Many people know Yunnan for its Pu’er tea, but its black teas are often overlooked.
My hometown, Fengqing, in Lincang, Yunnan Province, is the birthplace of Dianhong, one of China’s renowned black teas and an important part of Yunnan’s tea heritage.
In 1938, tea expert Feng Shaoqiu came to Fengqing and began experimenting with black tea made from the region’s large-leaf tea varieties. With their generous leaves and rich natural compounds, these tea plants produce black teas known for their rich aromas, full-bodied flavour and bright red liquor. In 1939, the first batches of Dianhong were produced for export, bringing this tea from the mountains of Yunnan to the wider world.
Over nearly 90 years, Fengqing’s tea-making traditions have continued to evolve. Local tea farmers, artisans and producers have built on traditional techniques while exploring new methods, bringing greater diversity to Yunnan’s black teas.
But Yunnan’s tea heritage goes far beyond Dianhong.
Lincang is also home to abundant ancient tea trees. Each tea’s character is shaped by its environment — from the climate and altitude to the soil and surrounding ecosystem.
Natural floral and fruity aromas are among the qualities that make many ancient-tree teas from Lincang so fascinating. Some reveal delicate wildflower notes, while others evoke ripe fruits, honey or soft woody aromas, often accompanied by a lingering sweetness. Even teas from the same region can taste remarkably different, depending on the mountain, the garden and sometimes the individual tree.
To me, tea is more than a drink. It is an expression of the land where it grows.
Through YOU·CHA, I hope to share the diversity of Yunnan tea with a wider audience — starting with my hometown of Fengqing and inviting you to discover the distinctive flavours of Lincang’s tea mountains.
YOU·CHA — Yunnan · Origin · Unwind.
Discover the nature, terroir and traditions of Yunnan, one cup at a time.