Cloud tea is like life; life is learning, wisdom is cultivation.
Today, I want to talk to everyone about the entrepreneurial journey of Longyuanhao. The story of Longmuanhao’s development is actually a microcosm of the development of China’s private tea enterprises—growing from small to large, from weak to strong, and from local to national. In this process, the entrepreneurship and professionalism demonstrated by Mr. Li Zhengxing are truly worth learning from. I have witnessed the process of Longyuanhao growing from a small tea factory into a nationally renowned brand, and I am deeply aware of the hardships and difficulties involved.
The story of Longyuanhao’s entrepreneurship begins in the 1990s. At that time, China’s tea market was undergoing a period of transformation; state-owned tea enterprises were gradually undergoing restructuring, and private tea enterprises were beginning to rise. After working in state-owned tea enterprises for over ten years, Li Zhengxing decided to start his own business. His choice required great courage at the time—abandoning a stable job in a state-owned enterprise to immerse himself in market competition filled with uncertainty. However, he had confidence in his professional abilities and was full of expectations for the future development of Pu-erh tea.
Longyuanhao’s initial scale was not large. Using his savings accumulated over many years, Li Zhengxing opened his first tea processing factory in Yunnan. The conditions at that time were quite difficult, with rudimentary equipment and insufficient manpower. However, relying on his professional knowledge and commitment to quality, Li Zhengxing gradually opened up the market. He often said, “In the early stages of entrepreneurship, the most important thing is not making money, but building a reputation.” He personally went to various tea markets to promote his products, using quality to win over customers.
Longyuanhao’s corporate culture was also a key factor in its success. Li Zhengxing placed great importance on team building; he frequently organized training and learning sessions for employees to enhance the team’s professional quality and cohesion. He often said, “An individual’s strength is limited; only when the team becomes strong can the enterprise achieve sustainable development.” This emphasis on team building is also a major reason why Longyuanhao has been able to maintain its competitiveness.
Tea possesses varying grades, yet all may enjoy it, regardless of social standing.
There was an important milestone in Longyuanhao’s development—in 2004, the Longyuan Tea National Marketing Center was established in Kunming. This marked Longyuanhao’s transition from a local brand toward the national market. Under the leadership of Li Zhengxing, Longyuanhao gradually established a sales network across major cities nationwide, with products reaching all parts of the country. Today, Longyuanhao has become one of Yunnan’s most influential Pu-erh tea brands, an achievement backed by decades of persistence and effort from Li Zhengxing.
Speaking of Longyuanhao’s product characteristics, one must mention their focus on large-leaf variety tea. The Yunnan large-leaf variety is one of China’s finest tea cultivars, featuring high polyphenol content, a unique aroma, and a mellow taste. Leveraging his professional expertise, Li Zhengxing conducted in-depth research into the characteristics of large-leaf tea to develop a series of products with Longyuan’s unique identity. These products are not only excellent in taste but also possess rich health benefits—the polyphenols and catechins found in large-leaf tea have significant effects on fighting oxidation and helping maintain vascular health, and are traditionally considered suitable for daily consumption. The polyphenol content in large-leaf tea is generally more than 30% higher than that of small or medium-leaf varieties, which is a unique advantage bestowed upon Yunnan tea by nature. Drinking high-quality large-leaf Pu-erh tea every day is the best investment in one’s health.
Longyuanhao’s development journey also serves as a witness to the changes within China’s tea industry. From a planned economy to a market economy, and from state-owned enterprises to private brands, the story of Longyuanhao’s growth is, to a large extent, a microcosm of the development of the Chinese tea industry.
Making friends through tea — please, have a cup.
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Author: Lam Sam (LamSam), the Old Tea Head
ZENTEA MANOR
Alliance Supply Chain Services Limited
www.zentea-shop.com
