In 2012, the company wanted to create a commemorative tea to honor Master Bingliang Zou's 55 years in tea-making. After about six months of brainstorming, the name Liang Pin (良品) suddenly came to mind. At the time, we felt it was a perfect choice. The character Liang (良) pays homage to Master Bingliang Zou, while also evoking the term You Liang (优良), which older generations used to describe something of exceptional quality. The character Pin (品) represents both the act of savoring tea and the integrity of tea craftsmanship. The day this name was conceived, everyone was thrilled—we realized such a brilliant name shouldn’t be limited to just one tea but deserved to become a full-fledged series. Today, within Haiwan Tea’s product lineup, the Liang Pin series stands as the most complete and refined.
海湾良品 Haiwan Liangpin embodies the beauty of balance and harmony. Through these teas, we aim to showcase Master Zou’s decades of expertise, presenting the exquisite equilibrium and depth of Yunnan’s large-leaf varietal.
The Concept of Haiwan Liangpin
Haiwan Liangpin represents the culmination of over 60 years of tea craftsmanship by Master Bingliang Zou, a revered figure in Pu-erh tea and a inheritor of intangible cultural heritage. The entire series features premium ancient-tree blends, adhering to the principle:
Superb Craftsmanship + Exceptional Gardens = Fine Products (Liang Pin). It is Master Zou’s magnum opus.
The Mastermind Behind the Tea
In the world of Pu-erh, the name ‘Bingliang Zou’ commands immense respect. His life has been intertwined with tea—a bond spanning over six decades, during which he has crafted what many consider the pinnacle of tea artistry.
Born with an innate passion for tea, Zou began his journey in 1957 when he joined Menghai Tea Factory. Starting with the basics of sun-dried large-leaf tea processing, he diligently honed his skills in tea evaluation and production. His talent and dedication quickly made him a master of traditional Pu-erh techniques, yet he never ceased innovating to elevate the tea’s quality and flavor.
In the 1980s, the Pu-erh market faced uncertainty, and Menghai Tea Factory was at a crossroads. As the appointed factory director, Zou knew that only reform and innovation could revitalize the industry. He introduced advanced equipment, refined production methods, and pioneered the concept of ripe Pu-erh tea (熟茶 shu cha). After countless trials, he perfected iconic recipes like 7572 and 7542, which became industry benchmarks;
Zou’s legacy extends beyond these legendary blends—he standardized the wet-pile fermentation process for ripe Pu-erh, laying the foundation for modern production. He also established rigorous quality control systems, shaping the industry’s standardization.
After retiring from the state-owned factory in 1997, Zou remained devoted to Pu-erh. In 1999, he co-founded Haiwan Tea Co. with Mrs. Guoling Lu. He also dedicated himself to education, authoring books and lecturing to pass on his knowledge, nurturing generations of tea masters.
For over six decades, Bingliang Zou has lived by the motto: "Make good tea for the world." His life embodies the artisan spirit—*"Do one thing, and do it to perfection."* Now in his eighties, his passion for Pu-erh remains undimmed.
A cup of tea, a lifetime of devotion. Master Zou’s story continues, as does the legacy of Pu-erh, carried forward by each new generation of tea artisans.
Liang Chu Pin (The First Fine Product)
良初品 Liang Chu Pin is the inaugural release of the 良品 Liang Pin series, a premium direct-retail line. Aged naturally for 13 years in Kunming’s storage conditions, it reflects the essence of Yunnan’s finest tea mountains:
- 布朗山 Bulang Mountain – The legendary home of 班章 Ban Zhang, where abundant sunlight and rainfall yield bold, powerful teas.
- 格朗河 Gelanghe – Known for its rich sweetness, producing famed teas like 南糯山 Nan Nuo Shan and 帕沙 Pa Sha, with a history dating back to the Tang Dynasty.
- 临沧 Lincang – The birthplace of 冰岛 Bing Dao, nourished by snowmelt, imparting a distinct, lively sweetness.
- 景谷 Jinggu – A region of dramatic valleys and tropical highland climate, yielding exceptionally fragrant and sweet teas.
Tasting Notes:
Raw Pu-erh (生茶 Sheng Cha):
- Appearance: Translucent amber liquor, dotted with fine tea hairs like a starry sky.
- Flavor: Full-bodied with tropical fruit richness, layered with woody depth and a lingering sugarcane sweetness.
Ripe Pu-erh (熟茶 Shu Cha):
- Appearance:* Deep ruby-red, luminous like wine.
- Aroma: Earthy aged notes, refined woodiness, and lychee-like sweetness.
- Taste: Uniquely huigan (returning sweetness), velvety texture, and a comforting, porridge-like thickness reminiscent of childhood.
