Cixi Tea

Cixi Tea

　　Fine tea comes from high mountains. The eastern Zhejiang region features rolling hills and crisscrossing streams, creating ideal conditions for tea tree growth. Lu Yu, a Tang Dynasty scholar who authored the Classic of Tea, noted: “The tea-producing areas include Yuezhou, Mingzhou, and Taizhou,” and among them, “Yuezhou’s tea is the finest.” This indicates that not only was eastern Zhejiang a major tea-producing area, but it also yielded premium-quality teas. Historical records show that since the Song Dynasty, Yue tea (tea from the ancient Yue region) has been designated as an imperial tribute (with Cixi’s “sparrow tongue” tea listed as a Qing Dynasty tribute tea). Later, tea produced in the Yue region further became an important export commodity, shipped to European countries. Much of present-day Cixi was once part of the ancient Yue territory, making it rich in tea resources—especially in the southern region where the ranges of Siming Mountain extend for dozens of miles. This area is dotted with steep peaks such as Kaolao, Shizi, Jiulong, and Baishijian, along with numerous lakes and reservoirs like Shanglin, Meixi, Shang’ao, and Sha’ao. With high elevation, clean air, misty clouds, abundant rainfall, and overall favorable conditions, it forms a naturally excellent tea-growing environment. Among the many types of tea produced in southern Cixi, the most famous is the zhucha (gunpowder tea) from the Longnan area, commonly referred to as Longnan tea. Longnan tea trees mostly grow halfway up the mountainsides and are harvested around Guyu (Grain Rain). The finished tea leaves are round, tightly rolled, solid, vibrant green with subtle white fuzz. When brewed, the fragrance fills the room, and the taste leaves a lasting impression—truly reminiscent of “the fragrant orchid in full bloom, round as emerald pearls dancing on a plate.” Through long-term cultivation and refinement, the quality of Longnan tea has significantly improved. Currently, the total planting area of Longnan tea in Cixi has reached over 2,000 mu, with an annual output of nearly 100,000 kilograms. In addition to meeting local demand, a large portion is sold across the country. (Cixi)