Yunnan
Earthy, complex, age-worthy. Camphor and dried-fruit notes in aged sheng pu-erh.
Yunnan is the geographic and genetic origin point of tea — Camellia sinensis var. assamica, the large-leaf tea plant, originated here, and the region's ancient gushu (古树) trees, some 200-800 years old, still produce among the world's most prized pu-erh. The province's tea identity is overwhelmingly pu-erh: sheng (raw, designed to age over decades) and shou (ripe, accelerated-fermentation since the 1970s). Yunnan also produces Dianhong (Yunnan black tea) and a small but growing white tea category.
The pu-erh-producing area subdivides into three traditional regions: Lincang (清越), Menghai (勐海), and Pu'er (普洱). Each produces structurally similar leaf material with regional cup character distinctions that committed pu-erh drinkers learn to identify. The Xishuangbanna prefecture in southern Yunnan — bordering Laos and Myanmar — contains the most famous gushu mountains: Yiwu, Bulang, Bada, Jingmai. Pricing for sought-after gushu pressings has reached levels comparable to fine wine.
Signature teas
- Pu-erh (sheng and shou)
- Yunnan Dianhong (black)
- Yunnan white tea
Tea types produced
Cultivars grown
- Camellia sinensis var. assamica (large-leaf)
- Ancient gushu trees (200-800+ years)
Processing focus
Harvest seasons
- Spring (March-May)
- Summer
- Autumn
Flavor signature
Notable producers & areas
- Yiwu
- Bulang Mountain
- Jingmai Mountain
- Lincang
- Menghai
Brands carrying Yunnan tea
Brands in our directory that carry tea types this origin produces. Direct-sourcing brands shown first.