Bulangshan Weidong 2024

For lovers of strong Shengs.

While this Sheng Pu’er offers everything one would expect from a representative of the Bulangshan region, its place of origin is mostly unknown even among Chinese tea drinkers. Harvested from 50 to 60-year-old Shengtai Qiaomu trees in Weidong village, under the care of farmer Asan, about 10-15km south of the famous Laobanzhang, this tea offers the quintessential Bulangshan experience with remarkable quality. From the first steep, it feels energizing and presents an upfront bitterness that bears a striking similarity to grapefruit. Its youth and Menghai-typical higher temperature Sha Qing are also reflected in a slight hint of raw spinach. This tea feels viscous in the mouth, but leaves it slightly dry after swallowing, creating a yearning for the next cup. All the while, it carries a tantalizing, slightly sour sweetness reminiscent of pineapple that tingles the tongue, coupled with the more grounded and gentle sweetness of an airy sponge cake. A tea that’s fun to drink and a great introduction to Bulangshan Sheng Pu’er. While it’s affordably priced, its outstanding quality makes it a favorite among Sheng enthusiasts, often surprising them with its value.

Written by Sigi

The farmer

During our stay in Weidong, farmer Asan showed us the various tea gardens of the village and provided many insights into the local culture. In the picture below, we were walking away from one of the tea gardens while Asan explained the recent relocation of the entire village. Previously, the village houses were spread along and up the valley, but now they have been moved down to a single, centralized location near the road to Bulangshan township.