Yunnan – the birthplace of Tea

The history of tea-making in Yunnan goes back millennia, and indeed this south-western Chinese province is known as the birthplace of tea. One story has it that Shen Nung, or Shennong, the mythical original emperor of ancient China, discovered the drink when a leaf from a Camellia sinensis bush dropped into his pot of boiling water. However, historians more reliably date the tea drinking culture to the Shang and Zhou dynasties of Bronze Age China, so potentially as far back as 1600 BC, although the habit really took root across China during the Tang dynasty (618-906AD).

Nature has helped make tea a success in Yunnan, where the rugged mountain ranges, varied climate and lush subtropical slopes have proved ideal growing conditions. As a result, most Dian Hong teas are harvested from cultivars of the assamica variety of tea bush called daye (big leaf). Generally smoother and less astringent than their subcontinental cousins, these teas first became popular for export in the 1930s, between the World Wars. Meanwhile, Yunnan's most famous brews remain the fermented teas known as Pu Erh.

Explore other deliciously unique black teas

Chinese teas offer tea novices and connoisseurs alike wonderful diversity and complexity. For another black tea with sweet, smoky characters try our Keemun from China's Anhui province. Wuyi Shui Xian is a Chinese oolong with a harmonious mix of smooth caramel and fruity notes, or you could try the mildly smoky and nutty Phoenix Honey Orchid oolong from Guangdong. Alternatively, our Oriental Beauty Taiwanese tea is another exceptional style that combines sweet yet aromatic characters.

For a full range of Chinese black, oolong, Pu Erh, white and green teas, see our Tea Shop, where you'll find a selection available by the caddy or in our biodegradable Triune teabags. While you're browsing, why not check out our traditional gaiwan teaware – perfect for infusing your favourite Chinese brews.

The climate is similarly contrasting: the highest peaks experience a Tundra climate (ET), with freezing temperatures for most of the year and a least one month above 0°C – but below 10°C – leading to snow melting. Below is a Temperate Oceanic (Cfb) climate, with mild winters and summers with highs of 26°C, and precipitation across all seasons but particularly during the summer months, which are also cloudy.

The valleys at the southernmost part of the province experience a humid subtropical climate (Cfa), with high precipitation from May to October, and temperature ranging from 11°C to 35°C. With such varied climates and relief, it is no surprise that the region is famous for its biodiversity. Of the 30,000 species of plants found in China, more than half are in Yunnan! Over half of the province is covered in forest, with pines and conifers on the lower plateau, bursts of colourful azalea and rhododendron on the higher hills and fir, bamboo and juniper on the higher peaks. Similarly, the province is home to a dizzying array of animals, with hundreds of species of mammals, fish, reptiles and birds.

The tropical forests of the South harbour monkeys, bears, elephants and porcupines. Only a small portion of the land is arable, but the variety of climate means many crops can be cultivated. Rice is the main summer crop, along with corn, sweet potato, sugarcane and, of course, tea, which is mostly grown on the southern, tropical part of the province, all the way to the Myanmar and Laos borders.