Yunnan Banzhang Raw Pu-erh Tea Cake (357g)

Among Yunnan’s storied tea origins, Banzhang stands apart — a name synonymous with power, presence, and an intensity of character that commands attention from the first infusion. This 2016 Raw Pu-erh Tea Cake is crafted from Yunnan Da Ye Zhong — the large-leaf varietal that thrives in Banzhang’s high-altitude, old-growth forests and produces leaves of exceptional structural strength and aromatic depth.

Pressed in 2016 and aged for nearly a decade, this 357g sheng cake has moved well past its assertive youth. The tannins have softened, the layers have integrated, and what remains is a bold, full-bodied raw pu-erh with the commanding nong xiang — a rich, concentrated fragrance — that defines great Banzhang material at its peak.

• Bold Nong Xiang — Concentrated, Commanding Fragrance — Banzhang raw pu-erh is defined by its nong xiang: a dense, penetrating aroma of wild flora, aged wood, and deep forest that fills the vessel on the rinse and builds with every subsequent steep. This is not a subtle tea.
• Ten Years of Natural Transformation — Pressed in 2016 from Yunnan Da Ye Zhong large-leaf material, this cake has undergone nearly a decade of slow oxidation and microbial aging. The result: a sheng that has moved from its bold, astringent youth into a more resolved, complex expression without losing its Banzhang character.
• Layered, Evolving Flavor — Early steeps deliver a rush of wild mountain floral and mineral intensity; mid-session rounds into aged wood, tobacco leaf, and dried stone fruit; the finish is long, warming, and marked by the characteristic Banzhang huigan — a returning sweetness that arrives minutes after each sip.
• Powerful Structure, Refined with Age — The liquor is deep amber-gold, with a full body and substantial texture. The tannins that once defined young Banzhang sheng have softened into a pleasing grip — present, but no longer dominant.
• Stone-Pressed Cake, Built for Aging — Hand-layered, stone-pressed, and wrapped in traditional cotton paper — a format that has allowed this cake to breathe and evolve, and will continue to do so for years to come.

• Vessel: Yixing clay pot (aged, well-seasoned) or porcelain gaiwan
• Leaf-to-water ratio: 5–7g per 100ml
• Water temperature: 203–212°F / 95–100°C
• Rinse: 1 quick rinse (5 sec), discard
• Infusion time: 10–20 sec for early steeps; extend gradually
• Steepings: 10–15+ steeps per session

• 2–3g per 8oz (240ml)
• Water: 203°F / 95°C
• Steep: 2–3 minutes
• Can re-steep 2–3 times

• 4g per 500ml cold water
• Refrigerate overnight (8–12 hours)
• Strain and serve over ice — bold, mineral-forward, with a long floral finish

Q: What is raw (sheng) pu-erh, and how is it different from ripe (shou)?
Raw pu-erh is sun-dried and stone-pressed without accelerated fermentation. It ages naturally over years and decades, developing complexity through slow oxidation and microbial transformation. Ripe pu-erh undergoes an accelerated pile-fermentation process. Sheng is generally more aromatic, structured, and age-dependent; shou is smoother and more approachable from pressing.

Q: Is a 2016 sheng ready to drink now?
Yes. Nearly ten years of aging have resolved much of the initial astringency and green roughness. This Banzhang cake is in an excellent drinking window — complex and evolved, with the structure to continue aging further if cellared properly.

Q: What is huigan, and will I taste it?
Huigan is the returning sweetness that emerges in the throat and palate minutes after each sip — a hallmark of quality Banzhang sheng. It is one of the most prized sensory characteristics in raw pu-erh.

Q: How should I store the cake for continued aging?
Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated space away from direct sunlight and strong odors. Avoid airtight containers — sheng pu-erh requires airflow to age correctly. An unsealed ceramic or clay vessel in a stable environment is ideal.

Q: How many sessions does one cake yield?
At 5g per gongfu session with 10–12 steeps, a single 357g cake yields approximately 70+ brewing sessions.

ovanyu sources each Banzhang sheng cake for origin authenticity, leaf quality, and the kind of aged character that only a decade of patient cellaring can produce.

1. Order Processing Time: How many business days does it take to pack and ship an order?
   Orders will be shipped within 1–3 business days of successful placement.
2. Shipping Time: What is the estimated delivery time for major destination countries/regions?
   USA: 7–12 business days; Europe: 7–12 business days.
3.  Shipping Policy: Is shipping free for orders over a certain amount (e.g., over $59), or is there a flat shipping fee?
   Free shipping on orders of $59 or more; a $15 shipping fee applies to orders under $59. Subscription items ship for free.

We offer a 14-day return policy, meaning you can request a return within 14days of receiving your item.

To be eligible for a return, your item must be in the same condition that you received it: unworn or unused, with tags attached, and in its original packaging. You will also need the receipt or proof of purchase.
For returns due to personal reasons (non-quality issues), the buyer is responsible for shipping costs; for returns due to quality issues, the seller covers the shipping costs.

To start a return, please contact us at hello@ovanyu.com. Please note that returns should be sent to the following address: [Shop 02, Building 2, China Resources Ziyunfu, Richang Road, Mawei District, Fuzhou City, Fujian Province, China]

If your return is accepted, we will send you a return shipping label, as well as instructions on how and where to send your package. Items sent back to us without first requesting a return will not be accepted.

You can always contact us for any return questions at hello@ovanyu.com.

Damages and issues
Please inspect your order upon reception and contact us immediately if the item is defective, damaged, or if you receive the wrong item, so that we can evaluate the issue and make it right.

Exceptions / non-returnable items
Certain types of items cannot be returned, such as perishable goods (like food, flowers, or plants), custom products (like special orders or personalized items), and personal care goods (like beauty products). We also do not accept returns for hazardous materials, flammable liquids, or gases. Please get in touch if you have questions or concerns about a specific item.

Unfortunately, we cannot accept returns on sale items or gift cards.

Exchanges
The fastest way to ensure you get what you want is to return the item you have, and once the return is accepted, make a separate purchase for the new item. EU 14-Day Cooling-Off Period
Notwithstanding the above, if the goods are being shipped to the EU, you have the right to cancel your order or return the items within 14 days without providing a reason. As previously stated, returned items must be in the same condition as when you received them—unworn or unused, with tags intact, and in their original packaging. You will also need to provide a receipt or proof of purchase.

Refunds
Once we receive and inspect your return, we will notify you whether your refund request has been approved. If approved, the refund will be automatically issued to your original payment method; funds typically appear in your account within 10 business days.
We will issue a full refund if the return is due to an issue on the seller's part; however, if the return is for personal reasons, the buyer is responsible for shipping costs and a 5% transaction processing fee.

Please note that it may take some time for your bank or credit card company to process and post the refund.
If more than 15 business days have passed since we approved your return request, please contact us at hello@ovanyu.com.