Golden camellia is affectionately known as the “queen” of teas; in the past, it was reserved exclusively for royalty. Once a wild forest plant, Ba Che golden camellia has been revitalized into a staple crop of this region.
Ba Che Golden Camellia – Natural “Miracle Herb” in the Mountains of Quang Ninh
5-star OCOP product. Photo: Quang Ninh Newspaper.
In recent years, the cultivation area of golden camellia in Ba Che has expanded to nearly 200 hectares. With a market price of 15 million VND per kilogram of dried flowers, this plant brings hundreds of millions of VND annually to local residents, helping them prosper.
Dried golden camellia. Photo: Quang Ninh Newspaper.
Golden camellia is an indigenous plant that grows naturally in forests, ravines, and streams throughout the mountainous district of Ba Che, Quang Ninh Province. In the past, locals dug up whole trees to sell to traders for about 1.5–2 million VND per tree. However, because traders bought entire trees, wild golden camellias gradually became scarce.
Cultivating golden camellia plants. Photo: Quang Ninh Newspaper.
Recognizing the immense value brought by Ba Che golden camellia, instead of selling whole trees, local residents gradually began planting, restoring, and conserving the plant. Golden camellia naturally thrives in the shade, so when transplanted onto hills, it requires adequate watering and proper spacing, as planting too densely will cause the trees to die.
Processing golden camellia tea. Photo: Quang Ninh Newspaper.
Ba Che golden camellia has now become a certified 5-star product under Quang Ninh Province's OCOP program. Beyond that, the product is also steadily advancing toward achieving national OCOP certification.
Camellia blossoms. Photo: Lao Dong Newspaper.
The development of Ba Che golden camellia cultivation is not only the story of pioneering, daring farmers, but also testament to the sound policy of transforming Ba Che into an economic hub for forestry and medicinal herbs.
Photo: @mochuong86.
According to researchers, Ba Che golden camellia is a precious medicinal herb for health, offering benefits such as: lowering blood sugar levels, detoxifying the liver and kidneys, reducing serum lipids and bad cholesterol levels, helping lower blood pressure, inhibiting platelet aggregation, and preventing thrombosis that leads to blood vessel blockages.
Tea leaves also offer many health benefits. Photo: Fb Tra Hoa vang Ba Che Quang Ninh.
In addition, the tea has diuretic effects; prevents atherosclerosis; inhibits and eliminates bacteria; helps prevent cancer and suppresses tumor growth; promotes mental alertness; provides anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties; and helps maintain normal thyroid function…
Golden camellia buds. Photo: Quang Ninh Newspaper.
Alongside traditional sales channels, local residents have also actively promoted and marketed golden camellia products through online channels, thereby increasing out-of-province clientele and making Ba Che golden camellia more widely recognized.
Lush golden camellia hills in Ba Che. Photo: N.Q.
Golden camellia cultivation is a relatively young industry in Quang Ninh, yet it has experienced unprecedented rapid growth. It has become a sustainable livelihood, helping locals prosper and preserve distinctive cultural values, while laying the groundwork for the mountainous district of Ba Che to develop tourism and hospitality services integrated with agriculture.
