BAN ZHANG GU SHU SHENG CHA
BAN ZHANG ANCIENT TREES
SHENG (RAW) PU'ER
★ PESTICIDE-FREE
Banzhang, Bulangshan, Xishuangbanna, Yunnan, China
2024 Ban Zhang Gu Shu Sheng Cha is a raw Pu'Er tea produced from old tea tree material growing in the Ban Zhang area of Bulang Shan, one of the most respected terroirs in Yunnan for powerful and long-aging Sheng Cha. Hand-harvested and traditionally processed, this tea reflects the combination of mature tree material, mountain forest ecology, and the vibrant intensity of very young Sheng Pu'Er. The infusion is dense and highly energetic, offering pronounced minerality, refined bitterness, floral and woody nuances, strong returning sweetness, and a long, cooling aftertaste with exceptional depth and structural power. MORE
357 g cake
AROMA
...
TASTE
...
HARVEST: Spring, 2024
SHENG (RAW) PU'ER
★ PESTICIDE-FREE
Banzhang, Bulangshan, Xishuangbanna, Yunnan, China
2024 Ban Zhang Gu Shu Sheng Cha is a raw Pu'Er tea produced from old tea tree material growing in the Ban Zhang area of Bulang Shan, one of the most respected terroirs in Yunnan for powerful and long-aging Sheng Cha. Hand-harvested and traditionally processed, this tea reflects the combination of mature tree material, mountain forest ecology, and the vibrant intensity of very young Sheng Pu'Er. The infusion is dense and highly energetic, offering pronounced minerality, refined bitterness, floral and woody nuances, strong returning sweetness, and a long, cooling aftertaste with exceptional depth and structural power. MORE
357 g cake
AROMA
...
TASTE
...
HARVEST: Spring, 2024
SHENG PU'ER is a traditional post-processed tea made from sun-dried tea leaves that continue to evolve naturally through slow fermentation and aging over time. Thanks to minimal processing and its living microbial ecosystem, this type of tea retains a rich concentration of polyphenols, amino acids, minerals, vitamins, aromatic compounds, and other bioactive substances that gradually transform as the tea matures.
Unlike most tea categories, Sheng Pu'Er continues to develop for decades after production, with aging enhancing its complexity, smoothness, and depth while reducing bitterness and astringency. It is believed that regular consumption of Sheng Pu'Er may support cardiovascular health, contribute to healthy cholesterol metabolism, assist the body's natural antioxidant defenses, and promote healthy digestion. Traditionally, Sheng Pu'Er has also been appreciated for its invigorating Cha Qi, its ability to enhance mental clarity and concentration, support physical vitality, and create a balanced state of energy, calmness, and overall well-being.
Unlike most tea categories, Sheng Pu'Er continues to develop for decades after production, with aging enhancing its complexity, smoothness, and depth while reducing bitterness and astringency. It is believed that regular consumption of Sheng Pu'Er may support cardiovascular health, contribute to healthy cholesterol metabolism, assist the body's natural antioxidant defenses, and promote healthy digestion. Traditionally, Sheng Pu'Er has also been appreciated for its invigorating Cha Qi, its ability to enhance mental clarity and concentration, support physical vitality, and create a balanced state of energy, calmness, 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
2024 Ban Zhang Gu Shu Sheng Cha is a raw Pu'Er tea produced from spring 2024 tea material sourced from old tea tree environments growing in the Ban Zhang area of Bulang Shan, Menghai, Xishuangbanna, Yunnan, China, one of the most respected terroirs for powerful and structurally intense Sheng Pu'Er. Traditional Sheng Cha production methods including careful hand-harvesting, pan-firing, sun-drying, and stone pressing preserve the freshness, energetic character, and long-term transformation potential of the leaf material. The combination of mature old tree material, mountain forest ecology, and traditional craftsmanship creates a tea with pronounced minerality, refined structural power, and exceptional aging capacity.
Ban Zhang teas are internationally respected among experienced Pu'Er tea lovers for their strong energetic depth, dense texture, pronounced bitterness, and exceptional Hui Gan. Old tea trees growing in these mountain environments develop extensive root systems capable of penetrating deeply into mineral-rich soils, contributing to the concentrated structure, persistent aftertaste, and layered complexity associated with high-quality Gu Shu Sheng Pu'Er. Compared to softer regional profiles, Ban Zhang material is traditionally appreciated for its direct structural intensity, powerful cooling sensations, and remarkable long-term transformation potential.
As a very young Sheng Pu'Er, the 2024 harvest preserves the full vibrancy, freshness, and structural tension characteristic of newly produced old tree material. Floral, mineral, woody, and sweet returning notes remain highly expressive and energetic, while the concentration associated with mature tea trees already provides substantial depth and persistence throughout the session. Properly stored Ban Zhang Gu Shu Sheng Pu'Er is especially valued for its ability to evolve gradually over decades while preserving energetic strength, aromatic complexity, structural clarity, and powerful mountain character.
TERROIR
The Ban Zhang area of Bulang Shan, Menghai, Xishuangbanna, is one of the most respected and influential terroirs in the world of Sheng Pu'Er tea, internationally recognized for producing teas with exceptional structural power, energetic depth, and long-term aging potential. Tea tree environments in this region are generally situated at elevations ranging from approximately 1500 to 1900 meters above sea level, where warm subtropical conditions combine with dense forest ecosystems, humid mountain air, abundant rainfall, and rich biodiversity. These environmental conditions contribute directly to the tea’s pronounced minerality, powerful bitterness, dense texture, and strong returning sweetness.
The mountain soils of Ban Zhang are rich in minerals and organic matter, with stable moisture retention and excellent natural drainage. Old tea trees growing in these environments develop extensive root systems that penetrate deeply into the mountain terrain and interact with multiple soil layers accumulated over centuries of ecological development. This deep mineral interaction contributes to the concentrated structure, persistent aftertaste, energetic depth, and layered complexity characteristic of high-quality Gu Shu Sheng Pu'Er from the region.
Dense forest vegetation and humid mountain conditions support relatively slow and balanced leaf development while protecting the tea trees from excessive environmental stress. Frequent mist and cloud cover moderate direct sunlight exposure, helping preserve aromatic freshness and complexity within the leaves, while periods of stronger mountain sunlight contribute to concentration and powerful polyphenol structure. Compared to softer regional profiles, Ban Zhang terroir is especially respected for producing Sheng Pu'Er with direct structural intensity, pronounced Hui Gan, strong cooling sensations, and remarkable long-term transformation capacity.
The mountain ecology of Bulang Shan plays a particularly important role in the final character of this tea. Warm daytime temperatures combined with cooler mountain nights support balanced leaf development and the accumulation of concentrated aromatic compounds while preserving freshness and structural precision. Combined with mature old tree material and traditional Sheng Cha processing, these conditions produce Sheng Pu'Er with exceptional energetic character, profound depth, and highly expressive aromatic evolution valued among experienced Pu'Er tea lovers.
ORGANOLEPTICS
The dry leaves are large, mature, and strongly structured, displaying deep olive and dark green tones with silver-covered buds characteristic of young old tree Sheng Pu'Er from Bulang Shan. Their appearance reflects careful hand-harvesting and traditional processing while preserving the natural integrity and texture of the leaf material. The aroma of the dry leaf is powerful, vibrant, and deeply layered, combining notes of fresh mountain herbs, warm minerals, forest wood, floral honey, light resin, and subtle dried fruit sweetness. In a preheated gaiwan or teapot, the aroma becomes warmer and significantly more expressive, revealing additional layers of tree bark, humid stone minerality, fresh flowers, medicinal herbs, light spice, and pronounced camphor-like freshness characteristic of Ban Zhang material. After the rinse, the leaves fully awaken and the aromatic profile becomes smoother and more integrated, balancing woody depth, mineral intensity, floral elegance, and refined sweetness.
The liquor is clear and bright, with a rich golden-yellow tone reflecting the freshness and concentration of very young old tree Sheng Pu'Er. The aroma of the infusion is layered, vibrant, and highly persistent, combining warm minerals, floral nuances, fresh herbs, resinous notes, subtle fruity sweetness, and powerful cooling mountain freshness. The texture is dense, thick, and highly coating, showing the strong structural intensity characteristic of Ban Zhang material while maintaining excellent clarity and energetic precision. Initial bitterness is pronounced, direct, and exceptionally clean, quickly transforming into strong Hui Gan, powerful returning sweetness that develops actively throughout the palate and throat. Layers of floral honey, fresh wood, minerals, mountain herbs, dried fruits, light spice, resin, and cooling sensations continue evolving throughout the session while maintaining remarkable harmony between structural power, freshness, energetic depth, and refinement.
The aftertaste is exceptionally long, cooling, and deeply persistent, with sweetness gradually intensifying and remaining in the throat and mouth long after drinking. As the tea continues to open, the structure becomes increasingly expansive and integrated while preserving its vibrant Ban Zhang character and powerful mountain identity. In the empty cup, the aroma remains warm and expressive, revealing lingering notes of floral honey, sweet wood, dried fruits, humid forest tones, light resin, medicinal herbs, and pronounced camphor undertones.
2024 Ban Zhang Gu Shu Sheng Cha is a raw Pu'Er tea produced from spring 2024 tea material sourced from old tea tree environments growing in the Ban Zhang area of Bulang Shan, Menghai, Xishuangbanna, Yunnan, China, one of the most respected terroirs for powerful and structurally intense Sheng Pu'Er. Traditional Sheng Cha production methods including careful hand-harvesting, pan-firing, sun-drying, and stone pressing preserve the freshness, energetic character, and long-term transformation potential of the leaf material. The combination of mature old tree material, mountain forest ecology, and traditional craftsmanship creates a tea with pronounced minerality, refined structural power, and exceptional aging capacity.
Ban Zhang teas are internationally respected among experienced Pu'Er tea lovers for their strong energetic depth, dense texture, pronounced bitterness, and exceptional Hui Gan. Old tea trees growing in these mountain environments develop extensive root systems capable of penetrating deeply into mineral-rich soils, contributing to the concentrated structure, persistent aftertaste, and layered complexity associated with high-quality Gu Shu Sheng Pu'Er. Compared to softer regional profiles, Ban Zhang material is traditionally appreciated for its direct structural intensity, powerful cooling sensations, and remarkable long-term transformation potential.
As a very young Sheng Pu'Er, the 2024 harvest preserves the full vibrancy, freshness, and structural tension characteristic of newly produced old tree material. Floral, mineral, woody, and sweet returning notes remain highly expressive and energetic, while the concentration associated with mature tea trees already provides substantial depth and persistence throughout the session. Properly stored Ban Zhang Gu Shu Sheng Pu'Er is especially valued for its ability to evolve gradually over decades while preserving energetic strength, aromatic complexity, structural clarity, and powerful mountain character.
TERROIR
The Ban Zhang area of Bulang Shan, Menghai, Xishuangbanna, is one of the most respected and influential terroirs in the world of Sheng Pu'Er tea, internationally recognized for producing teas with exceptional structural power, energetic depth, and long-term aging potential. Tea tree environments in this region are generally situated at elevations ranging from approximately 1500 to 1900 meters above sea level, where warm subtropical conditions combine with dense forest ecosystems, humid mountain air, abundant rainfall, and rich biodiversity. These environmental conditions contribute directly to the tea’s pronounced minerality, powerful bitterness, dense texture, and strong returning sweetness.
The mountain soils of Ban Zhang are rich in minerals and organic matter, with stable moisture retention and excellent natural drainage. Old tea trees growing in these environments develop extensive root systems that penetrate deeply into the mountain terrain and interact with multiple soil layers accumulated over centuries of ecological development. This deep mineral interaction contributes to the concentrated structure, persistent aftertaste, energetic depth, and layered complexity characteristic of high-quality Gu Shu Sheng Pu'Er from the region.
Dense forest vegetation and humid mountain conditions support relatively slow and balanced leaf development while protecting the tea trees from excessive environmental stress. Frequent mist and cloud cover moderate direct sunlight exposure, helping preserve aromatic freshness and complexity within the leaves, while periods of stronger mountain sunlight contribute to concentration and powerful polyphenol structure. Compared to softer regional profiles, Ban Zhang terroir is especially respected for producing Sheng Pu'Er with direct structural intensity, pronounced Hui Gan, strong cooling sensations, and remarkable long-term transformation capacity.
The mountain ecology of Bulang Shan plays a particularly important role in the final character of this tea. Warm daytime temperatures combined with cooler mountain nights support balanced leaf development and the accumulation of concentrated aromatic compounds while preserving freshness and structural precision. Combined with mature old tree material and traditional Sheng Cha processing, these conditions produce Sheng Pu'Er with exceptional energetic character, profound depth, and highly expressive aromatic evolution valued among experienced Pu'Er tea lovers.
ORGANOLEPTICS
The dry leaves are large, mature, and strongly structured, displaying deep olive and dark green tones with silver-covered buds characteristic of young old tree Sheng Pu'Er from Bulang Shan. Their appearance reflects careful hand-harvesting and traditional processing while preserving the natural integrity and texture of the leaf material. The aroma of the dry leaf is powerful, vibrant, and deeply layered, combining notes of fresh mountain herbs, warm minerals, forest wood, floral honey, light resin, and subtle dried fruit sweetness. In a preheated gaiwan or teapot, the aroma becomes warmer and significantly more expressive, revealing additional layers of tree bark, humid stone minerality, fresh flowers, medicinal herbs, light spice, and pronounced camphor-like freshness characteristic of Ban Zhang material. After the rinse, the leaves fully awaken and the aromatic profile becomes smoother and more integrated, balancing woody depth, mineral intensity, floral elegance, and refined sweetness.
The liquor is clear and bright, with a rich golden-yellow tone reflecting the freshness and concentration of very young old tree Sheng Pu'Er. The aroma of the infusion is layered, vibrant, and highly persistent, combining warm minerals, floral nuances, fresh herbs, resinous notes, subtle fruity sweetness, and powerful cooling mountain freshness. The texture is dense, thick, and highly coating, showing the strong structural intensity characteristic of Ban Zhang material while maintaining excellent clarity and energetic precision. Initial bitterness is pronounced, direct, and exceptionally clean, quickly transforming into strong Hui Gan, powerful returning sweetness that develops actively throughout the palate and throat. Layers of floral honey, fresh wood, minerals, mountain herbs, dried fruits, light spice, resin, and cooling sensations continue evolving throughout the session while maintaining remarkable harmony between structural power, freshness, energetic depth, and refinement.
The aftertaste is exceptionally long, cooling, and deeply persistent, with sweetness gradually intensifying and remaining in the throat and mouth long after drinking. As the tea continues to open, the structure becomes increasingly expansive and integrated while preserving its vibrant Ban Zhang character and powerful mountain identity. In the empty cup, the aroma remains warm and expressive, revealing lingering notes of floral honey, sweet wood, dried fruits, humid forest tones, light resin, medicinal herbs, and pronounced camphor undertones.
SHENG (RAW) PU'ER
Explore more Sheng (Raw) Pu'Er from AN SHIM TEA Collection.