Lao Cong Dong Fang Hong Dancong

After years of hesitation, "Dongfanghong" Dancong finally meets the tea enthusiasts of Jing Tea Shop. My first encounter with it was years ago, not through its name, but through a story. It goes back to 1955, when China’s rural areas transitioned from mutual aid groups to unions. A famous tea master, Wen Yongji, from Wudong village, crafted two pounds of the finest tea, which he sent to Chairman Mao. The Central Office responded, thanking him but declining the gift due to regulations. The tea was named "Dongfanghong."

The name “Dongfanghong” has many variations: Songzong tree, Tuanjie tree, Fengchan tree (high-yield tree), Yan Shang Zhen (Rock treasure), but as with many renowned products, the name can sometimes overshadow its true character. Over time, “Dongfanghong” became a symbol, and stories surrounding it flourished. For years, I avoided it, thinking its fame outshone its quality. However, when I finally tasted it again, I rediscover that “Dongfanghong” truly lived up to its name.

This particular "Dongfanghong" comes from Lizaiping, Wudong village, a high-mountain old tree Dancong. Only tea grown on high mountains can carry that mountain essence, a sweet aftertaste, and a deep, lingering fragrance. The charm of this tea lies in its gentle and embracing "soft and tamed" nature. It has a noble elegance, a fragrance that's delicate, a smooth texture, and a full-bodied taste. At first sip, it’s not overpowering, but it immediately comforts the senses.

The sweetness fills the mouth, with hints of gardenia and wood intermingling. The taste gradually reveals its hidden complexity—fragrance in the taste, taste in the fragrance, blending seamlessly. The tea’s color is a rich honey-gold, thick and bright. Each sip is like tasting pure nectar—natural gardenia honey fills the tea, making the flavor rich and mellow, with a strong aftertaste and honey flavor. The tea is incredibly resilient and shows the unique "flavor" of high-mountain old tree teas. The tea’s texture gives a “meaty depth,” a rich layer of flavor that lingers with a satisfying aftertaste.

Great high-mountain teas like this one emphasize a lasting resonance—after drinking, the fragrance remains on the lips, and even after swallowing, a subtle sweetness lingers. This enduring taste is what draws tea lovers to such treasures.

Great tea satisfies not just the palate, but the imagination. Before tasting it, there are many assumptions, some misguided, others half-formed. But when the true taste is in front of you, it transcends all judgments, revealing a clarity that’s pure and deeply satisfying. As Yuan Mei said, "Relieve anxiety, calm arrogance, and please the spirit." This is the tranquility and joy "Dongfanghong" gives—inner peace after tasting.

Information

Origine: Chao Zhou, Guang Dong province
Harvesting area: Feng Huang Town, Wu Dong Village, Li Zai Ping ethnic Village
Plantation altitude: ~1000 m above sea level
Harvesting: Spring 2024
Tea varietal: Dong Fang Hong
Average tree age: 120+ yo
Net weight: 50gr

Suggestions

Yixing pairing: Pin Zi Ni, Chao Zhou teapot, Qing Shui Ni
Water temperature: 90C
Storage: Drink now, store cool and dry