2025 Lincang (临沧) Raw Pu-erh Leaf Prices

This document compiles information on the projected and actual raw leaf prices for Pu-erh tea from the Lincang (临沧) region in 2025, based on Chinese online sources, including tea news sites and forums. It’s important to note that these prices are for raw mao cha (晒青毛茶 - sun-dried green tea), which is the unprocessed tea leaf before it’s pressed into cakes or bricks. Prices can vary significantly based on the specific mountain, village, age of the tea tree (ancient tree - 古树, big tree - 大树), and overall market demand.

General Trends and Overview

Several sources indicate that while some famous mountain areas like Yiwu (易武) and Yibang (倚邦) in other regions might maintain strong prices, many areas within the Lincang and Menghai (勐海) tea regions have seen a slight decrease or stabilization in prices compared to previous years. However, the demand for highly sought-after teas from renowned villages like Bingdao (冰岛) remains strong, with prices reflecting their premium status.

Price Analysis by Sub-Region/Village

Mengku (勐库) Tea Region

• Bingdao Old Village (冰岛老寨): As the most famous and premium area in Lincang, Bingdao Old Village continues to command the highest prices. Initial reports for 2025 spring tea indicate prices around 48,000 CNY/kg (爱普茶网 - ipucha.com, 网易 - 163.com). Some reports also show a range of 48,000 - 95,000 CNY/kg for top-tier Bingdao ancient tree tea (爱普茶网).

• Other Bingdao Villages (冰岛五寨 - Five Villages of Bingdao): Prices for other villages within the Bingdao area (e.g., Nuowu 糯伍, Dijie 地界, Baikai 坝卡, Bingdao Laozhai 冰岛老寨) are generally lower than the Old Village but still significant. Specific prices for 2025 are still emerging, but they typically range from a few thousand to tens of thousands CNY/kg depending on the specific village and tree age.

• Xigui (昔归): Located in Bangdong (邦东) but often discussed alongside Mengku’s premium teas due to its reputation, Xigui ancient tree raw leaf prices for 2025 are reported to be in the range of 7,000 - 11,000 CNY/kg (C财经 - caijing.chinadaily.com.cn).

• Xiaohusai (小户赛): This village in Mengku is gaining popularity for its unique taste and has seen a gradual increase in prices. While specific 2025 prices for raw leaf are not yet widely published, it’s noted that its prices are rising (hezegd.com).

Bangdong (邦东) Tea Region

• General Bangdong Area: Prices for raw leaf from the broader Bangdong area are generally more accessible than premium Mengku teas. Some sources indicate that for 2025, prices for good quality ancient tree tea from Bangdong can range from a few hundred to a few thousand CNY/kg, depending on the specific mountain and tree age. For example, a Taobao listing shows 2025 spring pure material big tree raw tea from Bangdong at 150.10 CNY/500g (300.2 CNY/kg).

Yongde (永德) Tea Region

• General Yongde Area: Yongde teas are often considered to be more budget-friendly while still offering good quality. Prices for 2025 raw leaf are expected to be relatively stable, with ancient tree material fetching higher prices. Specific figures for 2025 raw leaf are less prevalent in initial searches, but based on historical trends, they would likely be in the range of a few hundred to a thousand CNY/kg for quality ancient tree material.

Fengqing (凤庆) Tea Region

• General Fengqing Area: While Fengqing is more famous for black tea, its Pu-erh raw leaf is also available. Prices for 2025 spring raw leaf are generally lower than other Lincang regions, making them a good option for daily drinking. A JD.com listing shows 2025 Fengqing new tea (likely processed) at various price points, but raw leaf prices would be lower.

Factors Influencing Price

Several factors contribute to the price of raw Pu-erh leaf:

• Origin (山头 - Mountain/Village): The reputation and scarcity of tea from specific mountains and villages (e.g., Bingdao, Xigui) significantly impact prices.
• Tree Age (树龄): Ancient tea trees (古树) yield tea with more complex flavors and higher prices than big trees (大树) or smaller tea bushes.
• Harvest Season (采摘季节): Spring tea (春茶) is generally considered the best quality and fetches the highest prices, followed by autumn tea (秋茶) and summer tea (夏茶).
• Market Demand and Speculation: Pu-erh tea, especially from famous mountains, is subject to market demand and speculative buying, which can drive prices up.
• Processing Quality: While this document focuses on raw leaf, the initial processing into mao cha also plays a role in its value.

Disclaimer

The prices mentioned are based on preliminary reports and online discussions for 2025. Actual prices can fluctuate based on harvest conditions, market dynamics, and individual seller pricing strategies. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it is recommended to consult with reputable tea merchants and local tea farmers in Lincang.