2016, Old Baicha Shou Mei Zongzi White Tea Wrapped in Bamboo Leaf

2016 Fuding Old Baicha Shou Mei Zongzi White Tea Wrapped in Bamboo Leaf

Some teas are defined not only by their flavour, but by the way they are made and presented. This 2016 Fuding Shou Mei white tea is shaped in a traditional zongzi style, carefully wrapped in bamboo leaves to form a small pyramid bundle.

If you have never tried an aged white tea before, this tea is a good starting point. Each tea bundle is 7g, which is more than enough for a lovely tea session.

Inside the wrapping is aged Shou Mei white tea from Fuding, Fujian, a region widely regarded as the birthplace of Chinese white tea. The tea has been ageing since 2016, allowing its character to deepen and mellow while developing the warm, comforting notes that older white teas are known for.

The bamboo leaf wrapping adds a subtle aroma of its own, giving the tea an extra layer of fragrance as it brews.

Origin: Fuding, Fujian Province, China

White Tea from Fuding

Fuding, in Fujian Province, is famous for producing traditional white teas such as Bai Mudan (White Peony), Silver Needle, and Shou Mei.

Shou Mei is typically made from larger leaves and later harvests, giving it a fuller body and deeper flavour compared with more delicate white teas. Because of this structure, Shou Mei is particularly well-suited for ageing.

Over time, the tea gradually transforms. What begins as a light, fresh tea slowly develops richer, warmer flavours and a smoother texture.

If you would like to know more about the Fuding Tea Region, see our article: Fuding Province, China.

Why Age White Tea?

White tea is one of the least processed teas, simply withered and dried. This gentle processing allows it to continue changing during storage.

There’s a saying in Chinese tea culture:

“One year tea, three years medicine, seven years treasure.”

While poetic, the phrase reflects the idea that aged white tea becomes smoother and more complex as the years pass.

By 2016 vintage, this Shou Mei has already begun to develop the mellow character that makes aged white tea so enjoyable.

The Zongzi Style

The tea is wrapped in bamboo leaves in the shape of a zongzi, the same triangular bundle traditionally used for Chinese rice dumplings.

This method is both decorative and practical. The bamboo leaf helps protect the tea during ageing and contributes a gentle, natural fragrance when the tea is brewed.

When steeped, the bundle slowly loosens, and the leaves begin to open, releasing their flavour gradually.

Flavour & Aroma

Aged Shou Mei offers a warm and comforting profile.

Expect notes of:

• Dried fruit
• Honey and gentle sweetness
• Soft herbal tones
• A subtle bamboo aroma

The tea liquor brews golden to amber, with a smooth body and mellow finish.

How to Brew

You can brew the whole bundle (7g) or break off part of it with a Puer Needle, which we have in stock in our Teaware section.

Gongfu style

• 5–7g tea
• 100–120ml water
• 90–95°C
• Steep 15–20 seconds, increasing gradually
• Re-infuse many times

Simple brewing

• 4–5g tea
• 250ml water
• 90–95°C
• Brew 3–5 minutes

Aged white tea can also be gently simmered, which brings out deeper sweetness and warmth.

Why We Love It

There’s something quietly charming about this tea. The bamboo wrapping, the pyramid shape, the slow unfurling of the leaves, it feels a little different from an ordinary tea session.

Combined with the mellow character of aged Shou Mei, it makes for a cup that’s comforting, aromatic, and full of character.