2015 First Spring Tea · Keyixing Dealers Return to the Mountains

The 2015 first-flush Pu-erh tea harvest has begun!

For everyone at Keyixing, this was exciting news. Our enthusiasm for fine tea could not be contained, so the dealers made a collective decision: head into the mountains to source the new spring harvest.

Figure 1. Group photo

Organized by the Keyixing Tea Factory, the tea-mountain expedition assembled in high spirits and set out together.

Figure 2. The team lines up, ready to depart

We walked through Laoman’e and Banzhang Old Village, visited Hekai and Mansong, entered Jingmai, and climbed Pasha. We went deep into the villages and shared meals and lodging with tea farmers. The journey was demanding, but the rewards were abundant.

Figure 3. Ancient arbor tea tree in Banzhang Old Village

Figure 4. An ancient tea tree covered in moss

Figure 5. The head of Pasha Old Village introduces the ancient tea trees

Figure 6. A team member checks the quality of the tea

Figure 7. Dinner at a tea farmer’s home

Figure 8. Sharing time with the local tea farmers

Figure 9. The vehicle is covered in dust after crossing the mountains

Figure 10. On the road to Mansong after wind and rain

By the end of the journey, every drop of sweat and every moment of fatigue had been transformed into fine tea. Beyond overseeing quality, the Keyixing team carried another important responsibility: bringing the culture of the tea mountains to everyone who loves Keyixing and sharing the joy of a successful harvest.