Wang Shunming

The Guardian of Wuyi Da Hong Pao (武夷大红袍）

Deep within Wuyi Mountain's embrace, where towering cliffs cradle ancient tea groves, stand six legendary Da Hong Pao mother trees – silent witnesses to centuries of history. For over two decades, Wang Shunming has served as their devoted guardian.

Wang Shunming had a monthly routine for taking care of the Da Hong Pao trees. He would start at the foot of the mountain and pass through Shuilian Cave 水帘洞 and Tianche Frame 天车架 to reach Huiyuan 慧苑. Then he would cross Liuxiang Stream 流香涧 to arrive at Jiulongke 九龙窠, where the Da Hong Pao trees are located. At noon, he would cook a bowl of noodles in a hut on the edge of the cliff to satisfy his hunger and then return down the mountain in the afternoon.

In addition to observing the Da Hong Pao mother trees for any threats, Wang Shunming also followed the ancient "Wuyi Farming Method 武夷耕作法." This method involved using "guest soil 客土" to rejuvenate the fertility of the old soil for tea cultivation. Wang Shunming carried dozens of loads of "guest soil" up the mountain each year. He also brought and buried twenty to thirty pounds of soybeans around the Da Hong Pao mother trees to create humus in the soil, benefiting the growth of the mother tea trees.

The bond between Wang Shunming and the Da Hong Pao mother trees deepened over the years. He felt a silent conversation unfolding between him and these ancient trees, their roots intertwined with the history of Wuyi Mountain.

In 2006, a decision was made to cease harvesting the six venerated mother trees, recognizing the need for their preservation. Reflecting on his life's dedication, Wang Shunming said, "My youth was poured into these trees."

With the suspension of harvesting, the era of Da Hong Pao mother tree tea came to have a time of rest. However, their legacy lived on in Wang Shunming's heart. He penned an ode, "Ode to Da Hong Pao 大红袍颂," likening these tea trees to "fragrant beauties of the empty valley," their legend "as deep as their flavor, as profound as their symbolism."

Driven by a desire to share Da Hong Pao's unique charm, Wang Shunming embarked on a remarkable endeavor. Following the harvest suspension, he meticulously cultivated tens of thousands of tea trees using asexual propagation techniques. This ensured the hand down of Da Hong Pao's exceptional quality for generations to come. Wang Shunming's mastery of tea processing has garnered him widespread acclaim. His innovative methods produce vibrant, clear, reviving the exquisite flavor that rivals the mother tree Da Hong Pao. His efforts have transformed Da Hong Pao from a rare privilege to a treasured experience for tea enthusiasts worldwide.

His philosophy on tea, captured simply yet profoundly in the phrase "Good sound, good tea," reflects his expertise in selecting quality tea leaves. The crispness of dry leaves, the tightly-knit shape, and the uniform appearance – these are all hallmarks that Wang Shunming recognizes.