{"product_id":"2020-wan-gong-raw-pu-erh-tea-cake","title":"2020 Wan Gong Raw Pu-erh Tea Cake","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eThis 2020 compressed raw Pu-erh tea cake comes from Wan Gong (Chinese: 弯弓, literally “Curved Bow”), a region widely regarded as the spiritual heart of Yiwu. Within Yunnan’s Yiwu tea-producing area, Wan Gong remains one of the most legendary and respected tea regions — a tea mountain shaped by fire, abandonment, and rediscovery.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eHistorical Background of Wan Gong\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eThe Ancient Tea Horse Road Era\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eDuring the Tang Dynasty (7th–9th century CE), tea from Yunnan began traveling toward Tibet, gradually forming what would later become the Ancient Tea Horse Road, a trade route that continued for more than 1,300 years. Along both sides of the Wan Gong River, at elevations between 1,400 and 1,800 meters, stood several ancient villages historically known as Qianjiazhai. At its peak, the area was home to more than four hundred households and thousands of residents, serving as a major transportation and tea distribution center along the Tea Horse Road.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eAncient Man Sa Tea Mountain\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eAccording to historical records, this region was once known as the Ancient Man Sa Tea Mountain. Ancient tea trees over one hundred years old still grow throughout the mountains, including tea tree kings believed to be nearly a thousand years old. This area was not only one of the core sourcing regions for imperial tribute tea, but also one of the birthplaces of high-grade ancient Pu-erh tea.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eDestruction and Disappearance\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eYet history was not kind to Wan Gong. Between the Tongzhi and Guangxu eras of the Qing Dynasty (1862–1908), three devastating fires swept through the region. The flourishing villages were destroyed, and countless ancient Pu-erh tea trees were lost to the flames. What had once been a thriving mountain settlement gradually disappeared into the wilderness, hidden deep within the forests and forgotten for nearly a century.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eThe Ecological Environment of Wan Gong\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eIronically, this century-long isolation became Wan Gong Pu-erh tea’s greatest fortune. The surviving tea gardens and ancient trees were left entirely untouched by human activity.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eHidden deep within pristine forests, they coexisted naturally alongside towering old-growth trees, ferns, and mosses, forming a remarkably pristine forest ecosystem. Nourished by high-altitude mist, abundant rainfall, and deep humus-rich forest soil, the resulting tea developed exceptional purity and depth.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eKey Ecological Characteristics\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eHigh-altitude tea-growing environment (1,400–1,700 meters)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eDense old-growth forest ecosystem\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eRich humus-rich mountain soil\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eLong-term natural coexistence with native vegetation\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eMinimal human intervention over nearly a century\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eThe Rediscovery of Wan Gong Pu-erh Tea\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eIt was not until the early 21st century, as raw Pu-erh tea became increasingly popular for daily drinking and demand for ancient tree material continued to rise, that Wan Gong gradually returned to public attention.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eTea farmers, represented by the Yao communities of Dingjiazhai, once again journeyed back into the ancestral forests. Under the protection framework of China’s national forest conservation policies, they resumed careful management and seasonal harvesting, allowing Wan Gong Pu-erh tea to reemerge after nearly a century of silence.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eEven today, Wan Gong tea gardens remain far removed from villages and roads. Every harvest requires tea farmers to cross steep and difficult mountain terrain. This hardship and rarity form the foundation of Wan Gong Pu-erh tea’s reputation as one of Yunnan’s celebrated “Famous Mountains and Famous Villages.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eWhy This 2020 Wan Gong Tea Cake Offers Strong Value\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eAt the same time, the dramatic reduction of century-old ancient tea trees, combined with Wan Gong’s prestigious reputation, has caused prices to rise significantly over the years.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eThe reason our 2020 Wan Gong Raw Pu-erh Tea Cake can still be offered at a highly competitive price is twofold:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eDirect Sourcing Relationships\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eLong-term direct partnerships between Chinese Tea Group and local tea farmers\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eFewer intermediary markups throughout the supply chain\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eTea Material Composition\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eSpring-harvest raw material\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eBlend of tea trees approximately 50–100 years old\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eNot produced entirely from century-old ancient trees\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eSensory Profile\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eDry Leaves\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eThe tea cake displays thick, tightly twisted leaves with a bold structure, visible silver buds, and relatively intact leaf material. After several years of natural aging, the dry leaves have already begun developing early aged characteristics, though the overall appearance still retains a lively deep green tone. The compression level is moderate — firm enough to preserve the integrity and long-term aging potential of the cake, yet loose enough to allow easier separation without excessive force.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eWhen examined closely, the dry leaves release gentle notes of honey, delicate floral aromatics, and a subtle wild forest character reminiscent of mountain woods.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eTea Liquor\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eThe liquor presents a bright golden-yellow color, clear and transparent with a noticeable oily texture. As brewing progresses through multiple infusions, the color gradually deepens into apricot yellow or orange-gold tones. As the tea continues to age, the liquor is expected to transform toward deeper amber-red and chestnut-red hues, becoming increasingly rich and luminous.\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);\"\u003eRather than presenting itself aggressively in the cup, the aroma is seamlessly integrated into the liquor itself. Each sip carries elegant floral honey notes alongside subtle fruit characteristics — one of the defining traits that distinguishes Wan Gong tea from many other Yiwu teas.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eTaste\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eWan Gong raw Pu-erh tea is known for its remarkably light astringency, usually appearing gently on the tongue or upper palate, while bitterness remains minimal and dissipates quickly within only a few seconds. These qualities form the foundation of the tea’s returning sweetness, mouth-watering sensation, and lingering sweetness.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eAfter swallowing, a subtle cooling sensation gradually spreads through the throat, creating a refreshing and layered aftertaste. In teas made entirely from century-old ancient trees, this cooling sensation tends to be even deeper and more pronounced.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eOverall Character\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eWarm yet powerful — this defines the overall character of this 2020 Wan Gong Raw Pu-erh Tea Cake. Its distinctive wilderness character allows tea drinkers to sense humid woody notes and moss-like aromas reminiscent of a tropical rainforest, evoking the feeling of standing deep within an untouched ancient forest.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eThis tea belongs to our \u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(112, 32, 24);\"\u003e\u003ca style=\"color: rgb(112, 32, 24);\" href=\"https:\/\/www.chineseteagroup.com\/collections\/raw-pu-erh-tea\"\u003eraw Pu-erh\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eand\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e \u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(112, 32, 24);\"\u003e\u003ca style=\"color: rgb(112, 32, 24);\" href=\"https:\/\/www.chineseteagroup.com\/collections\/pu-erh-tea\"\u003ePu-erh tea collections\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eAt a highly competitive price, this tea offers a valuable opportunity to experience the essence of high-end Pu-erh, making it a sincere choice for those entering the world of famous Yiwu mountain teas.\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 style=\"color: rgb(112, 32, 24);\" href=\"https:\/\/www.chineseteagroup.com\/products\/2020-wan-gong-raw-pu-erh-tea-cake-sample\"\u003eTry Sample \u0026amp; View Guide\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Chinese Tea Group","offers":[{"title":"Whole Cake (357 g)","offer_id":51566033830121,"sku":"010162-357g-2606","price":299.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0734\/7549\/0025\/files\/2020-wan-gong-raw-pu-erh-tea-cake-yiwu-mountain.jpg?v=1784709278","url":"https:\/\/www.chineseteagroup.com\/products\/2020-wan-gong-raw-pu-erh-tea-cake","provider":"Chinese Tea Group","version":"1.0","type":"link"}