{"product_id":"2022-banpen-ancient-tree-raw-pu-erh-tea-cake","title":"2022 Ban Pen Ancient Tree Raw Pu-erh Tea Cake","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eProduced in Banpen Old Village, surrounded by famous tea villages, this 2022 Ban Pen Ancient Tree Raw Pu-erh Tea Cake is a quintessential high-altitude, old-tree, historically rich, and excellent-value single-micro-region Pu-erh tea.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eBanpen Old Village and Its Geographic Setting\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eLocated at the junction of the famed Bulang Mountain and Hekai Mountain in Menghai County, Xishuangbanna, Yunnan, Banpen Old Village is a tea village long overshadowed by its world-class neighboring Pu-erh tea regions. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eTo its west, it borders the villages of Lao Ban Zhang and Xin Ban Zhang, while to the east lie Lahu settlements such as Manmai and Mannong on Hekai Ancient Tea Mountain.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eAncient Tea Heritage and Bulang Tea Culture\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eSituated at an average altitude of 1,700 meters (≈ 5,577 feet), Banpen Old Village is home to the Bulang people, among Yunnan’s earliest tea-growing ethnic groups. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eTea trees hold a sacred place in their history, culture, and daily life. Generations have inherited abundant ancient tea tree resources and traditional tea-making skills.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eThe village has over 2,000 mu (≈ 133 hectares \/ 330 acres) of ancient tea gardens, with trees averaging 300–500 years old, and some exceeding 500 years—truly a “living fossil” for studying the tea culture of Yunnan’s ethnic minorities.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eBanpen Tea and Lao Ban Zhang: Similar Origins, Different Character\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eAlthough administratively under the Hekai Mountain management area (Hekai Village Committee), Banpen Old Village is only about 3 kilometers (≈ 1.86 miles) in a straight line from Lao Ban Zhang Village in Bulangshan Township. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eConsequently, Banpen tea shares nearly the same altitude and climate as Lao Ban Zhang tea, yet the two regions have developed very different reputations and flavor profiles.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eThe differences stem from subtle variations in terroir and tea tree varieties.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eSoil Composition and Terroir Differences\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eLao Ban Zhang’s soil is mainly yellow and yellow-brown earth derived from shale weathering, rich in organic matter and trace elements such as manganese, zinc, and iron. This distinctive soil is believed to contribute to Lao Ban Zhang’s signature bold character—strong bitterness, intense tea Qi, and a fast, sweet aftertaste.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eBanpen’s soil is similarly fertile but contains more gravel and sandy material, providing improved drainage. This structure encourages tea tree roots to grow deeper in search of water and nutrients, which may support the accumulation of particular flavor compounds. As a result, compared with Lao Ban Zhang, Banpen tea generally presents a lighter bitterness and a more pronounced sweetness.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eTree Age and Tea Varieties\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eWhile Lao Ban Zhang contains both old and newer tea trees, its core gardens are dominated by ancient trees aged between 200 and 600 years, mainly belonging to the “Lao Ban Zhang” variety, a unique ecological type within the Menghai large-leaf tea family.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eBanpen’s ancient tea trees also average 300–500 years old, though the varieties are more diverse. Alongside Menghai large-leaf tea trees, other local Yunnan large-leaf varieties can also be found throughout the village.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eSpring 2022 Ancient Tree Harvest\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eThis Ancient Tree \u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(112, 32, 24);\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.chineseteagroup.com\/collections\/chinese-tea-cakes\" style=\"color: rgb(112, 32, 24);\"\u003eCompressed Tea Cake\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e is made from fresh spring 2022 leaves of Banpen’s ancient tea trees, crafted into raw (Sheng) Pu-erh tea.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eDry Leaves and Tasting Notes\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eThrough our tea house’s unretouched product photos, you can observe the details clearly.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eDry Leaves\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eThick and tightly twisted leaf strips\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eRobust appearance typical of ancient large-leaf tea trees\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eA close sniff reveals faint floral honey notes accompanied by a distinctive mountain aroma.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eTea Liquor and Taste\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eClear and bright tea liquor\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003ePronounced floral fragrance after brewing\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eBold structure reminiscent of Lao Ban Zhang\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eSweetness and delicacy characteristic of Hekai teas\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eSmooth and refined mouthfeel\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eLingering finish with a satisfying aftertaste\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eUpon brewing, the floral notes become more pronounced, and the tea liquor appears clear and bright. The taste combines the bold strength associated with Lao Ban Zhang and the sweetness and delicacy often found in Hekai teas. The tea liquor has a smooth, refined mouthfeel with a lingering finish, leaving a strong sense of satisfaction.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eWet Leaves\/Leaf Base\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eAfter brewing, the leaves are thick, soft, and supple, displaying clear vein structures. The tender spring shoots show a unique vitality only found in freshly plucked ancient tea trees, reflecting the freshness and quality of the 2022 Ban Pen harvest.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eAging Potential – Ready to Drink Now, Worthy to Store\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\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 tea\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e is traditionally known for its ability to evolve and improve with age. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eWhile this 2022 Ban Pen Ancient Tree Raw Pu-erh Tea Cake is still considered young, several years of natural resting have already softened its initial astringency and bitterness. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eAt this stage, the tea liquor is smooth and rounded, with a pleasant natural sweetness, making it ideal for drinking now.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eAt the same time, its deep ancient-tree character and rich internal structure provide strong aging potential. With proper storage, it will continue to develop greater complexity and depth over time—offering immediate enjoyment today and rewarding evolution in the future.\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\/2022-banpen-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\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Chinese Tea Group","offers":[{"title":"Whole Cake (357 g)","offer_id":51566794572009,"sku":"010147-357g-2606","price":220.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0734\/7549\/0025\/files\/2022-ban-pen-ancient-tree-raw-pu-erh-tea-cake-origin.jpg?v=1784795264","url":"https:\/\/www.chineseteagroup.com\/products\/2022-banpen-ancient-tree-raw-pu-erh-tea-cake","provider":"Chinese Tea Group","version":"1.0","type":"link"}