At an altitude of more than 2,000m above sea level, Ngoc Chien commune, Son La province, is hidden in the majestic Hoang Lien Son range. This place is not only famous for its hot mineral springs, majestic terraced fields and unique culture of ethnic minorities, but also preserves a priceless natural treasure: hundred-year-old tea trees. The tea populations grow in the old forest, covered with green moss, towering from 15 to 20m high, and are evaluated by scientists as a rare genetic source, contributing to affirming the Northwest tea brand on the world map.

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

"Treasure" in the middle of the jungle

The ancient tea trees in Ngoc Chien commune are distributed over an area of ​​more than 1,000 hectares of forest, concentrated in the villages of Nam Nghep, Cham Pung, Pu Danh, Muong Chien and Na Tau. The climate here is cool all year round, with winter temperatures below 10°C and summer temperatures not exceeding 20°C. Clouds and fog cover the area, and high humidity are ideal conditions for tea to grow naturally. According to a survey, most of the tea belongs to the dragon claw tea variety (also known as dragon tail tea), a special tea variety that can only grow sustainably at an altitude of over 2,000m.

The ancient tea buds in Ngoc Chien are big and purple green.

The difference that makes the ancient tea trees in Ngoc Chien commune unique lies in their biological characteristics: tea buds as big as chopsticks, thick, small leaves, and young shoots with a rare purple-green color. When boiled, the tea water has a shimmering golden color, a slightly bitter taste on the tip of the tongue, then quickly turns sweet and refreshing. Local people often call this "the taste of the mountains and forests", a flavor that is difficult to mix with any other type of tea, even compared to the famous Shan Tuyet tea in Ta Xua or Muong Do.

Cultural values ​​and community livelihoods

Ngoc Chien commune has more than 10,000 residents, mainly Thai, Mong and La Ha ethnic groups. For the people, ancient tea trees are not only crops that bring income but also cultural heritage, closely associated with spiritual life. Mr. Thao A Vang - Secretary of Nam Nghep village Party cell - shared: "People are always aware of protecting ancient tea forests, because this is not only a livelihood but also a legacy left by their ancestors". In fact, the entire Nam Nghep village has 135 households, 100% of whom are Mong, and each family considers caring for and preserving ancient tea trees as part of their community responsibility.

Tea picking is also a seasonal and customary practice. Unlike other tea regions that can be harvested year-round, Ngoc Chien ancient tea is only picked once in early spring. After a long, cold winter, when the first buds emerge from moss-covered old branches, people go to the forest to pick tea in a festive atmosphere. Tea buds are processed by hand, roasted on a wood stove, preserving the original flavor of the mountains and forests. The finished tea is not only used for family consumption and to entertain distinguished guests, but is also sold to traders and tourists, bringing in a stable source of income.

Economic potential and ecotourism

Ngoc Chien ancient tea is currently considered to have high economic value thanks to its unique flavor and completely natural process. This is an advantage for building a brand of highland specialty tea, similar to the way Ha Giang Shan Tuyet tea has gradually conquered the international market. In fact, the commune government has conducted surveys, marked the quantity and age of tea trees, and at the same time built a plan to preserve genetic resources, develop a production model associated with OCOP certification and organic agriculture.

Not only stopping at production, the tourism potential from ancient tea trees is also very large. Visitors to Ngoc Chien can experience trekking in the old forest, admire giant moss-covered tea trees, join the Mong people in picking tea, and enjoy a cup of hot tea amidst the clouds and mountains. When combined with famous destinations such as the hot mineral springs of Ban Luot, terraced fields in the ripe rice season, or conquering the peak of Ta Chi Nhu - "the second cloud paradise in Vietnam", Ngoc Chien commune can completely become an attractive community tourism destination.

Challenges in conservation and development

Despite its great value, the ancient tea forest in Ngoc Chien commune still faces many challenges. First is the risk of over-exploitation when market demand increases. If not controlled, massive tea picking will affect the long-term vitality of the trees. Second is climate change, with changes in temperature and rainfall, which can impact the natural growing environment of tea. In addition, the lack of proper processing and commercialization also makes the economic value of tea not commensurate with its potential.

To solve this problem, coordination between local authorities, scientific agencies and the community is needed. In the immediate future, the establishment of a collective brand “Ngoc Chien Ancient Tea” associated with geographical indications will create a legal basis to protect the product. In addition, training people in processing techniques, organic standards and community tourism skills will help increase economic value and encourage them to stay with the tea forest for a long time.

The pride of Son La mountains and forests

Ngoc Chien Commune not only possesses majestic natural landscapes but also has a special heritage from hundred-year-old tea trees. It is a vivid proof of the harmony between nature and human culture. In the context of green economic development and sustainable tourism, Ngoc Chien tea forest is a "green treasure" that not only brings economic benefits but also contributes to preserving the cultural identity of the Northwest.

Each cup of tea from the ancient tea trees here is not simply a drink, but also contains a story about the longevity of the mountains and forests, the solidarity of the community and the aspiration to rise from the highland. Protecting and developing the ancient tea forest in Ngoc Chien commune is to preserve the pride of Son La province, and at the same time affirm the value of Vietnamese specialties on the world map.