Speaking of Wuyi rock Tea, it is likely that no one is unfamiliar with it. And when it comes to the prized teas among Wuyi rock teas, Dahongpao rightfully earns its title as the “King of Teas.” However, how did this humble tea gain such a prominent status? What legendary story lies behind the name “Dahongpao”?
Unveiling the Legends Behind the Name Dahongpao
There are several versions of the origin of the name Dahongpao circulating in folk tales, with the two most widely known being:
Legend One: The Scholar's Gratitude
It is said that during the Xuande period of the Ming Dynasty, a scholar named Ding Xian passed by Mount Wuyi and fell ill on the roadside. Fortunately, he was rescued by the abbot of the Tianxin Yongyou Chan Temple who brewed him tea from Dahongpao leaves, which miraculously cured his illness. Later, Ding Xian became the top scholar (zhuangyuan), and remembering the kindness that saved his life, he returned to Mount Wuyi to thank the abbot. To show his Respect for the Dahongpao tea, he draped the red robe he wore during his imperial examination over the tea tree. From then on, the tree was called “Dahongpao.”
Legend Two: The Emperor's Gift of a Robe
Another legend states that during the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty, Emperor Qianlong traveled incognito to southern China and passed through Mount Wuyi, where he tasted the Dahongpao tea offered by local tea farmers and praised it highly. To honor the exceptional quality of the tea tree, Emperor Qianlong bestowed upon it a red robe and named it “Dahongpao.”
Regardless of the version, the intrinsic value of Dahongpao tea is undeniable. Its appearance is dark and lustrous, and when brewed, the tea has a bright red color, a rich and lasting aroma, a mellow and sweet Taste, and a long-lasting aftertaste. It is often referred to as the “King of Rock Teas” and the “King of Teas.”
The reason why Dahongpao is so precious is mainly due to its unique growing environment and exquisite production techniques. Mount Wuyi is located in northern Fujian Province, and on the cliff crevices of Jiulongkeng, there grow several hundred-year-old tea trees, which are the mother trees of Dahongpao. Influenced by the natural environment such as the rocks, mountain spring water, and air, these tea trees have developed a distinctive aroma and flavor.
Tasting Dahongpao: Experiencing the Depth and Richness of Chinese tea culture
Dahongpao is not only a prized tea but also embodies profound Chinese Tea culture. Tasting Dahongpao allows you to experience its unique aroma and flavor, as well as the love and respect the Chinese people have had for tea since ancient times.
To this day, Dahongpao remains the representative tea of Wuyi rock teas and is adored by tea enthusiasts around the world. Savoring a cup of Dahongpao, you can feel its unique charm and long history and culture, and you will surely be captivated by it.