The Birthplace of Black Tea
Long before black tea became one of the world’s most popular beverages, it began in a small mountain village.
Surrounded by the protected forests of the UNESCO-listed Wuyi Mountains, Tongmu Village offers a unique environment of mist-covered peaks, mineral-rich soils, cool mountain air, and centuries of tea-making tradition. These natural conditions create teas with remarkable sweetness, complexity, and balance.
Today, authentic Zheng Shan Xiao Zhong continues to be handcrafted in Tongmu using techniques passed down through generations, preserving a legacy that spans more than four centuries.
Personally Sourced at Origin
In April 2025, we travelled to Tongmu Village to meet the tea makers behind some of China’s most celebrated black teas.
One of the highlights of our journey was visiting the descendants of the original family who developed Lapsang Souchong over 400 years ago. After tasting their teas and learning about their history, we selected a very limited quantity to bring back to Canada.
This tea is not part of a large commercial import. It represents a rare opportunity to experience authentic Tongmu Lapsang Souchong sourced directly from one of the families who have preserved this tradition for generations.
A Refined Expression of Zheng Shan Xiao Zhong
Outside China, Lapsang Souchong is often associated with intensely smoky flavours. While smoked styles certainly exist, the finest traditional Tongmu examples are appreciated for their elegance, sweetness, and complexity.
This tea offers a beautifully balanced cup where the natural character of the leaf takes centre stage.
Tasting Notes
Aroma
Wild honey
Pine forest
Warm cedar
Cocoa
Dried fruit
Flavour
Honeyed sweetness
Rich malt
Longan
Dark chocolate
Gentle pine
Warm spice
Mouthfeel
Silky
Full-bodied
Smooth
Long, sweet finish
Each infusion reveals new layers of flavour, rewarding careful brewing and slow appreciation.
Why This Tea Is So Special
Personally sourced in Tongmu Village during our 2026 tea expedition
From the descendants of the original family who created Lapsang Souchong over 400 years ago
Authentic Zheng Shan Xiao Zhong from its birthplace
Traditional handcrafted production
Limited quantity brought directly from China
An exceptional tea for collectors and lovers of historic Chinese teas
Brewing Recommendations
Gongfu Style (Recommended)
Tea: Entire 5g packet
Water: 100–120 ml
Temperature: 90–95°C
First infusion: 10–15 seconds
Increase steeping time gradually
Enjoy 8–10 infusions
Western Style
Water: 400–500 ml
Steep 3–4 minutes
Fresh, low-mineral water is recommended to fully appreciate the tea’s natural sweetness and layered character.
Product Details
Origin: Tongmu Village, Wuyi Mountains, Fujian Province, China
Tea Type: Black Tea (Hong Cha)
Traditional Name: Zheng Shan Xiao Zhong (Lapsang Souchong)
Harvest: Spring
Package Size: 5g
Price: $36
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this authentic Tongmu Lapsang Souchong?
Yes. This tea was personally sourced in Tongmu Village, the birthplace of Lapsang Souchong, directly from the descendants of the original family associated with its creation more than 400 years ago.
Is this a heavily smoked Lapsang Souchong?
This is a traditional Tongmu-style Zheng Shan Xiao Zhong. Rather than overwhelming smoke, it emphasizes natural sweetness, rich malt, dried fruit, gentle pine, and exceptional balance. Any smoky character is subtle and complements the tea rather than dominating it.
Why is this tea so expensive?
This tea represents an exceptionally rare opportunity to purchase directly from one of Tongmu’s historic tea-making families. Its limited production, direct provenance, traditional craftsmanship, and the small quantity we were able to bring back from our April 2025 visit make it unlike commercially available Lapsang Souchong.
How many cups does one 5g packet make?
One 5g packet is ideal for a complete gongfu tea session, producing approximately 8–10 infusions. When brewed western style, it makes a generous 400–500 ml pot of tea.
Does this tea contain any flavourings?
No. This is 100% pure black tea. Every note of honey, malt, cocoa, pine, and dried fruit is created naturally through traditional processing and the unique terroir of Tongmu Village.
Taste the Tea That Changed the World
For more than four centuries, Tongmu Village has been home to one of the most influential teas ever created. Personally sourced from the descendants of the founding family, this limited edition offering is more than a premium black tea—it’s a connection to the origins of black tea itself.
Whether you’re a collector, a lifelong tea enthusiast, or someone seeking an unforgettable tea experience, this Traditional Tongmu Lapsang Souchong offers an authentic taste of history that very few people outside China will ever have the opportunity to enjoy.
