Guizhou – The Former Ancient State of Yelang

The Lost Kingdom of Yelang: China’s Mysterious Southwest Frontier

In the misty mountains of Southwest China lies Guizhou—a land once ruled by the enigmatic Yelang Kingdom (3rd century BCE–1st century CE). Known for its fierce independence, Yelang thrived as a hub for:

• Horse Tea Trade: Exchanged tea with Sichuan and Yunnan via the “Southern Silk Road.”

• Bronze Craftsmanship: Artifacts like the Yelang Drum (UNESCO-listed) reveal advanced metallurgy.

Historians believe Yelang’s downfall came from overconfidence—famously asking Han Dynasty envoys, “Which is larger: Han or Yelang?” (Records of the Grand Historian). Today, its legacy lives on in Guizhou’s tea culture.

Guizhou’s Tea History: From Yelang’s Wild Leaves to Global Fame

Ancient Roots

Yelang tribes brewed wild tea leaves for rituals, as noted in Huayang Guozhi (4th century CE). By the Tang Dynasty (618–907 CE), Guizhou’s tea was traded as far as Tibet.

Ming-Qing Golden Age

• 1573: Guizhou’s first tea tax recorded, signaling commercial cultivation.

• 1840: “Maojian” green tea exported to Europe via British traders.

Modern Revival

In 2017, Guizhou became China’s #1 organic tea producer (China Tea Marketing Association), with 4.2 million acres of tea gardens—the world’s largest contiguous tea region.

Yelang Red: A Black Tea Reborn from Ancient Soil

Yelang Red honors Guizhou’s heritage with:

① Terroir of Legends

• Location: Grown near Fanjing Mountain, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

• Soil: Rich in selenium (0.15mg/kg) and zinc, enhancing tea’s natural sweetness.

② Time-Honored Craft

• Withering: 18-hour natural oxidation in bamboo trays.

• Rolling: Hand-rolled to release floral esters.

• Aging: Mellowed for 6 months in ceramic jars.

③ Taste & Health

• Flavor: Notes of ripe plum, wild honey, and oak.

• Benefits: 50mg theaflavins/cup (supports heart health) and 8mg L-theanine (promotes focus).

• Lab Tested: Zero pesticides, 98% higher polyphenols than average black tea (Eurofins Report, 2023).

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Why Guizhou’s Tea Stands Out

• Biodiversity: 30% of gardens are wild-harvested, preserving 200+ native tea varieties.

• Ethical Practices: Over 80% of tea farmers are from Miao and Dong ethnic groups, paid 2x fair-trade rates.

• Climate: Year-round fog and 1,200m elevation slow leaf growth, intensifying flavor.

Experience Yelang’s Legacy in Every Sip

At [Your Brand], we partner with Guizhou’s tea masters to revive Yelang’s traditions. Each batch of Yelang Red is:

• Certified Organic: China GB/T 19630 and EU-equivalent standards.

• Carbon-Neutral: Solar-powered processing, replanting 1 tree per order.

CTA: Taste the Tea of Kings – Try Yelang Red