Yongde (永德) Tea Region

Yongde (永德) County, located in the western part of Lincang (临沧) City, is another significant Pu-erh tea producing area. It is characterized by its vast tea gardens, diverse tea tree resources, and a climate highly suitable for tea cultivation. Yongde teas are often recognized for their robust flavor and strong tea qi, offering a distinct profile within the Lincang region.

Geographical Features and Terroir

Yongde County features a varied topography with mountains and valleys, providing diverse microclimates for tea growth. The region benefits from ample rainfall and fertile soil, contributing to the vigorous growth of large-leaf varietals. While perhaps not as widely known as Mengku, Yongde has a long history of tea cultivation and is home to many ancient tea trees.

Prominent Villages and Their Taste Profiles

Within Yongde, several areas are known for their quality Pu-erh tea:

Mingfengshan (鸣凤山)

Mingfengshan is a notable mountain in Yongde, recognized for its unique tea characteristics.

• Location: Mingfengshan is located in Yongde County.
• Taste Profile:
  • Clear and Smooth: Mingfengshan teas are often described as having a clear and smooth taste.
  • Strong Tea Qi: Despite their smoothness, they possess a powerful tea qi, offering a harmonious blend of gentleness and strength.
  • High Aroma: The aroma is fresh and rich, with a strong and lasting cup fragrance.
  • Sweetness and Huigan: They offer a pleasant sweetness and a good huigan, making them enjoyable for many infusions.

Mangfei (忙肺)

Mangfei is another important tea producing area in Yongde, known for its distinctive character.

• Location: Mangfei is located in Yongde County.
• Taste Profile: Mangfei teas are often characterized by their strong and bold flavor, with a noticeable bitterness that quickly transforms into a sweet and refreshing huigan. They tend to have a thick and full-bodied liquor with a lasting aftertaste.

Overall Yongde Tea Characteristics

In general, Yongde Pu-erh teas are known for:

• Robust Flavor: They often have a strong and full-bodied taste, which can include a more pronounced bitterness than some other Lincang teas, but this is typically balanced by a strong sweetness.
• Strong Tea Qi (茶气): Yongde teas are recognized for their invigorating tea qi, providing a substantial and lasting sensation.
• Good Huigan (回甘) and Shengjin (生津): The returning sweetness and saliva production are generally strong and sustained.
• Aromatic Profile: While varying by specific village, Yongde teas often have a pleasant aroma, sometimes with notes of wildflowers or honey.
• Affordability: Compared to the highly sought-after teas from Bingdao or Xigui, Yongde teas often offer excellent value for their quality, making them a popular choice for daily drinking.

2025 Raw Leaf Price

Specific 2025 raw leaf prices for Yongde are less frequently highlighted in initial reports compared to the more famous Mengku villages. However, based on general market trends and the relative positioning of Yongde teas, quality ancient tree material would likely range from a few hundred to over a thousand CNY/kg, offering a more accessible price point than premium Mengku teas. For example, some 1688.com listings for Lincang raw material, which could include Yongde, show prices starting from 30 CNY/kg for early spring sun-dried green tea, indicating a wide range depending on quality and specific origin.