Unlocking the value of ancient Shan Tuyet Tea in Xa Phin

On the slopes of the Tay Con Linh mountain range, ancient Shan Tuyet tea trees in Xa Phin Hamlet, Thanh Thuy Commune, are gradually realising their economic potential through a combination of indigenous knowledge, modern processing techniques and brand development. Hoang Van Luan, a tea expert from Hanoi, has been working alongside local people to unlock the value of this ancient tea-growing area and bring its products to wider markets.

Shan Tuyet tea trees are a precious gift of nature bestowed exclusively on Xa Phin.

For generations, Shan Tuyet tea has been more than a natural gift to the Dao ethnic community in Xa Phin; it is also a cultural heritage passed down through generations. Local people have long harvested fresh tea buds, rolled and roasted them over wood-fired stoves to make tea for daily consumption and to welcome guests. However, traditional production methods, limited processing techniques and a lack of market linkages have prevented the product from reaching its full potential.

A turning point came in 2022, when Luan, from Phong Cach Co Dien Company Limited, arrived in Xa Phin and began helping residents standardise harvesting and processing methods while developing fermented ancient Shan Tuyet tea. Each stage of production is carefully controlled to ensure the tea's quality, distinctive aroma and lingering aftertaste.

With his support, Tra Peng Cooperative was established with seven members, bringing local households together to develop the product. Xa Phin now has approximately 100 hectares of ancient Shan Tuyet tea trees grown organically, without the use of chemical pesticides. The cooperative supplies more than one tonne of dried tea to the market annually, with two main product lines: traditional ancient Shan Tuyet tea and fermented ancient Shan Tuyet tea. The latter has received a provincial three-star OCOP certification. Joining the cooperative has helped local households improve product quality, secure more stable outlets and increase their incomes.

Xa Phin Shan Tuyet tea embodies the finest flavours of the Tay Con Linh mountains and the dedication of local Dao ethnic people.

Beyond tea production, Luan has also actively promoted local tourism by connecting art with cultural heritage. He has created more than 30 oil and watercolour paintings depicting Xa Phin's landscapes and people. He also invited 19 painters and four renowned photographers to take part in an art camp during the recent Golden Harvest Festival – Xa Phin Moss-covered House Village. These activities have helped promote the area's ancient tea gardens and Dao cultural identity, opening up prospects for experiential tourism associated with tea culture.

As part of the cooperative's branding strategy, Luan has contributed to designing its logo and packaging and positioning its products under the concept of “Tea Above the Clouds”. The brand tells the story of the harmony between the majestic natural landscape of Tay Con Linh and the dedication of Dao tea growers. Tra Peng tea products have also been showcased at several international tea exhibitions, attracting positive attention from experts and international visitors.

The Tra Peng Cooperative model is helping increase the value of Shan Tuyet tea, create livelihoods for local people and preserve traditional cultural heritage. In the coming time, Thanh Thuy Commune plans to link its ancient tea-growing areas with experiential tourism, indigenous culture and highland landscapes, bringing Xa Phin tea closer to domestic and international visitors.

Hong Ha