Victoria's Tea Sourcing Trip 2017 - Fengqing, Yunnan Pt. II

Not only is the 3,200 year-old puerh tree located in Fengqing, Yunnan, but it is where you can find other majestic and breath-taking sights as well.

In the second week of April, Victoria was on the way to see the next important stop, a 2,000 year-old puerh tea tree. On the way, Victoria witnessed a spectacular view of the mighty Lancang River!

The Lancang River (also known as the Mekong) is the 12th largest river in the world, snaking its way over 2,700 miles (4,350 km) through Tibet, China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. It is an area rich with life of all kinds, its rich biodiversity rivaled only by the Amazon. 

The roads on the way to see the 2,000 year old puerh tree are very narrow and rough. The cliffside was very steep on both sides of the road. In the photo, you can see how steep it rises upward but this same slope continued downward on the other side of the road as well! We were ascending over 2,000 meters to see the ancient trees! 

This is the 2,000 year old puerh tree. Though the terrain was rugged and difficult at times, venturing out to discover such natural treasures is what makes these trips all the worthwhile. 

At another angle, you can see how its branches twist and turn. It seems vibrant and healthy for its age (if only people could have such luck)! It stands out over everything else in the area, almost as if it were there to protect and watch over the rest of its arboreal neighbors. 

And here's one more photo up-close, taking a look at the trunk of this beautiful tree. Healthy and true ancient gushu puerh tea trees should be large and lively, like this one. Its size is a testament to not only its age but its strength, its character, and its environment. If we're going to source gushu puerh, then these are the kinds of trees we need to find.