BingDao Laozhai Huang Pian Mini Cake Sheng (8g per cake)

This tea comes from Bingdao Laozhai (the old village), sourced during my 2026 trip where I visited the village itself along with the surrounding Bingdao areas.

Bingdao is one of the most well-known puerh regions, but it’s actually very small. The main village—Bingdao Laozhai—produces far less tea than the demand for it. Because of that, much of what’s sold as “Bingdao” comes from nearby villages like Nanpo, Bawai, Dijie, and Nuowu.

After visiting each of these areas and tasting them side by side, it becomes clear that Bingdao Laozhai has a distinct character. The sweetness is more defined, the clarity is sharper, and the way the flavor lingers just holds on longer. That’s why it commands such a high price.

Out of the teas I brought back from Bingdao Laozhai, this is the most affordable. It’s made from 黄片 (huáng piàn)—larger, more mature leaves that are sorted out during processing. These leaves may not look as pretty as smaller buds, but they offer a different kind of experience.

Huáng piàn is typically sweeter, softer, less bitter, and less astringent. This makes it a more approachable expression of Bingdao—less sharp, more sweet; less powerful, more comfortable—while still carrying that recognizable old village character.

In the cup, you’ll find a rock sugar-like sweetness, a silky, salivating texture, and a clean, cooling structure. The cooling sensation lingers in the mouth for a long time, giving the tea a calm, steady finish you can sit with. 

Each mini cake is about 8g, making it easy to brew without measuring. It’s perfect for simple gongfu sessions or as a travel tea to take anywhere.

Brewing Guide
Use a 90 ml gaiwan with one whole mini cake (about 8g) and 202°F (95°C) water.

Give the tea a quick rinse first.

First infusion: about 30 seconds to fully open the leaves.
Next 7 infusions: just 1–2 seconds each. Avoid over-steeping to prevent unpleasant bitterness.
After the 7th infusion, gradually increase steep time by 1–2 seconds each round.