DA XUE SHAN GU SHU MAO CHA
DA XUE SHAN ANCIENT TREES
SHENG (RAW) PU'ER
★ PESTICIDE-FREE
Da Xue Shan, Yong De, Lincang, Yunnan, China
2022 Da Xue Shan Gu Shu Mao Cha is a raw Pu'Er tea produced from ancient tea trees growing in the Da Xue Shan mountain area of Yunnan, China, a region known for high-altitude forests and expressive old tree teas. Harvested in 2022 and processed using traditional sun-dried mao cha methods, the tea reflects the strong mountain character and mineral-rich terroir of this remote environment. The infusion is deep and energetic, offering floral-herbal freshness, pronounced mineral structure, gentle bitterness, and a long, cooling aftertaste with persistent returning sweetness. MORE
AROMA
Floral, berries
TASTE
Dried fruits
ALTITUDE: 2000 m
VARIETAL: Dali Cha Zhong
HARVEST: Spring, 2022
SHENG (RAW) PU'ER
★ PESTICIDE-FREE
Da Xue Shan, Yong De, Lincang, Yunnan, China
2022 Da Xue Shan Gu Shu Mao Cha is a raw Pu'Er tea produced from ancient tea trees growing in the Da Xue Shan mountain area of Yunnan, China, a region known for high-altitude forests and expressive old tree teas. Harvested in 2022 and processed using traditional sun-dried mao cha methods, the tea reflects the strong mountain character and mineral-rich terroir of this remote environment. The infusion is deep and energetic, offering floral-herbal freshness, pronounced mineral structure, gentle bitterness, and a long, cooling aftertaste with persistent returning sweetness. MORE
AROMA
Floral, berries
TASTE
Dried fruits
ALTITUDE: 2000 m
VARIETAL: Dali Cha Zhong
HARVEST: Spring, 2022
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
Da Xue Shan, which translates as “Big Snow Mountain,” is one of the most respected mountain tea regions of Yunnan and is especially known for ancient tea forests growing at high elevations in relatively untouched natural environments. Teas from this area are appreciated among experienced tea lovers for their strong mountain character, pronounced minerality, energetic structure, and excellent ageing potential. Compared to softer and sweeter regions such as Yiwu or Bing Dao, Da Xue Shan teas are traditionally associated with greater freshness, firmer structure, and a more expressive mineral profile.
This 2022 Da Xue Shan 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. After harvesting, the leaves underwent withering, wok-firing, rolling, and sun-drying, preserving the living character of the tea and supporting its long-term maturation potential. As loose mao cha, the tea remains in its natural and uncompressed form, allowing the ancient tree material and mountain terroir to express themselves with greater clarity and precision.
The character of Da Xue Shan teas is often defined by the balance between power and refinement. Ancient tree material from this region typically produces infusions with pronounced mineral depth, floral-herbal freshness, steady bitterness, cooling sensations, and long-lasting returning sweetness. These qualities have established Da Xue Shan as one of the most respected terroirs for mountain-style Sheng Pu'Er tea with strong structure and clear ageing potential.
TERROIR
Da Xue Shan is located within the high mountainous areas of Lincang, Yunnan province, where ancient tea trees grow in remote forest environments shaped by cool mountain climate, abundant rainfall, frequent mist, and rich biodiversity. The region is known for its high elevation, significant day and night temperature variation, and mineral-rich soils, conditions that support slow and balanced leaf development throughout the growing season. These environmental factors contribute to the freshness, mineral depth, energetic structure, and ageing potential characteristic of Da Xue Shan teas.
The tea trees growing in this area are primarily old large-leaf Assamica varietals with deep root systems capable of drawing minerals and nutrients from rocky mountain terrain. Many ancient trees continue to grow in semi-wild forest ecosystems largely untouched by intensive agricultural practices, creating stable ecological conditions and more complex aromatic expression. The interaction between altitude, humidity, forest vegetation, and mountain soils contributes to teas with pronounced minerality, floral-herbal freshness, cooling sensations, and long-lasting returning sweetness.
Compared to softer and more rounded regions such as Yiwu or Bing Dao, the terroir of Da Xue Shan is traditionally associated with stronger mountain structure, greater freshness, and a more direct mineral-driven profile. At the same time, the teas maintain refinement and balance rather than excessive aggressiveness. The combination of ancient tree material, cool mountain climate, and traditional sun-dried processing creates teas with strong energetic character and excellent long-term maturation potential.
ORGANOLEPTICS
The dry leaf appearance is bold and natural, with large twisted leaves and visible buds showing shades of dark green, olive, and muted silver characteristic of ancient tree raw Pu'Er tea from high mountain regions. The aroma of the dry leaves is fresh and expressive, combining floral-herbal notes with warm minerals, wild honey, forest vegetation, and subtle woody undertones. In a preheated teapot, the tea gradually opens up, the aroma becoming deeper and more concentrated, revealing notes of mountain flowers, fresh herbs, warm stone, resin, and ripe fruits. After a brief rinse, the leaves fully awaken, and the aroma becomes more layered and vibrant, combining cooling herbal freshness with floral sweetness, mineral depth, light woody nuances, and subtle camphor-like tones. The aroma of the liquor in the empty cup is clean and persistent, showing warm minerals, dried flowers, honeyed sweetness, and delicate resinous freshness with remarkable clarity.
The taste is dense, energetic, and well-structured, with a thick texture and pronounced mountain character from the very first infusions. Gentle floral sweetness and fresh herbal notes gradually transition into deeper mineral, woody, and lightly fruity tones supported by elegant bitterness and strong internal structure. The bitterness is clear and expressive yet balanced, quickly transforming into persistent returning sweetness and a long cooling sensation characteristic of high-quality Da Xue Shan tea. The mouthfeel remains smooth, oily, and refreshing throughout multiple infusions while maintaining depth and precision. The aftertaste is exceptionally long, cooling, and highly persistent, with strong salivation and lingering mineral freshness developing deeply in the mouth and throat. In the empty cup after drinking, warm floral notes, minerals, dried herbs, resin, and soft honey sweetness remain with a deep and lasting aromatic finish.
Da Xue Shan, which translates as “Big Snow Mountain,” is one of the most respected mountain tea regions of Yunnan and is especially known for ancient tea forests growing at high elevations in relatively untouched natural environments. Teas from this area are appreciated among experienced tea lovers for their strong mountain character, pronounced minerality, energetic structure, and excellent ageing potential. Compared to softer and sweeter regions such as Yiwu or Bing Dao, Da Xue Shan teas are traditionally associated with greater freshness, firmer structure, and a more expressive mineral profile.
This 2022 Da Xue Shan 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. After harvesting, the leaves underwent withering, wok-firing, rolling, and sun-drying, preserving the living character of the tea and supporting its long-term maturation potential. As loose mao cha, the tea remains in its natural and uncompressed form, allowing the ancient tree material and mountain terroir to express themselves with greater clarity and precision.
The character of Da Xue Shan teas is often defined by the balance between power and refinement. Ancient tree material from this region typically produces infusions with pronounced mineral depth, floral-herbal freshness, steady bitterness, cooling sensations, and long-lasting returning sweetness. These qualities have established Da Xue Shan as one of the most respected terroirs for mountain-style Sheng Pu'Er tea with strong structure and clear ageing potential.
TERROIR
Da Xue Shan is located within the high mountainous areas of Lincang, Yunnan province, where ancient tea trees grow in remote forest environments shaped by cool mountain climate, abundant rainfall, frequent mist, and rich biodiversity. The region is known for its high elevation, significant day and night temperature variation, and mineral-rich soils, conditions that support slow and balanced leaf development throughout the growing season. These environmental factors contribute to the freshness, mineral depth, energetic structure, and ageing potential characteristic of Da Xue Shan teas.
The tea trees growing in this area are primarily old large-leaf Assamica varietals with deep root systems capable of drawing minerals and nutrients from rocky mountain terrain. Many ancient trees continue to grow in semi-wild forest ecosystems largely untouched by intensive agricultural practices, creating stable ecological conditions and more complex aromatic expression. The interaction between altitude, humidity, forest vegetation, and mountain soils contributes to teas with pronounced minerality, floral-herbal freshness, cooling sensations, and long-lasting returning sweetness.
Compared to softer and more rounded regions such as Yiwu or Bing Dao, the terroir of Da Xue Shan is traditionally associated with stronger mountain structure, greater freshness, and a more direct mineral-driven profile. At the same time, the teas maintain refinement and balance rather than excessive aggressiveness. The combination of ancient tree material, cool mountain climate, and traditional sun-dried processing creates teas with strong energetic character and excellent long-term maturation potential.
ORGANOLEPTICS
The dry leaf appearance is bold and natural, with large twisted leaves and visible buds showing shades of dark green, olive, and muted silver characteristic of ancient tree raw Pu'Er tea from high mountain regions. The aroma of the dry leaves is fresh and expressive, combining floral-herbal notes with warm minerals, wild honey, forest vegetation, and subtle woody undertones. In a preheated teapot, the tea gradually opens up, the aroma becoming deeper and more concentrated, revealing notes of mountain flowers, fresh herbs, warm stone, resin, and ripe fruits. After a brief rinse, the leaves fully awaken, and the aroma becomes more layered and vibrant, combining cooling herbal freshness with floral sweetness, mineral depth, light woody nuances, and subtle camphor-like tones. The aroma of the liquor in the empty cup is clean and persistent, showing warm minerals, dried flowers, honeyed sweetness, and delicate resinous freshness with remarkable clarity.
The taste is dense, energetic, and well-structured, with a thick texture and pronounced mountain character from the very first infusions. Gentle floral sweetness and fresh herbal notes gradually transition into deeper mineral, woody, and lightly fruity tones supported by elegant bitterness and strong internal structure. The bitterness is clear and expressive yet balanced, quickly transforming into persistent returning sweetness and a long cooling sensation characteristic of high-quality Da Xue Shan tea. The mouthfeel remains smooth, oily, and refreshing throughout multiple infusions while maintaining depth and precision. The aftertaste is exceptionally long, cooling, and highly persistent, with strong salivation and lingering mineral freshness developing deeply in the mouth and throat. In the empty cup after drinking, warm floral notes, minerals, dried herbs, resin, and soft honey sweetness remain with a deep and lasting aromatic finish.
GU SHU MAO CHA
Explore more Gu Shu Mao Cha from the AN SHIM TEA Collection.