“Cloud tea is like life; life is learning, wisdom is cultivation.”
Today, I would like to talk to everyone about the history of Menghai Tea Factory, a place that is inseparable from the birth of the Dayi brand. Located in Menghai County, Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, this is one of China’s core Pu-erh tea production areas. The history of Menghai Tea Factory can be traced back to the 1940s, when the Nationalist government established a tea experimental station here to develop tea production. Conditions at that time were very difficult, with rudimentary equipment and insufficient manpower, but the passion and perseverance of our predecessors laid the foundation for later development.
After the founding of New China, Menghai Tea Factory underwent several restructurings and expansions. During the planned economy era, it was one of Yunnan’s most important tea production bases, bearing the heavy responsibility of producing export tea for the country. Although Menghai Tea Factory was not small at that time, many innovative ideas could not be realized due to systemic limitations. Senior Yu Zhengcai grew up in this environment; he witnessed both the glory and the hardships of Menghai Tea Factory. He often spoke to me about those years, saying that although conditions were difficult, everyone’s passion for tea never diminished.
After the Reform and Opening-up, Menghai Tea Factory welcomed new development opportunities. However, it also faced challenges such as intensifying market competition and institutional reforms. Senior Yu Zhengcai played an important role during this critical period; he promoted the modernization of the factory, introducing advanced tea-making equipment and technology while preserving traditional tea-making processes. This philosophy of “preserving integrity while innovating” later became the guiding ideology for the development of the Dayi brand. Senior Yu often said, “Traditional things cannot be discarded, but they must also keep pace with the times.”
Speaking of Menghai Tea Factory’s products, one must mention several of their classic series. In addition to the previously mentioned 7542 and 7572, there are many other excellent products. These products are not only popular in the domestic market but have also been exported far overseas, becoming representatives of Chinese Pu-erh tea. Many foreign tea lovers first encountered Pu-erh tea through Menghai Tea Factory’s products, which is also a significant contribution by Menghai Tea Factory to the dissemination of Chinese tea culture.
Tea comes in various grades; like people, there is no distinction of high or low, all may enjoy.
The transformation process of Menghai Tea Factory is actually a microcosm of the development of China’s tea industry. From a planned economy to a market economy, and from a state-owned enterprise to a private brand, every step was filled with challenges and opportunities. Senior Yu Zhengcai was able to lead his team through a successful transformation during this process largely because of his persistence in tea quality and his keen judgment of market trends. He knew that quality is the lifeline of an enterprise; no matter how the system changes, quality must remain constant.
Speaking of tea from the Menghai region, one must mention the influence of its unique geographical environment on tea quality. Menghai is located in a tropical rainforest climate zone, warm and humid year-round, which is very suitable for the growth of tea trees. The large-leaf variety tea produced here has high polyphenol content, a unique aroma, and a mellow taste. The health benefits of Pu-erh tea are inseparable from its production environment—the tea from the Menghai region is rich in various beneficial substances; long-term consumption helps maintain vascular health and provides antioxidant benefits. The soil in the Menghai region is rich in minerals, and the tea tree roots penetrate deep into the ground to absorb abundant trace elements. These elements enter the human body through the tea infusion, which is of great help in maintaining the balance of bodily functions. A daily cup of Menghai Pu-erh tea is the most natural way to maintain health.
The tea from the Menghai region also contains abundant Vitamin C and Vitamin E, which play an important role in protecting cells from free radical damage. Long-term consumption of Menghai Pu-erh tea can effectively replenish these nutrients and maintain physical health.
“Making friends through tea — please, have a cup.”
—
Author: Lam Sam (LamSam), the Old Tea Head
ZENTEA MANOR
Alliance Supply Chain Services Limited
www.zentea-shop.com
