Shitai Xiangya

Shitai Xiangya

Shitai Xiangya is a geographical indication certification trademark.

Shitai Xiangya is a product with a geographical indication for agricultural products.

　　“Shitai Xiangya” is the public brand for green tea from Shitai County. It is beloved by consumers for its tightly rolled, uniform, and robust buds with visible fuzz, bright emerald liquor, high and lasting aroma, and a refreshing taste.

　　Shitai County covers a total area of 1,403 square kilometers, with about 80,000 mu (approximately 5,333 hectares) of tea plantations, and an annual output of around 2,500 tons. The production areas of “Shitai Xiangya” are specifically located across 13 townships within the county: Ketian, Zhanda, Liudu, Qidu, Hengdu, Dayan, Qili, Jitan, Gongxi, Qijing, Dingxiang, Xiaohe, and Xintian. Geographically, it lies between 117°16′ to 117°59′ east longitude and 29°59′ to 30°21′ north latitude.

　　Most of the “Shitai Xiangya” tea plantations are situated in hills and mid-to-low mountains at elevations of 300 to 1,000 meters, where biodiversity is rich. The tea-growing regions have a forest coverage rate of 80.9%. The soil is primarily acidic to slightly acidic (pH 5.5–6.8), developed from weathered acidic crystalline or argillaceous rocks, forming red and yellow soils that are moderately rich in organic matter and nutrients. Along the Guyuejian Mountain Range, the soil is also rich in selenium, making it a selenium-rich tea production area in the county and a key zone for premium green tea. The local climate falls within the northern edge of the subtropical monsoon zone, characterized by distinct seasons, mild temperatures, and abundant rainfall — ideal conditions for tea cultivation. In particular, ample precipitation, large diurnal temperature variations, and short daylight hours help develop the tea’s superior quality.

　　Shitai Xiangya

　　Geographic Scope

　　The protected production area for the Shitai Xiangya geographical indication of agricultural products covers 38 villages across six townships in Shitai County: Xianyu Town, Qidu Town, Hengdu Town, Dayan Township, Renli Town, and Dingxiang Town. The geographical coordinates are 117°12′ to 117°59′ east longitude and 29°59′ to 30°24′ north latitude, with a planted area of 2,400 hectares.

　　Product Quality Characteristics

　　1. External Sensory Features. “Shitai Xiangya” is a high-quality baked green tea. It has a tightly rolled, straight, and uniform appearance with robust buds showing visible fuzz and a glossy emerald color. Its internal qualities include a delicate, high, and lasting aroma; bright, clear, emerald liquor; a mellow, refreshing taste; and tender, even, and bright green leaves.