To reach this land, one must endure a journey of nearly two hours, traversing winding and slippery slopes from the center of the commune. But standing at an altitude of over 1,300 meters, beneath the canopy of ancient tea trees with moss-covered trunks, all fatigue seems to vanish. These are not just ordinary tea trees, but witnesses to history, the very soul and culture of the Mong ethnic people here.

Heritage from the past, value for the future.

According to the elders in the village, they have seen the majestic tea trees on the mountaintop since they were born. The Shan Snow tea in On Oc is blessed by nature with a year-round cloudy climate, high humidity, and fresh air. These unique soil conditions have created large, round tea buds covered in fine white downy hairs like snow – the origin of the name "Shan Snow." When brewed, the tea has a shimmering golden-brown color, with an initial mild astringency that gradually transitions to a deep sweetness in the throat, a distinctive flavor unlike any other tea-growing region.

However, the fate of these ancient tea trees has also experienced many ups and downs. For a long time, the tea growing area was neglected, with many trees dying due to pests and diseases or being cut down to make way for cultivation. Aware of the risk of losing this valuable genetic resource, since 2019, the people of On Oc village have embarked on a conservation effort. With strong consensus, the village has incorporated regulations for tea protection into its customary laws, strictly prohibiting cutting down trees and grazing livestock in the conservation area. Thanks to these tireless efforts, in May 2025, nine ancient Shan Tuyet tea trees here were honored to be recognized as Vietnamese Heritage Trees by the Vietnam Association for the Protection of Nature and Environment. This is an important milestone, affirming the unique ecological and cultural value of the On Oc tea growing area.

Reviving brands through collaboration and science.

Beyond simply preserving its heritage, the story of On Oc tea is also a journey of establishing a strong brand. The collaboration between local people and the Tay Bac Cooperative has opened a new path for this ancient tea plant. The cooperative has signed a contract to purchase the entire output from nearly 200 ancient tea trees for 10 years, while also guiding the locals on scientific care and harvesting techniques to ensure the best quality tea buds. Currently, the tea growing area supplies approximately 1 ton of fresh buds annually, processing them into 200 kg of dried tea. The sweet reward will come in June 2025 when On Oc Shan Tuyet tea officially receives the OCOP 4-star provincial certification.

Furthermore, the involvement of the scientific community is also a crucial driving force. Son La College is implementing a provincial-level research project aimed at preserving and developing the value of Shan Tuyet tea in conjunction with tourism. Experts have numbered each tree, provided guidance on pruning techniques, soil improvement, and standardized processing procedures. As a result, the local people not only know how to preserve the trees but also how to propagate and plant approximately 1,000 new Shan Tuyet tea trees, expanding the raw material area for the future.

Nevertheless, the road ahead remains challenging. The limited tea cultivation area and production, along with difficult transportation infrastructure, are major obstacles to spreading the fragrance of On Oc tea further. The Chieng Hac commune government recognizes that tea is not just an economic crop but also a cultural asset, requiring comprehensive investment in infrastructure and technology for sustainable development. With the joint efforts of the community, businesses, and the government, it is hoped that the Shan Tuyet tea buds on Pha Det peak will continue to spread their fragrance, bringing prosperity to the highlanders.

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