Cloud tea is like life; life is learning, wisdom is cultivation.
When I first heard about Longyuanhao’s Large-Leaf Variety Famous Mountain Famous Tea Science Education Park, I was deeply moved. It is rare in the tea industry to see a tea enterprise willing to devote so many resources to tea science education. Later, after gaining a deeper understanding of Longyuanhao’s founder, Li Zhengxing, I realized that behind this science park lies the decades-long persistence of a tea maker with a professional background in tea science.
Li Zhengxing graduated from the tea science program at Yunnan Agricultural University in 1978 and has been engaged in tea work ever since. From agricultural development to local administration, and from technician to entrepreneur, every step of his journey has been closely linked to tea. In 2004, the Longyuan Tea National Marketing Center was established in Kunming, marking Longyuanhao’s transition from a regional brand to a national one. Throughout this process, Li Zhengxing has always adhered to one principle: using the advantages of the large-leaf variety to produce the best Pu-erh tea.
The large-leaf variety is a unique advantage of Yunnan tea. Compared to the small-leaf variety, the large-leaf variety has higher polyphenol content, richer amino acids, and moderate caffeine levels. This combination of substances gives large-leaf Pu-erh tea greater potential for aging and higher health benefits. I have tasted Longyuanhao’s ancient tree pure raw Pu-erh; the sense of fullness and complexity upon entering the mouth is incomparable to that of the small-leaf variety. The sweet aftertaste returns quickly, and the throat resonance is profound, leaving one feeling completely refreshed after drinking.
From a health perspective, large-leaf Pu-erh tea is rich in polyphenols and catechins. These substances possess antioxidant properties, help maintain physical vitality, and promote metabolism. Drinking a pot of large-leaf raw Pu-erh every day provides real benefits for bodily maintenance. Especially with aged raw Pu-erh stored for over five years, the tea’s nature becomes mild, the stimulation to the stomach is reduced, making it even more suitable for daily consumption. I brew a pot of Longyuanhao’s aged raw Pu-erh every afternoon; having done this for several years, I feel my physical condition has improved significantly.
Tea has different grades, but people of all statuses may enjoy it. This is exactly what Longyuanhao’s science park aims to do—to popularize knowledge about high-quality large-leaf tea to everyone, regardless of status. This philosophy is identical to my original intention in making tea. I often say: tea belongs to everyone, not just a few. The science park features tea tree specimens, tea-making process demonstrations, and tasting areas, where anyone can come and learn.
Longyuanhao has been awarded the title of “World Record Certified Large-Leaf Variety Famous Mountain Famous Tea Science Education Park.” This is more than just an honor; it is a powerful promotion of Yunnan’s large-leaf variety tea. Through the science park, more people can witness the growing environment of large-leaf tea trees with their own eyes, personally experience the tea-making process, and taste teas from different tea mountains. This type of immersive experience is more effective than any advertisement.
Li Zhengxing’s tea-making philosophy can be summarized in four words: seeking truth from facts. He does not pursue fancy packaging or exaggerated promotion but focuses instead on the quality of the tea itself. This attitude is rare in today’s tea industry. Every cake of Longyuanhao tea is made with authentic ingredients and solid craftsmanship. He frequently visits the tea mountains personally to select materials, strictly controlling the quality of every batch of tea.
I have collected several cakes of Longyuanhao’s ancient tree tea, opening one each year to observe its changes. As time passes, the tea liquor transforms from golden yellow to orange-red, and the mouthfeel shifts from refreshing to mellow. This transformation is the greatest charm of large-leaf Pu-erh tea—it grows along with your age. Li Zhengxing’s tea philosophy of nourishing health through tea and making friends through tea aligns perfectly with my own thoughts.
Making friends through tea — please, have a cup.
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Author: Lam Sam (LamSam), the Old Tea Head
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