{"product_id":"2019-xi-niu-tang-ancient-tree-raw-pu-erh-tea-cake","title":"2019 Xi Niu Tang Ancient Tree Raw Pu-erh Tea Cake","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eUnlike many \u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(112, 32, 24);\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.chineseteagroup.com\/collections\/pu-erh-tea\" style=\"color: rgb(112, 32, 24);\"\u003ePu-erh teas\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e (also spelled Pu'er) named after villages, this 2019 Xi Niu Tang Ancient Tree Raw Pu-erh Tea Cake takes its name not from a village, but from a distinct ancient tea tree growing region within the Pasha tea area of Menghai County, Xishuangbanna, Yunnan Province.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eIn the local language, “Pasha” refers to a high-altitude forest landscape, and Xi Niu Tang is located among the highest elevations of this region.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eAccording to local legend, when the Hani people first migrated here, wild rhinoceroses were often seen playing in the mountain ponds, which gave rise to the name “Xi Niu Tang,” meaning “Rhinoceros Pond.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eAncient Forest \u0026amp; Tea Heritage\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eEven older than the Hani settlements in this region are the ancient tea trees that continue to thrive in these forests.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eSome of these trees are believed to date back to the Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD), or even earlier, originally cultivated and preserved over centuries by the ancient Pu people, one of Yunnan’s earliest known ethnic groups.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eThe Pasha Mountain Landscape\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eThe Xi Niu Tang area sits within a naturally enclosed mountain system:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eFacing Nannuo Mountain \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eBacked by Bulang Mountain \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eSurrounded by Hekai and Leida Mountain ranges\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eThe region is characterized by:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eYear-round mountain mist\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eFertile dark forest soil\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eDense, well-preserved vegetation\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eAncient tea trees growing within natural forest ecosystems\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eWithin the broader Pasha tea region, Xi Niu Tang is especially known for its tall ancient tea trees and strong ecological integrity, and is regarded as one of the core terroir expressions of the Pasha tea region.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eA Rare and Respected Origin\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eXi Niu Tang Pu-erh tea is not widely known among casual tea drinkers due to its:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eLimited natural range\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eNaturally low annual production\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eHowever, among experienced Pu-erh tea drinkers, it has long been regarded as a highly collectible origin with strong character and aging potential.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eIts style is often summarized as:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e“Seven parts Ban Zhang strength, three parts Bing Dao sweetness, and full Pasha fragrance.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eOur Connection with Xi Niu Tang\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eIn 2015, while exploring high-end ancient tree tea regions across Yunnan with strong aging potential, the tea masters of Chinese Tea Group first discovered Xi Niu Tang.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eSince then, we have sourced carefully selected maocha from this region annually — sun-dried raw Pu-erh tea in its loose form before pressing — and pressed it into tea cakes for our Mingyue Series, focusing on high-quality ancient tree material.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e2019 Harvest\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eThis Xi Niu Tang Ancient Tree Raw Pu-erh Tea Cake was produced from the spring 2019 harvest, using ancient tea trees with an average age of approximately 300–600 years.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eAfter more than five years of natural aging, it has gradually entered an excellent drinking stage and has been released in limited quantities since 2024.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eTea Character\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eAppearance\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e(Photographed in our tea house)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eThe dry tea cake displays a tight, traditional stone-pressed structure with naturally twisted strips.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eThe leaves are thick and substantial, well-structured and tightly compressed, with clearly formed ancient tree leaf patterns.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eWith age, the surface has developed a deep, dark, and slightly oily sheen.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eThe buds are covered in fine silver-white hairs, which reflect light with a soft silver-gray glow — creating a visual contrast reminiscent of black satin dusted with silver frost.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eAroma\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eThe dry leaves release a clean and expressive aroma:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eWild mountain honey\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eLight floral notes\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eA gentle sugarcane-like sweetness\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eThe aroma is pure, high-toned, and free from any heaviness or storage notes.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eTaste \u0026amp; Structure\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eWith its signature “seven parts Ban Zhang strength,” this tea opens on the palate with a clear sense of structure and presence, delivering strength and definition from the very first impression. It transitions smoothly from gentle bitterness into returning sweetness, while the texture remains full and layered, yet precise and refined. Rather than heaviness, it feels structured, clean, and energetic.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eAroma in the Cup\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eExpressing the “full Pasha fragrance,” the aroma of Xi Niu Tang is not only present in the dry leaf and cup, but also carries through the liquor itself. Even the infused leaves release a rich floral fragrance. After swallowing, floral notes gently return through the palate, creating a long and lingering aromatic finish.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eSweetness Development\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eWith its characteristic “three parts Bing Dao sweetness,” this raw Pu-erh tea evolves gradually over multiple infusions. Early infusions emphasize structure and strength, while sweetness begins to emerge and build as the tea opens. From around the fifth infusion onward, the sweetness becomes more pronounced, accompanied by a soft cooling sensation in the throat.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eThe sweetness presents itself as:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eClean and refined\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eSimilar to rock sugar\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eLong-lasting and stable\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003ePresent even after 15+ infusions\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eMouthfeel \u0026amp; Body Sensation\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eThe tea leaves a cooling sensation in the mouth and throat, while a gentle warmth gradually spreads through the body.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eThis contrast creates a layered and dynamic drinking experience, balancing freshness with internal warmth.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eOverall Impression\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eThis 2019 Xi Niu Tang Ancient Tree Raw Pu-erh Tea Cake represents a balance of:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eHigh-mountain ecological expression\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eAncient tree structure and depth\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eLayered floral fragrance\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eLong-term aging potential\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eAfter several years of natural aging, it has entered an excellent drinking window while still retaining strong future evolution potential.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eFor tea drinkers seeking a high-end ancient tree Pu-erh with clarity, structure, and terroir depth, it stands as a highly representative expression of the Pasha tea region.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eNot sure if this tea suits your taste? Try a sample and follow our brewing guide.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(112, 32, 24);\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.chineseteagroup.com\/products\/2019-xi-niu-tang-ancient-tree-raw-pu-erh-tea-cake-sample\" style=\"color: rgb(112, 32, 24);\"\u003eTry Sample \u0026amp; View Guide\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Chinese Tea Group","offers":[{"title":"Whole Cake (357 g)","offer_id":51566014791913,"sku":"099999-357g-2606","price":560.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0734\/7549\/0025\/files\/2019-xi-niu-tang-ancient-tree-raw-pu-erh-tea-cake-main-image.jpg?v=1784708138","url":"https:\/\/www.chineseteagroup.com\/products\/2019-xi-niu-tang-ancient-tree-raw-pu-erh-tea-cake","provider":"Chinese Tea Group","version":"1.0","type":"link"}