Nestled at an altitude of over 2,000 meters above sea level, Ngoc Chien commune in Son La province is nestled within the majestic Hoang Lien Son mountain range. It is not only famous for its hot springs, magnificent terraced rice fields, and unique culture of ethnic minorities, but also for preserving an invaluable natural treasure: centuries-old tea trees. These tea plantations, growing interspersed within the old-growth forests, covered in green moss and reaching heights of 15-20 meters, are considered by scientists to be a rare genetic resource, contributing to establishing the reputation of Northwest Vietnamese tea on the world map.

The ancient tea trees growing in the forest are considered "treasures" in Nam Nghep village, Ngoc Chien commune.

"Treasures" in the heart of the forest

The ancient tea trees in Ngoc Chien commune are distributed across an area of ​​over 1,000 hectares of forest, concentrated mainly in the villages of Nam Nghep, Cham Pung, Pu Danh, Muong Chien, and Na Tau. The climate here is cool year-round, with winter temperatures dropping below 10°C and summer temperatures not exceeding 20°C. The area is covered in mist and has high humidity, creating ideal conditions for the tea to grow naturally. According to surveys, most of the tea belongs to the dragon's claw tea variety (also known as dragon's tail tea), a special variety that only thrives at altitudes above 2,000m.

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

What makes the ancient tea in Ngoc Chien commune unique lies in its biological characteristics: the tea buds are as large as chopsticks, the leaves are thick and small, and the young shoots have a rare purplish-green color. When brewed, the tea has a golden yellow color, a slightly bitter taste on the tip of the tongue, which quickly turns into a sweet and refreshing aftertaste. Local people often call this "the taste of the mountains and forests," a flavor unlike any other tea, even compared to the famous Shan Tuyet tea from Ta Xua or Muong Do.

Cultural values ​​and livelihoods of the community

Ngoc Chien commune has over 10,000 residents, mainly ethnic Thai, Mong, and La Ha people. For the people, the ancient tea trees are not only crops that bring income but also cultural heritage, closely linked to their spiritual lives. Mr. Thao A Vang – Secretary of the Party branch of Nam Nghep village – shared: “The people are always conscious of protecting the ancient tea forests, because this is not only a means of livelihood but also an asset left by our ancestors.” In fact, the entire Nam Nghep village has 135 households, 100% of whom are Mong people, and each family considers caring for and preserving the ancient tea trees as part of their community responsibility.

Tea harvesting is also deeply rooted in seasonality and tradition. Unlike other tea-growing regions where harvesting can be done year-round, the ancient tea of ​​Ngoc Chien is only harvested once at the beginning of spring. After a long, cold winter, when the first tender buds emerge from the moss-covered old branches, people go into the forest to harvest tea in a festive atmosphere. The tea buds are processed manually, roasted over a wood fire, preserving the pristine flavor of the mountains and forests. The finished tea is not only used for family consumption and entertaining honored guests, but is also sold to traders and tourists, providing a stable source of income.

Economic and ecotourism potential

Ngoc Chien's ancient tea trees are currently valued for their unique flavor and entirely natural production process. This is an advantage for building a brand of specialty tea from the highlands, similar to how Ha Giang's Shan Tuyet tea has gradually conquered the international market. In fact, the commune government has conducted surveys, marked the number and age of the tea trees, and developed a plan to preserve the genetic resources and develop a production model linked to OCOP certification and organic farming.

Beyond just production, the tourism potential of ancient tea trees is also immense. Visitors to Ngoc Chien can experience trekking through the old-growth forest, admire giant moss-covered tea trees, participate in tea picking with the Mong people, and enjoy a hot cup of tea amidst the misty mountains. When combined with famous destinations such as the hot springs of Ban Luot, the terraced rice fields during harvest season, or conquering Ta Chi Nhu peak – "Vietnam's second cloud paradise" – Ngoc Chien commune has the potential to become an attractive community tourism destination.

Challenges in conservation and development

Despite its immense value, the ancient tea forest in Ngoc Chien commune faces numerous challenges. Firstly, there is the risk of over-exploitation due to rising market demand. If left uncontrolled, indiscriminate harvesting will negatively impact the long-term vitality of the trees. Secondly, climate change, with its fluctuating temperatures and rainfall, could affect the tea's natural growing environment. Furthermore, the lack of a systematic processing and commercialization process means the economic value of the tea has not yet reached its full potential.

To address this, coordination between local authorities, scientific agencies, and the community is needed. Initially, establishing a collective trademark for "Ngoc Chien Ancient Tea" linked to geographical indication will create a legal basis for protecting the product. In addition, training local people in processing techniques, organic standards, and community tourism skills will help increase economic value and encourage them to commit to the tea forest in the long term.

The pride of Son La's mountains and forests.

Ngoc Chien commune not only boasts majestic natural landscapes but also possesses a unique heritage from its centuries-old tea trees. This is a vivid testament to the harmonious blend of nature and human culture. In the context of green economic development and sustainable tourism, the Ngoc Chien tea forest is a "green treasure" that both brings economic benefits and contributes to preserving the cultural identity of the Northwest region.

Each cup of tea from the ancient tea trees here is not simply a beverage, but also contains a story about the enduring nature of the mountains and forests, the strong bonds of the community, and the aspirations of this highland region. Protecting and developing the ancient tea forests in Ngoc Chien commune is about preserving the pride of Son La province and affirming the value of Vietnamese specialties on the world map.