Imperial Lichuan Gongfu (Lichuan Hong) | High-Selenium Black Tea

Regular price $3.00
Select: 15g (sample)

Estimate delivery times: 7-15 days to USA, Europe and Australia.

Return within 30 days of purchase. Duties & taxes are non-refundable.

Imperial Lichuan Gongfu (Lichuan Hong) | High-Selenium Black Tea
Imperial Lichuan Gongfu (Lichuan Hong) | High-Selenium Black Tea
Regular price $3.00

The Hidden Jewel of Enshi: A Diplomatic Legacy Discover one of China’s most prestigious yet "undiscovered" treasures: JiangnanSourcing Lichuan Gongfu (also known as Lichuan Hong). Hailing from the high mountains of the Enshi Prefecture in Hubei, this exceptionally fragrant black tea gained international fame in 2018 when it was personally selected for the historic summit between the leaders of China and India. 

A Symphony of Honey and Earth Lichuan Hong is celebrated for its robust yet refined profile, making it a versatile companion for both hearty meals and delicate desserts.

  • The Profile: Dominant, comforting notes of wild honey and caramelized brown sugar.

  • The Sensation: A remarkably sweet and smooth mouthfeel with a vibrant red-golden liquor.

  • The "Hidden" Benefit: Like its famous cousin, Enshi Yulu Green Tea, this black tea is grown in selenium-rich soil, making it a natural source of this essential antioxidant.

Explore the rich, malty depth of Hubei's finest at www.jiangnansourcing.com.

2,800 Years of Heritage

Tea cultivation in Lichuan isn't just a trade; it's an ancient lineage dating back to the Western Zhou Dynasty. While the region has produced tea for nearly three millennia, the Lichuan Hong we celebrate today was perfected in the mid-19th century.

The terroir is defined by high-altitude peaks and dense, prehistoric forests, a secluded environment that allows the tea trees to thrive in nutrient-dense, mist-heavy conditions. This unique "micro-terroir" is what provides Lichuan Gongfu its enduring fragrance and high selenium content, distinguishing it from mass-produced black teas.

 

The Art of the Maker: Processing & Appearance

Our Lichuan Hong is a "Spring-First" harvest, ensuring the highest concentration of natural sugars and aromatics. The maker employs a rigorous traditional process:

  1. Hand-Harvesting: Only the most pristine spring leaves are selected.

  2. Traditional Oxidation: A precision-controlled fermentation that coaxes out the signature honey notes.

  3. Refining: The leaves are rolled into a thin, tight, and flat shape, interspersed with visible golden budsThe result is a tea of incredible uniformity and aesthetic beauty that stands as a testament to Hubei’s artisanal craftsmanship.

 

It takes about 7-15 days to USA, Europe and Australia. To other countries, please refer to the actual logistics time or consult customer service.

  • Free shipping worldwide
  • Each product is packaged delicately and durably, so that your baby arrives safely.
  • If you receive a product with any logistic damage, we will resend it unconditionally and free of charge.

The Heritage of Lichuan Hong

The story of Lichuan Gongfu begins in the Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, an area with a tea cultivation history spanning over 2,800 years, dating back to the Western Zhou Dynasty.

While the region has always been a tea stronghold, the specific "Gongfu" (highly skilled) black tea processing style emerged in the mid-19th century. The tea is grown in a unique "micro-terroir" characterized by high-altitude mountains, dense fog, and—most importantly—selenium-rich soil. This environmental factor is what gives the tea its reputation as a "health-focused" brew, as the leaves naturally absorb high levels of this essential antioxidant.

The Maker & Craftsmanship

At JiangnanSourcing, we work with artisanal makers in Lichuan who continue to use the "Spring-First" harvest method. This ensures that the leaves are at their peak nutrient density and natural sugar content.

The maker’s process is a labor-intensive "Gongfu" style:

  • Withering & Rolling: The leaves are spread on bamboo mats to lose moisture and then rolled gently to break the cell walls, ensuring the essential oils are ready for oxidation.
  • Precision Fermentation: Unlike mass-produced black teas, the maker monitors the oxidation process by scent and color, stopping at the exact moment the honey and brown sugar aromatics are most potent.
  • Shaping: The finished leaves are hand-refined into a thin, tight, and flat shape, a visual hallmark of high-quality Lichuan Hong.

By sourcing directly from these traditional workshops, JiangnanSourcing ensures the preservation of a tea that was once a regional secret but is now celebrated on the global diplomatic stage.

Returns will be accepted for up to 30 days of Customer’s receipt or tracking number on unworn items. You, as a Customer, are obliged to inform us via email before you return the item, only in the case of:

– Received the wrong item.
– Item arrived not as expected (ie. damaged packaging).
– Item had defects.
– Over delivery time.
– The shipper does not allow the goods to be inspected before payment.

The returned product(s) must be in the original packaging, safety wrapped, undamaged and unworn. This means that the item(s) must be safely packed in a carton box for protection during transport, possibly the same carton used to ship to you as a customer.

Authentic Origin

Crafted from rare ore-mined Yixing clay with preserved natural minerals.

Handcrafted Excellence

Handmade by skilled artisans, making every piece unique.

For Daily Use & Collecting

Built for longevity, accompanying every tea ritual over time.

Crafted with
the Spirit of Jiangnan

At Jiangnan Sourcing, we bring this timeless spirit to the world. Each teapot, porcelain cup, and leaf of tea we offer is hand-sourced from the artisans and tea gardens of Jiangnan — a region celebrated for its refinement and heart.

You May Also Like