-
Tea Fragrance from Xishuangbanna: The Famous Pu’er Mountain of Manmaidui
Manmaidui is part of Manmai Village, Xiding Township, Menghai County, in the Dai Autonomous Prefecture of Xishuangbanna, Yunnan Province. It is a large Bulang ethnic village that has gained more recognition outside for its love of football. It is said that the children in the village are very passionate about football, but due to its remote location, they did not have the facilities to play. So, they dedicated their own tea fields to build a standardized football field, providing a place for the children to play. Tea and football are two bright "calling cards" of the village. Manmaidui Ancient Tea Forest The ancient tea gardens of Manmaidui adjoin the village, extending from the roadside up to the hilltop. In the 1980s during the "high-to-low" conversion, most of the ancient tea trees by the road were transformed into one-meter-high shrub teas, with only a few on the hilltop remaining unchanged. Besides the ancient tea gardens, Manmaidui also boasts impressive modern tea plantations. In 1989, the Menghai Tea Factory established a ten-thousand mu tea mountain in Bada, with its No. 3 base located in Manmaidui. Most of the land along the road from Manmaidui to the Xiding Township government is covered by… -
Jingmai Mountain Welcomes Its First Spring Tea Harvest Season After World Heritage Success
Budding and turning green Ancient trees come to life in spring Not long ago Jingmai Mountain, in Lancang Lahu Autonomous County, Yunnan Province welcomed the first spring tea harvest of the year for its ancient tea trees. Spring tea from Jingmai Mountain. Photo by Li Maoying Since the 10th century, the Bulang and Dai ethnic groups migrated to settle on Jingmai Mountain, where they discovered wild tea trees and developed a forest-based ecosystem to cultivate "forest tea," gradually forming vast ancient tea forests. Last September, the "Pu'er Jingmai Mountain Ancient Tea Forest Cultural Landscape" was inscribed on the World Heritage List, increasing China's number of World Heritage sites to 57. This year's spring tea harvest is also the first after the successful nomination of the Jingmai Mountain Ancient Tea Forest Cultural Landscape as a World Heritage site. As the world's first tea-themed World Heritage project, the element of "tea" is everywhere on Jingmai Mountain. This spring, let us venture into Jingmai Mountain to appreciate the beauty of this "World Tea Culture Historical and Natural Museum." Households on Jingmai Mountain begin picking and processing tea. Photo by Li Maoying The mountains are lush and verdant, but there are no visible rows… -
Why is Dongting Biluochun So Expensive? The Secret Lies in the “Hands”
"Spring wind greens the south again, Biluochun is beautifully winding," it's the time of year when everyone talks about Biluochun. We talk about the fragrant tea that permeates the city, and we also talk about its staggering price. Why is Dongting Biluochun so expensive? What's the reason for its high cost? It's expensive due to its rarity, and also because of the hands involved. Dongting Biluochun, from picking to stir-frying, is done entirely by hand, taking time, effort, and care, inevitably making it costly. The first step to a cup of Jiangnan flavor is picking. How do the tea farmers on Dongting East and West Hills pick tea? When 5% of the tea shoots in the tea garden reach the initial stage of one bud and one leaf, they can be picked according to standards. First Picking The first batch of picking requires thoroughness; only when the first batch is thoroughly picked will the subsequent growth of new tea shoots be uniform in length. Otherwise, the newly sprouted shoots vary in size and length, which the farmers call "chaos." "Chaos on the tree makes it hard to pick, and chaos after picking makes it hard to sort," affecting quality. Leaving… -
Mezijing Tea Mountain in Yongde County: Fresh Tea Steeps the Heart, Pure Breeze Fills the Hills
Stepping into the Mezijing Tea Mountain in Xiaomengtong Town, Yongde County, tender green tea leaves quietly unfurl at the tips of branches, gradually spreading out under gentle sunlight and bursting with vitality. Laughter and joy fill the tea groves as the tea farmers skillfully pick the leaves, painting a picturesque rural scene of industrious harvest. Visiting Mezijing Village once more, I am still captivated by the integrity culture embedded within. Vivid integrity-themed murals and richly meaningful integrity landscapes integrate visual integrity elements into the village construction. Walking through the scenery, integrity arises from the heart, and under the guidance of the tour guide, everyone embarks on an extraordinary journey of integrity culture. "Mezijing Village has adopted the concept of integrating 'integrity' and 'scenery,' creating integrity walls, Pure Breeze Pavilion, Pure Heart Tea Room, and other tea-integrity cultural tourism landscapes that combine sightseeing, leisure, and education. This not only allows party members and villagers to be subtly influenced by integrity education, making the folkways more simple and the social atmosphere more upright, but also creates a strong atmosphere of integrity for rural revitalization. It broadens the path of integration between tea, travel, and integrity, enabling empowerment through integrity, prosperity through tea,… -
Puer Ning’er: Empowering Tea Culture Inheritance and Development with Intangible Cultural Heritage Techniques
The techniques for making Puer tea and tribute tea, as shining gems in the list of China's traditional tea-making intangible cultural heritage, not only carry profound historical tea culture but are also a vital force driving local economic and cultural development.The Yunnan province's Ning'er county, known for its intangible cultural heritage, has been dedicated to the inheritance, protection, and innovation of these techniques. Through systematic work and meticulous efforts, it actively promotes the diversity and exchange of tea culture, infusing new vitality into the sustainable development of the tea industry. It is currently the season of tea harvest, and in Ning'er's vast tea gardens, tea farmers move through the emerald green tea bushes, skillfully gathering the tender leaves filled with the essence of spring into their baskets. In the organic tea garden of Wulushan in Puyi Township, Ning'er County, the spring breeze blows gently, bringing vibrant life. Zhou Ming, the production workshop director of the tea factory, leads the tea farmers in their busy work. They strictly adhere to standards while picking spring tea, with each leaf carrying their respect for and commitment to traditional techniques. Under the harmonious cooperation between Zhou Ming and his technical partners, the tea-making processes… -
Exploring the Xishan Bailu Tea Processing Technique: Hands Never Leave the Tea in a 300-Degree Iron Wok
[Narration] Located to the west of Nanchang City, Jiangxi Province, Mount Meiling is also known as "Xishan." The area boasts fresh air, rolling hills, clear water, and a beautiful ecological environment. Its unique soil and climate have nurtured the Xishan Bailu tea, which was once a tribute tea and enjoyed nationwide fame over a thousand years ago. Recently, Hu Weihua, the fourth-generation inheritor of the Nanchang municipal intangible cultural heritage "Xishan Bailu" tea processing technique, introduced and demonstrated the process of stir-frying this tea to reporters.Screenshot from China News Video Stepping into Hu Weihua's intangible cultural heritage workshop, the fragrant aroma of tea wafts from the cast-iron woks used for stir-frying. By applying different techniques in the woks, the shape of the tea leaves continuously changes. Hu Weihua told reporters that the process of stir-frying green tea involves picking, withering, rolling, and drying, but they make adjustments based on local conditions, taking into account the characteristics of the tea produced there and traditional craft requirements. [Synchronous Interview] Fourth-generation inheritor of the Xishan Bailu tea processing technique, Hu Weihua We emphasize high-temperature fixation, quickly reaching temperatures above 300 degrees Celsius to fix the tea in a short time, locking in its… -
Jingmai Mountain, a Living Book of Chinese Tea History
Tea, known as the "Chinese leaf that influenced the world," spread from China to the rest of the world via the Silk Road, the Tea Horse Road, the Great Tea Route, and the Maritime Silk Road. It has become the most popular non-alcoholic beverage in the world, enjoyed by over 2 billion people across more than 160 countries and regions. Arccheological sites prove that China has over 6,000 years of tea cultivation history, with famous tea-producing areas with a long history formed throughout the country. So why has Jingmai Mountain become the first global tea-themed World Cultural Heritage site? Because Jingmai Mountain itself is a living book of "Chinese Tea" history. Jingmai Mountain is located on the southwestern frontier in the Lancang River Basin of Yunnan Province. It boasts the best-preserved ancient tea forests in the world's tea tree origin, spanning thousands of acres and thousands of years. It is a living museum of human tea culture, created by the Bulang ancestors who migrated to Jingmai Mountain in the 10th century and discovered and domesticated tea trees, along with the later Dai ancestors. "Five ancient tea forests, nine traditional villages, and three protective forests" are the heritage elements of the… -
Land Nurturing, Piling Up, Ditching… Understanding the Pu’er Ripe Tea Fermentation Process: A Special on Pile Fermentation
For the average consumer, few have a comprehensive understanding of the entire pile fermentation process for ripe tea, mainly because the stability of the microbial community in the fermentation workshop is so valuable that it is often treated as confidential by tea factories and strictly off-limits to visitors. Secondly, even if one could enter for a tour, it would be difficult to conduct a follow-up study of each step, as the entire pile fermentation cycle lasts several days and includes different stages such as watering, turning piles, and ditching, making it a complex system. Moreover, since the decisive role in pile fermentation is played by invisible microorganisms, it does not resemble modern manufacturing with standardized procedures and quantifiable metrics but is more like a technology guided by empiricism. From controlling the temperature in the workshop to timing the turning of the piles, many steps in pile fermentation lack quantifiable standards, and the success or failure of each fermentation relies heavily on the experience and adaptability of the fermentation master. Today, Lu Li will take fellow tea enthusiasts through the general process of pile fermentation. Selecting the Fermentation Site The site is crucial for pile fermentation. As water is applied during… -
Tea Fragrance in Xishuangbanna: The Famous Pu’er Mountain – Mangsong Tea Mountain in Menghai
Mangsong, a Dai language toponym meaning a plateau between high mountains, is located within the Mangsong Township of Menghai County, Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province. To its east lies Jinghong City and to its south, Gelanghe Township. It is one of the ancient tea regions in Menghai County and also one of the main tea-producing towns. There are over 3,000 mu of ancient tea gardens, widely distributed across several areas with the majority concentrated in Nanben Old Village, Baotang New Village, Baotang Old Village, Damei, and Xia Da'an Villages. Photographed by Yan FengtingThe ancient tea gardens in Mangsong are mostly planted by the Lahu people, who have a long history of tea cultivation, processing, and trade. Han Chinese settlers entered Mangsong during the Guangxu period of the Qing dynasty to engage in tea trading. In 1931 (20th year of the Republic of China), migrants from Yiwu, Mengla established a tea house in Manmai, Mangsong. In 1941, Fohai Tea Factory set up a preliminary tea processing facility and a tea purchasing station in Mangsong. In the early 1980s, when the Chinese Tea Research Institute and Yunnan Academy of Agricultural Sciences Tea Research Institute jointly surveyed tea tree resources, they discovered… -
Pu’er Famous Mountain: The Manzuan Tea Mountain
Manzuan (Manzhuang), in Dai language, means “large village,” located in the south of Xiangming Township, Mengla County, Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, China. It borders the Yiwu tea area to the east. The main areas for ancient tree tea production on the Manzuan Tea Mountain are Manzuan and Manlin (Manlin). Manlin is the village with the most tea gardens on Manzuan Tea Mountain, while Manzhuang is the largest village and the one with the largest population. Manlin sits atop Manzuan Tea Mountain at an altitude of 1,700 meters, with beautiful scenery and clouds shrouding it throughout the year. Standing on the mountain top and looking far into the distance, all you see is a sea of clouds, as if you were in a fairyland. The ecological environment of Manzuan Tea Mountain is excellent, with high altitude, low temperatures, abundant sunlight, large diurnal temperature differences, no severe cold in winter, and no scorching heat in summer. Most of the ancient tea trees grow in dense forests. The unique natural environment has shaped the quality of Manzuan tea leaves. The dry tea has dark, shiny, thick, and long strands, with floral and honey aromas interweaving, which are intense and lasting. The…- 0
- 0
- 12
-
Albino Tea Garden Cultivation and Soil Management Techniques
The main goal is to improve the soil condition, increase nutrient availability, and create favorable conditions for tea plant growth, with tasks including soil cultivation, weeding, fertilization, and moisture retention. I. Garden Cultivation Reasonable cultivation is an important measure to improve the soil condition in tea gardens, which can enhance the micro-ecological environment of the soil and provide good conditions for the growth and development of tea plants, improving their vigor. 1. Shallow Cultivation and Weeding The purpose of shallow cultivation in tea gardens is to remove weeds, loosen the surface soil, and improve the micro-ecological environment of the surface soil layer. The depth of shallow cultivation is generally around 5 cm, and it can be combined with top-dressing and soil mounding. It's also essential to clear weeds and brambles around the tea garden promptly. For young tea gardens that are not yet closed row, cultivation should be done whenever weeds appear, requiring six to seven weedings per year. Since the root system of young tea gardens does not penetrate deeply in the planting year, shallow cultivation before the high-temperature season should be done early to avoid drought immediately after cultivation. For mature tea gardens, cultivation is divided into spring,… -
Discovering Yunnan Tea: Bingdao Xigui – The Rock-Age Old Tree Tea of Yunnan
"Yunnan Rock Tea" is a precious variety that has recently emerged in the world of Pu'er tea in the 21st century. "Yunnan Rock Tea" refers to tea produced from tea plantations and tea trees located in the core area of Bangdong Township and Matai Township in the Linxiang District, as well as Dazhaoxi Town in Yun County (formerly Dashixiang). These areas are at an altitude ranging from about 800 to 2,000 meters and radiate outwards to surrounding regions. It is well known that the renowned Wuyi Rock Tea is highly valued for its irreplicable growing environment. Wuyi Rock Tea is a small-leaf variety; can we find rock tea in the large-leaf tea region of Yunnan? After extensive searches by tea enthusiasts, large-leaf "Yunnan Rock Tea" was found in the middle and lower reaches of the Lancang River, in Bangdong Township and Matai Township of the Linxiang District, as well as Dazhaoxi Town in Yun County. In fact, for thousands of years, locals have coexisted with tea and rocks, with tea sprouting between the crevices of stones. Upon being "rediscovered," "Yunnan Rock Tea" immediately garnered widespread attention and became popular among tea lovers. What makes "Yunnan Rock Tea" especially precious is… -
The Sour Tea of Jingmai Mountain: How Elaborate is its Preparation?
Sour tea is an important component of the tea culture of Yunnan's ethnic minorities. Many ethnic minorities have a history of making sour tea. The Bulang people living in Lancang Lahu Autonomous County, in Hemin Town on Jingmai Mountain, are no exception. ▼ When wild tea has not been “tamed,” its taste is relatively bitter and astringent; processing it into sour tea can alleviate this bitterness and astringency. After picking fresh tea leaves, they go through the processes of steaming and killing the green, then are naturally cooled. They are placed layer by layer into bamboo tubes until they are full and tightly packed without any gaps. Then, the opening of the bamboo tube is sealed with banana leaves and buried in the ground to ferment for about two months... In Pu'er's Jingmai Mountain, during the spring tea harvest activities in 2024, we captured the complete process of sour tea production by the Bulang people. ▼ △ Using hot water to kill the green; once the tea buds are bent, they are ready (the water here is not boiling). △ Removing the tea. △ Straining the tea. △ Drying after straining. △ Drying. △ Drying in the sun for one… -
While Enjoying the Snowy Scenery, Don’t Forget to Take Anti-freeze Measures for Your Tea Gardens!
Not only was February 22, 2022 a Tuesday, but it was also the 22nd day of the first month in the Year of the Tiger. On this day filled with love, everything around us was covered in white. Has your social media been flooded with snow pictures? (Leishan tea garden, photo by Wu Xianhai) According to the provincial meteorological bureau, from 08:00 on February 21 to 08:00 on February 22, 2022, light snow or sleet occurred in 77 counties (cities and districts) across the province, with snow accumulation observed in 72 county districts, the deepest being 12 cm in Wanshan. Ice build-up on power lines was recorded in 25 stations, with the largest diameter being 32 mm in Wanshan (including the conductor diameter of 26.8 mm). The lowest temperature in 76 counties (cities and districts) was 0°C or below, with Weining recording the lowest at -6.3°C. Road icing persisted in most areas except for the southern borders of the province. As the saying goes, "A timely snow promises a good harvest." But what impact do this year's frequent rainy and cold weather conditions have on tea gardens that are about to enter their main picking season? (Kaiyang tea garden, photo… -
Rhinoceros Pond Belongs to Which Village?
Rhinoceros Pond Pu'er tea production area is located in Pasazhong Village, Pasha Village Committee, Gelanghe Township, Menghai County, Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture. Rhinoceros Pond is locally known as Naiya Lang. Introduction to Pasha Rhinoceros Pond In recent years, with the rising reputation of “Pasha tea,” whether it be Old Pasha, Middle Pasha, or New Pasha, all have reaped a wave of benefits. Especially noteworthy is New Pasha, which introduced a niche mountain region—the Rhinoceros Pond. The Pasha Rhinoceros Pond is a niche regional cooperative brand created through the joint efforts of all villagers and cadres of New Pasha, attracting external investment. It has gained the favor of many tea enthusiasts and has become one of the few active regions among mountain teas in 2022. Not only did it liven up the atmosphere on the mountain, but it also successfully held ceremonies for the adoption and mining of the Rhinoceros Pond tea king tree. Ecosystem of Rhinoceros Pond Rhinoceros Pond is relatively far from the village and has seen very little human intervention. The ancient tea gardens are lush with vegetation, have thick layers of humus beneath the forest floor, and boast fertile soil. The tea produced here is rich in… -
A Detailed Tutorial on Wuyi Rock Tea Refining Techniques by Intangible Cultural Heritage Practitioners, Highly Recommended for Collection!
Wuyi Rock Tea is a traditional Chinese tea renowned for its unique rock aroma and flavor, growing in the crevices of rocks. It is a semi-fermented green tea, with Dahongpao being one of its famous varieties. This article outlines the basic operational techniques and key points of each step in the refining process of Wuyi Rock Tea, aiming to provide guidance for production practice. Refining Techniques for Wuyi Rock Tea The refining of Wuyi Rock Tea involves processing raw tea into finished tea. The primary focus is to remove stems, fragments, and foreign matter, improve the uniformity and purity of the tea's appearance, and enhance its quality. The refining process comprises 13 steps: grading and sorting, preliminary sorting, sifting, cutting and shaping, winnowing (air selection), secondary sorting, blending, baking, cooling, packing (into boxes or barrels), storage, blending, additional baking, and packaging. Flow Chart of Wuyi Rock Tea Refining Process Grading and Sorting Grading and sorting are primarily for preparing raw tea for blending. Based on sensory evaluation results using the national standard samples or trade samples of Wuyi Rock Tea, raw teas are sorted according to their origin, variety, season, and quality. Specific steps for sorting raw tea: Samples are… -
Puer: Jingmai Mountain Has Not Only Ancient Tea Trees but Also Winter Cherry Blossoms over Thousands of Mu
In the midst of winter, the winter cherry blossoms covering thousands of mu sway in the wind at the peak of the tea mountain.Jingmai Mountain is located within Lanchang County, a region inhabited by the Lahu and other ethnic groups in Puer City. To its east lies Menghai County in Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, and to its west is Myanmar. It is one of the famous six major Puer tea mountains and is home to ancient tea forests that have been cultivated for thousands of years, which are among the most intact in the world. Cherry blossoms in full bloom on Jingmai Mountain The area boasts vast seas of clouds, rolling mountains, lush ancient trees, and clusters of traditional villages. In addition to these, this place, listed by UNESCO on the World Heritage List, also has a breathtaking pink spectacle that captures the heart at first sight. Cherry blossoms in full bloom on Jingmai Mountain Cherry blossoms in full bloom on Jingmai Mountain The ancient tea mountain consists of nine traditional villages inhabited by the Bulang, Dai, Hani, and other ethnic groups, including Jingmai, Mangjing, and Manghong. Here, the people are simple and respectful of nature. Apart from living examples… -
Bamunu and Zhengqitang: Outstanding Representatives of the Eastern Half Mountain, Hometown of Yunnan’s Tengtiao Tea
Many people view Mengku as a tea region that became famous due to Bingdao tea, but in fact, it was already a well-known tea distribution center in Yunnan Province since the 1920s. Later, the dominant tea company in Western Yunnan, "Yongchangxiang," often used Mengku tea as the main ingredient for its compressed tea. At that time, the eastern half mountain of Mengku, with its convenient transportation, had a far greater reputation than the western half mountain. The article will introduce Bamunu and Zhengqitang, outstanding representatives of the eastern half mountain, which also gave birth to a unique type of tea in the history of tea cultivation - Tengtiao tea. Zhengqitang, Little Bingdao "In past years, the Miasma Pond; now, the aroma of Bingdao. Our ancestors planted ancient trees; their descendants drink the tea. If only there were no cutting; generations would enjoy enduring blessings." Someone once described the history and characteristics of Zhengqitang with this little poem. Zhengqitang is located on the eastern edge of Mengku Town, under the jurisdiction of the Nase Village Committee of Mengku Town. It is five kilometers away from the village committee and 25 kilometers from the town government. It is a remote village with… -
Processing Technology: The Manufacturing Process and Key Points of Dongting Mountain Biluochun Tea from Suzhou
Dongting Mountain Biluochun tea is one of the top ten famous teas in China, ranking alongside Longjing tea from West Lake. It is produced in Dongting Mountain (now Dongshan Town, Wuzhong District, Suzhou) and Xidongting Mountain (now Jinjing Town, Wuzhong District, on the West Hill Island of Taihu Lake, Suzhou). The tea groves and orchards are integrated, with tea plants interplanted among peach, plum, apricot, and loquat trees, representing a typical intercropping model of tea and fruit. The manufacturing process for Dongting Mountain Biluochun requires high standards, with premium-quality tea leaves needing to be handcrafted. The raw materials consist of the tender buds from a single bud and leaf at the initial stage of development from the local tea variety. Producing one pound of Dongting Mountain Biluochun requires 65,000 such buds, which are carefully processed through five steps: spreading, fixation, rolling, shaping, and baking. The finished Dongting Mountain Biluochun has a slender, tightly rolled shape resembling a snail, with visible bee legs, densely covered in white down, and a silvery-green hue with a hint of emerald. The infusion is bright yellowish-green, with a fresh aroma and prominent fruity fragrance. The taste is fresh and strong, with a noticeable fruity flavor.… -
The History of Tea Planting and Drinking Among the Ethnic Groups in Yongchang
Yongchang has a long history of tea planting, processing, and drinking. This established the historical status of the ancient city of Yongchang as the first to come into contact with and inherit tea culture in Western Yunnan. Moreover, Yongchang has always been a major town on the southwestern ancient Silk Road and the Tea Horse Road, serving as an important stopover between China and Southeast Asian countries and the first major town for Southeast Asian countries entering China. It was bustling with merchants. Naturally, tea, this ordinary commodity, became widespread among common households. At that time, the most famous tea in Yongchang was called "Taihua Tea." Four hundred years ago, the great traveler Xu Xiake recorded in his travelogue one of his happiest and most unforgettable experiences in Yongchang. In early August 1639, when he wanted to cross the Lancang River to Lushi, "the elderly innkeeper surnamed Mei comforted me very well and specially brewed Taihua Tea for me to drink." The tea had a long-lasting aftertaste, clear green color, strong aroma, and refreshing flavor, making one feel carefree and ethereal. Yongchang has unique natural conditions suitable for tea growth, a rich variety of tea resources, and a long history… -
Main Pests in Autumn Tea Gardens and Their Control Measures
Main pests in autumn tea gardens and their control measures. The weather gradually cools down in September, with vigorous growth of tea plants and abundant food for pests, which is very conducive to the occurrence of pests such as mites and tea green leafhoppers. If not controlled in time, they can easily cause outbreaks that severely impact the yield and quality of next year's spring tea. The main pests occurring currently and their control measures are as follows: I. Tea Orange Spider Mite This pest is small in size, with adult and juvenile mites piercing and sucking tea plant sap. When mite numbers are low, the damage is not obvious and hard to detect. However, when mite numbers increase, the veins of affected leaves turn red, the leaves lose their green color and luster. Severe infestations result in a brown rust appearance on the underside of the leaves, withered and dried shoots and leaves, and a scorched appearance, and may even cause defoliation. Some tea gardens have experienced heavy infestations recently. Without effective control measures, mite populations will continue to rise. The following measures are recommended for control: 1. Strengthen garden management by removing weeds and fallen leaves. Timely picking… -
Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity: Traditional Chinese Tea Processing Skills – Black Tea Chapter ① – Qimen Black Tea
On November 29, 2022, the project "Traditional Chinese Tea Processing Skills and Related Customs" submitted by our country was reviewed and approved by the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of UNESCO and has been included in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity of UNESCO. To enhance public awareness of traditional tea processing skills and related customs, increase understanding of the importance of protecting intangible cultural heritage related to tea, boost national pride, and strengthen cultural confidence, we will be sharing 44 items of intangible cultural heritage (including 39 traditional tea processing skills and 5 items of folk-related intangible cultural heritage) with you in due course. The Green Tea chapter of traditional Chinese tea processing skills has already concluded. Today, the editor will begin explaining the production techniques of black tea, starting with Qimen Black Tea. Qimen Black Tea, also known as "Qi Hong," is one of the top ten traditional Chinese teas and one of the world's three most fragrant black teas. It is named after its place of origin, Qimen County in Anhui Province. In the first year of the Guangxu period of the Qing Dynasty (1875), Qimen Black Tea… -
Menghai Ban Zhang Village: Aromatic Tea and Ancient Charm, Pearl on the Frontier
In the depths of Brown Mountain, Menghai County, Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, lies a village brimming with historical charm and natural beauty—Ban Zhang Village. “Red wine is judged by its chateau, Pu'er by its mountain origin.” Photograph of ancient tea tree branches in Ban Zhang by Zhang Hongping Ban Zhang Village, a large family composed of five natural villages—Old Ban Zhang, New Ban Zhang, Laoman'e, Dakalong, and Dakanuan—each preserving unique cultural traditions of the Bulang, Hani, and Lahu ethnic groups. Here, ancient tea trees coexist with the forest, known for their great age and superior quality, earning Ban Zhang the title of "China's No.1 Pu'er Tea Village." Tea farmer Tu Mei has been involved with tea since childhood. Her life is closely tied to tea, and she holds deep feelings for it. She reflects, “The techniques for making tea have become increasingly sophisticated, allowing the tea to retain more of its essence and aroma, resulting in higher-quality tea production.” The unique geographical and climatic conditions here make the Pu'er tea a favorite among countless tea enthusiasts. Photograph of the ancient tea mountain trail in Brown Mountain by Zhang Hongping The unique natural scenery and rich cultural heritage of… -
In Search of Tea in Changning: Spring Arrives and the Tea in Nino Is Fragrant
"Before the spring rains after Qingming, we pick the fragrant smoke with our hands. The tender green barely fills the baskets, and the clear and harmonious days easily turn to dusk." From Qingming to Guyu, it's a season of rejuvenation for all things, and also the busiest time for picking spring tea. The tea trees, which have accumulated their essence throughout the winter, transform the breath of spring into wisps of fragrance, as if countless flowers are blooming across the mountains. The scenery on Nino Mountain, known as a "famous mountain" for tea in Changning, is becoming increasingly verdant. In the mist-like green rows of tea bushes, it's common to see tea farmers wearing straw hats and carrying bamboo baskets, their fingers moving swiftly as they carefully pick fresh spring tea shoots. "Most of the tea on Nino Mountain was planted around 1986, when Changning was named one of the first four major high-quality tea base counties in China. The varieties are all seedlings of the Mengku large-leaf tea, transplanted and grown as a population. Located at the boundary where cool mountain areas and subtropical climates meet, creating a unique climate suitable for tea cultivation, this has resulted in its…