Origin & History: A Tea Shaped by Journey
Liu Bao's history dates back over 1,500 years to the Tang Dynasty, but it rose to prominence in the Qing Dynasty. Its story is inextricably linked to its journey.
Located near the Xi River, Liu Bao tea was a local staple. In the 19th century, it found a new purpose. Chinese immigrants from Guangdong and Guangxi, seeking work in Southeast Asia (the Nanyang region), brought this tea with them. They discovered that the dense, compressed tea bricks survived the long, humid sea voyages perfectly.
Upon arrival in the hot, humid mines and rubber plantations of Malaysia, the tea revealed its true genius. The laborers found that drinking Liu Bao tea, which had subtly transformed during the voyage, helped them cope with the damp, heat, and strenuous labor. It was cooling, hydrating, and soothing to the digestive system. This "journey of fermentation" across the South China Sea was crucial in developing the tea's signature mellow character, creating a style known as "Nanyang" (Southeast Asian) stored Liu Bao.