Handmade Da Xue Shan Bianzi Cha - Braided Sheng Puer Tea (Smoked)

Handmade Da Xue Shan Bianzi Cha, Snowy Mountain Braided Raw Puer (Charcoal Smoked) Some teas are as interesting to look at as they are to drink. Da Xue Shan Bianzi Cha is one of those rare examples, a hand-braided Sheng (raw) Puer that combines traditional craftsmanship with the character of high-mountain Yunnan tea. We just love the fact that this tea is hand-made, the quality and craftsmanship in each braid is evidence of the tea farmers' years of experience and respect for tradition. Smoked to perfection over Charcoal, using age-old techniques. The tea liquor is reasonably pale, with a good finish. The smoky flavour does shine through, but it's not too overpowering. The name Bianzi Cha literally means “braided tea.” Instead of being pressed into cakes or bricks, the leaves are carefully twisted and woven by hand into long strands. This unusual style has its roots in traditional tea-making practices, where shaping tea in different forms made it easier to store, transport, or age. The result is a traditional tea that feels both rustic and distinctive, while still offering the lively character typical of young raw Puer. Tea from Big Snow Mountain This tea comes from Da Xue Shan (大雪山), meaning “Big Snow Mountain,” in the Lincang region of Yunnan Province. The area is known for its high-altitude tea gardens, misty forests, and ancient tea trees. Cool temperatures and mineral-rich soil create ideal conditions for growing Yunnan large-leaf tea, the variety traditionally used to make Puer. Teas from Da Xue Shan are often appreciated for their clarity, strong aroma, and lingering sweetness. If you want to know more about the Yunnan Province tea region, see our article: Yunnan Province, China A Different Kind of Puer Most Puer tea is compressed into cakes, bricks, or small nests, but Bianzi Cha is shaped quite differently. After processing, the long tea leaves are twisted and braided by hand, forming a rope-like strand. This method keeps the leaves mostly intact while still giving the tea a distinctive shape. Because the leaves are less tightly compressed than in cakes, they tend to open more quickly during brewing, revealing their flavour earlier in the session. Flavour & Aroma Young Da Xue Shan Sheng Puer has a bright and lively character. Expect notes of: Wildflowers and fresh herbs Honey and light sweetness Soft fruit tones A clean, lingering finish The liquor brews golden to light amber, with a fresh and energetic profile that evolves across multiple infusions. How to Brew Gongfu style 5–7g tea 100–120ml water 90–95°C Quick rinse (optional) Steep 10–20 seconds, increasing gradually Re-infuse many times Simple brewing 3–4g tea 250ml water 90–95°C Brew 2–3 minutes Why We Love It Braided Puer is not something you see every day. The shape reflects a more traditional, hands-on way of working with tea, where the craft is just as important as the flavour. This Da Xue Shan Bianzi Cha offers both: the bright mountain character of raw Puer and the charm of a tea made by hand.