Wild and Golden: Discovering Ping Ye Kuo, a Rare Lapsang from the Heart of Wuyi

If you’ve ever fallen in love with the sweetness of a good black tea, there’s a good chance its roots trace back to the misty mountains of Wuyi in Fujian, China — the birthplace of black tea.

More than 400 years ago, in a remote Wuyi village called Tongmu, tea makers created what would become the world’s first black tea: Zhengshan Xiaozhong, known internationally as Lapsang Souchong. This bold, aromatic tea captured the attention of Dutch and British traders and soon became a favorite in European courts. From this one mountain, black tea began its journey across the world.

Our tea, Ping Ye Kuo, carries that legacy — but it also brings something wild and rare to the table.

What Makes Ping Ye Kuo Special?

This is not your everyday black tea. Ping Ye Kuo is made from wild, old-growth tea trees tucked deep inside the Wuyi National Park. These trees are not farmed or fertilized — they grow freely among cliffs and forests, their roots pulling minerals from rocky soil, their leaves infused with mountain air.

Crafted in the same tradition as high-grade Jinjunmei, this tea yields a golden, crystal-clear liquor with layers of floral, fruity, and honeyed aromas. The taste is sweet, smooth, and full-bodied, but never heavy — just a sip leaves a long, clean finish that feels like sunshine on moss.

The name Ping Ye Kuo roughly means “a wide and open field” — a quiet invitation to breathe, to pause, to let a little light in.

How to Brew: Two Ways to Enjoy

1. Gaiwan Style (for fragrance lovers)

This traditional Chinese method brings out the tea’s full aromatic range.

• Vessel: 100–120ml gaiwan

• Tea: 5g (one sachet)

• Water temperature: 90–95°C (194–203°F)

• Brewing: First two steeps, 5 seconds each. Then gradually increase steep time.

This style gives you the clearest expression of aroma. You’ll notice bright fruit and floral notes in the first few brews, followed by a deeper, forest-like sweetness.

2. Teapot Style (for daily comfort)

Perfect for relaxed moments or sharing with friends.

• Vessel: 200ml ceramic or clay teapot

• Tea: 5g

• Water temperature: 90°C (194°F)

• Brewing: First steep around 10 seconds; extend with each brew to taste

This method draws out the tea’s warmth and body. The flavor is round, mellow, and comforting — like a good story told by someone you trust.

From the wild cliffs of Wuyi to your teacup, Ping Ye Kuo is more than a drink — it’s a quiet moment of depth and sweetness. We hope it reminds you of wide-open skies, soft sunlight, and the simple joy of something well made.