Ancient tea trees growing in the forest are considered "treasures" in Nam Nghiep village, Ngoc Chien commune. Photo: Truong Son

Ngoc Chien commune has over 18,460 hectares of forest, bordering Tram Tau and Pung Luong communes in Lao Cai province. Located at an altitude of over 2,000 meters above sea level, around Ta Chi Nhu mountain in the Hoang Lien Son range, the climate here is always humid and cold, with fog covering the area, creating favorable conditions for the development of flora and fauna.

Among them, the most prominent are the ancient tea trees that have been preserved for generations by the people of Nam Nghep, Cham Pung, Pu Danh, Muong Chien, and Na Tau villages.

The tea leaves from ancient trees are harvested by the villagers for their own use. Photo: Truong Son

Deep within the forest, ancient tea trees with gnarled, moss-covered trunks stand tall, many reaching heights of 15-20 meters, too large for an adult to encircle. The tea buds are as thick as chopsticks, the leaves are thick and small, and the young shoots shimmer with a purplish-green hue.

Ancient tea trees are scattered across an area of ​​more than 1,000 hectares of forest, creating a "green treasure" amidst the vast mountains and forests of Son La.

According to Mr. Thào A Vạng, Party Secretary and Head of Nậm Nghẹp village, agricultural experts have conducted a preliminary survey and assessment of the Ngọc Chiến ancient tea cluster, identifying it as one of the dragon claw tea varieties (or dragon tail tea), which thrives at altitudes above 2000m above sea level, with winter air temperatures below 10°C and summer temperatures below 20°C. The tea buds are harvested once a year, around the beginning of spring..

“The village currently has 135 households, 100% of whom are Mong ethnic people. The people are always conscious of protecting the forests with ancient tea trees, because this is not only a source of income for the people but also a natural heritage that remains to this day,” Mr. Vang shared.

The tea buds from the ancient tea trees in Ngoc Chien are large and have a purplish-green color. Photo: Truong Son

Unlike the ancient Shan Tuyet tea trees in Ta Xua, Muong Lum, or Muong Do, the ancient tea trees in Ngoc Chien grow interspersed within the forest, making them difficult to distinguish. Forest dwellers only recognize them when they see the white tea flowers with yellow stamens falling to the ground. From March onwards, the trunks and branches are covered with young buds, signaling the tea harvesting season.

Locals say that tea harvested from these ancient trees has a slightly bitter taste at first, followed by a refreshing and sweet aftertaste.

The tea infusion has a slightly bitter taste at first, then a refreshing, sweet aftertaste. Photo: Truong Son

Currently, Ngoc Chien commune has conducted surveys to determine the number and age of tea plants. At the same time, they have demarcated areas with potential for harvesting and processing. The locality has also developed a plan for preserving genetic resources, combined with research into developing ecotourism along the Ngoc Chien – Mu Cang Chai – Tram Tau route (formerly Yen Bai province).

Authorities inspect and mark ancient tea trees in Nam Nghep village, Ngoc Chien commune, Son La province. Photo: Truong Son.

With its mystical ancient forest scenery, centuries-old tea trees covered in moss, rare purplish-green tea buds, and the preservation efforts of the Mong people, the ancient tea forest in Ngoc Chien is not only a natural resource but also a source of pride for the local people.