Within Wuyishan National Park, Fujian, lies Tongmu Guan—the birthplace of Lapsang Souchong, the world's first black tea. This core zone of the national reserve boasts pristine ecology: over 96% forest coverage, high biodiversity, and an average elevation above 1,000 meters. Here, mist-shrouded peaks, significant day-night temperature shifts, and short sunlight exposure create a unique terroir. The mineral-rich volcanic soil further enriches the tea's character.
Only tea from Tongmu Guan's high-altitude areas, made using traditional methods, qualifies as authentic “Lapsang Souchong.”
Among Tongmu's finest micro-terroirs, Guwang Keng stands out—a jewel among Lapsang Souchong origins. Tucked deep within the mountains, this small valley features a distinct microclimate, nestled between hills with a stream running through.
What makes Guwang Keng special?
Pristine Ecosystem: Remote and untouched, this area preserves pristine nature. Bamboo forests, ancient pines, and diverse mosses create an ideal environment for tea trees growing under diffused light, absorbing scents from surrounding flora.
Native Tea Varieties: Guwang Keng's tea bushes are mostly “Caicha”—local, seed-propagated cultivars. Diverse in form and rich in aroma, they form the foundation of traditional Lapsang Souchong and its distinctive “mountain essence.”
Authentic Lapsang Souchong is prized for its “high mountain resonance” and dried longan aroma—natural traits shaped by its environment and traditional pine-smoking process. Guwang Keng's extreme conditions intensify this profile. The tea delivers a profound, fresh sweetness unmatched by lower-elevation counterparts.
Aroma: Beyond classic pine smoke and dried longan, expect rich floral and fruity notes with herbal undertones.
Taste: The liquor is smooth, robust, and sweetly vibrant—lingering with a refreshing aftertaste that evokes the mountain wilderness.
Texture: Bright amber in color, the tea feels substantial and structured in the mouth.
While Tongmu Guan's output is limited, Guwang Keng's yield is even rarer. This scarcity makes it a sought-after treasure among connoisseurs.
In essence, Guwang Keng represents the pinnacle of Lapsang Souchong—a micro-terroir where pure nature culminates in a cup. To taste Guwang Keng tea is to taste the soul of this misty, forested, stream-fed land.