Jingde Tianshan Zhenxiang Tea

Jingde Tianshan Zhenxiang Tea

Jingde Tianshan Zhenxiang Tea is a product with geographical indication status.

　　The main production area of "Tianshan Zhenxiang" is located in Tianshan within Jingde County in southern Anhui, part of the eastern range of the Huangshan Mountains. It is just 8 kilometers as the crow flies from the famous Tian Du Peak of Huangshan Scenic Area. The area features undulating mountains, dense streams, high elevations, thick forests, deep valleys, deep soil layers, and fertile land. This premium tea...

　　...is grown in deep mountain valleys at altitudes of 400 to 700 meters, where sunny days bring lingering clouds and mist, while rainy seasons envelop the area in vast sea of clouds. With such a uniquely favorable natural environment, the tea trees are nourished by the essence and vitality of the mountains and rivers, resulting in tea with rich flavor and high aroma.

　　Tianshan Zhenxiang tea has an upright yet slightly flat appearance, with a glossy emerald green color, robust buds, and visible fine hairs. The tea liquor is light green and clear, with a rich, long-lasting fragrance, exceptional floral notes, a mellow and refreshing taste, and bright, tender green leaves.

　　A newly created, renowned green tea produced in the Tianshan area of Jingde County, Anhui Province, it belongs to the northeastern foothills of the Huangshan Mountain Range. Its production is divided into "Pre-Qingming Tea," harvested before April 5th (Chinese lunar calendar's Qingming Festival), when the tea buds have just sprouted and are as tender as lotus hearts—also called "Lotus Heart." "Pre-Grain Rain Tea" is picked before April 20th (Chinese lunar calendar’s Grain Rain), featuring one bud with one leaf (known as "one shoot, one leaf"), hence also called "Flag and Spear." The fresh leaf standards are one bud, one bud with one initial leaf, or one bud with two initial leaves. The tea has an upright, slightly flat shape, a glossy green color, and visible white hairs. The tea liquor is light green and clear, and the leaves are tender green and fairly bright. It tastes mellow, fresh, and brisk, with a sweet aftertaste. The aroma is high and long-lasting, with enduring floral notes. When brewing this tea, it is best to use a glass or porcelain cup—not too large—and preferably use mineral water, mountain spring water, or rainwater collected on rainy days (known as “heaven-fallen water”). When brewing, use about 3 grams of tea leaves per cup (maintaining a water-to-tea ratio of 50:1), and the water temperature should be around 85°C. After brewing, let it steep for 2–3 minutes before drinking. Drinking Tianshan Zhenxiang offers a unique experience. When the tea leaves are first placed in a glass, they move up and down in the water; once soaked, they stand upright at the bottom like bamboo shoots after the rain—lifelike and delightful. The color of the tea and the shadows of the buds are a visual treat. Upon lifting the lid, a burst of fragrance greets you. Savoring it slowly fills your senses with fragrance, delighting all your senses. Even after several infusions, the tea aroma lingers, with a long and memorable aftertaste.

　　Geographic Range

　　The protected production area of Tianshan Zhenxiang tea includes high-altitude tea gardens at elevations between 400 and 700 meters across nine towns and townships in Jingde County, Anhui Province: Miaoshou Town, Xinglong Town, Sun Village Town, Baidi Town, Sanxi Town, Caijiaqiao Town, Yunle Township, Banshu Township, Yucun Town, and Jingyang Town. The boundary extends east to Fangdai Village in Yucun Town, south to Gaojia Village in Baidi Town, west to Xiangyun Village in Miaoshou Town, and north to Xucun in Yunle Township. The geographical coordinates are longitude 118°15′38.86″ to 118°44′15.43″ and latitude 30°07′19.28″ to 30°29′13.76″. The total tea garden area is 1,600 hectares, with an annual output of 98 tons.