showing shades of dark green, olive, and muted brown characteristic of ancient tree raw Pu'Er tea. The aroma of the dry leaves is clean and penetrating, combining floral freshness with mineral notes, wild herbs, light citrus tones, and subtle woody depth. In a preheated teapot, the tea gradually opens up, the aroma becoming warmer and more concentrated, revealing notes of mountain flowers, warm stone, resin, ripe fruits, and light honey sweetness. After a brief rinse, the leaves fully awaken, and the aroma becomes more vibrant and layered, combining fresh floral character with cooling herbal freshness, mineral depth, and subtle smoky-woody nuances. The aroma of the liquor in the empty cup is intense and persistent, showing floral sweetness, warm minerals, dried fruits, and a clean cooling freshness that remains stable throughout the session.
The taste is dense, energetic, and well-structured, with a thick texture and pronounced aromatic lift from the first infusions. Gentle floral sweetness and fresh mineral notes gradually develop into deeper woody, herbal, and lightly fruity tones supported by elegant bitterness and strong internal structure. The bitterness is clear and expressive but balanced, quickly transforming into returning sweetness and a long cooling sensation characteristic of high-quality Xi Gui tea. The mouthfeel remains smooth and oily while maintaining clarity and precision throughout multiple infusions. The aftertaste is exceptionally long, refreshing, and persistent, with strong salivation, cooling sensations, and lingering sweetness developing deeply in the throat and mouth. In the empty cup after drinking, warm floral notes, minerals, honey, dried fruits, and soft resinous nuances remain with a powerful and refined aromatic finish.
GU SHU MAO CHA
Explore more Gu Shu Mao Cha from the AN SHIM TEA Collection.