Banuo Village is a representative of the eastern mountains of Mengku and is also one of the settlements with the most existing ancient tea trees. Historically, Banuo thrived along the ancient trade routes and due to the outstanding quality of its tea, it developed into the wealthiest village in the Shuangjiang area during the Republican era, despite the turmoil in central China at the time. It became a hub for prominent figures and was unparalleled in its prosperity. Just before the founding of the People's Republic of China, many wealthy families from Banuo left their homeland, migrating to Hong Kong, Taiwan, or even overseas, which led to a decline in the village's prominence for nearly half a century.
The ancient tea trees in Banuo grow differently from those in other villages, with strong, coiled branches resembling vines, hence they are called Tengtiao tea, or “Banuo Tengtiao tea.” Historically, “Banuo Tengtiao tea” was reserved for tribal leaders, local lords, and nobility and was often selected as tribute tea. Although it has a unique appearance, Tengtiao tea still belongs to the large-leaf species of Mengku. Its development is the result of tea farmers' long-term experience in cultivation and management, adapting the characteristics of the large-leaf Tree species to the surrounding climate and geography. This method of cultivation and harvesting is known locally as the “selective picking method.”
Most Tengtiao tea areas date back to newly established tea gardens from the late Qing dynasty and the Republican period, primarily located on both banks of the Lancang River, and deeply influenced by Han Chinese culture. The Tengtiao tea cultivation and maintenance method is a product of the combination of Yunnan's ancient tea planting traditions and advanced agricultural techniques from central China, reaching maturity during the Qing dynasty and gaining widespread adoption by the end of the Qing dynasty and the Republican period. The perfection of this method is attributed to the introduction of intensive agriculture from the Ming and Qing dynasties into Yunnan, which is also a reflection of the commercialization of Yunnan's tea industry.
Characteristics of the Banuo Tengtiao Ancient Tree Tea
Banuo ancient Tengtiao tea trees have visible main trunks and branches, with dozens or even hundreds of thin, soft, and long vines growing on the branches. Each vine has a bare section without leaves, only sporting a few tender buds and young leaves at the very tip. The entire tea tree bears a resemblance to a willow tree with its drooping, soft branches.
The Banuo hundred-year-old Tengtiao ancient tree tea is known for its warmth, elegance, Honey fragrance, and sweet aftertaste. The tea liquor is pure and sweet, with a gentle character and a rich mouthfeel. It has a strong floral honey aroma that lingers in the cup and is long-lasting. It is mild in bitterness and astringency, with a quick and long-lasting return of sweetness and salivation, a fine and delicate texture, tender leaves, and a bright golden color. It is also highly resistant to repeated infusions.
The tea liquor embodies a masculine quality, with a high fragrance, vigorous flavor, and a strong character. It has a rich and full-bodied taste, is sweet and thick, and has a powerful and long-lasting energy. Especially noteworthy is its mid-palate richness, fullness, and balance, which are unmatched among Yunnanese large-leaf teas.