Lincang
Often considered more delicate and refined than Menghai or Pu'er Yunnan productions. Sweet, complex.
Lincang is one of three traditional Yunnan pu-erh-producing regions (with Menghai and Pu'er). The region's tea identity is overwhelmingly old-tree (gushu) material; Lincang is particularly famous for containing several of the most sought-after gushu villages: Bingdao (冰岛) and Xigui (昔归) command pricing that approaches absurd levels for top-aged productions. The cup character of Lincang gushu sheng is often described as more delicate and refined than Menghai material, with sweet honey and orchid notes.
Lincang material represents the upper tier of pu-erh in terms of both quality reputation and pricing. The combination of ancient trees, high altitude, and the regional terroir produces tea that ages exceptionally well; aged Bingdao or Xigui productions from the 2000s and earlier now command vintage-wine-level pricing in Chinese collector markets. Lincang is also a substantial producer of Yunnan dianhong (black tea) and increasing amounts of Yunnan white tea, leveraging the same large-leaf assamica material.
Signature teas
- Bingdao gushu sheng
- Mengku material
- Xigui (rare)
Tea types produced
Cultivars grown
- Camellia sinensis var. assamica (gushu old-tree material)
Processing focus
Harvest seasons
- Spring (March-May)
- Autumn
Flavor signature
Notable producers & areas
- Bingdao
- Xigui
- Mengku
Brands carrying Lincang tea
Brands in our directory that carry tea types this origin produces. Direct-sourcing brands shown first.