Anxi Huangguanyin

Anxi Huangguanyin

Anxi Huangguanyin is a geographical indication certification trademark.

　　Huangdan, commercially known as Huangguanyin, originated in Luoyan, Anxi during the Xianfeng era of the Qing Dynasty (1850–1860). This tea variety is suitable for making oolong tea, as well as black and green teas. Huangdan is another premium oolong tea that boasts a style distinct from Tieguanyin. Its picking and processing techniques are highly meticulous. Only with proper handling can its variety traits be fully expressed. Due to the unique characteristics of the tea plant variety and its processing method, Huangdan develops distinctive qualities. The finished Huangguanyin tea made from Huangdan showcases its “noble character” mainly through being “early and uniquely special.” The first special trait, “early,” refers to early sprouting, early harvesting and processing, and early market availability. Huangdan is generally harvested and processed in mid-April, about ten days earlier than most varieties and nearly twenty days earlier than Tieguanyin. The second special trait, “unique,” refers to its appearance being “yellow, uniform, and fine,” and its internal quality being “fragrant, unique, and fresh.” The finished tea leaves are tightly rolled and fine, with a glossy golden-yellow hue. The aroma is elegant, fresh, and slightly osmanthus-scented. The leaf base is yellowish-green in the center with crimson edges, soft and bright. It is well-known for the saying “one sniff of the aroma reveals it’s Huangdan,” and was praised in ancient times as “before tasting its true flavor, you’re greeted by its heavenly fragrance.” When savoring the finest Huangguanyin, the tea liquor is golden and bright. A light sip brings a mouthful of moisture, with a mellow, delicate, sweet, and fresh taste that refreshes the mind and spirit. Huangguanyin has won market favor and the preference of tea enthusiasts precisely because of its unique character and early availability. As early as 1940 (the 29th year of the Republic of China), it was sold by Jintai Tea House, primarily distributed to Zhangzhou before being exported to Hong Kong, Singapore, and other regions. In March 1982, the “Special Grade Huangguanyin” produced by Anxi Tea Factory was rated as a “Quality Product” by the Ministry of Commerce. In 1984, Huangdan was recognized as a “National Fine Variety” at the National Tea Plant Variety Evaluation Conference. In 1985, Huangguanyin was honored as a “China Famous Tea” by the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Fishery and the China Tea Science Society. In 1986, it was awarded the title of “National Famous Tea” by the Ministry of Commerce. Many renowned tea experts hold Huangguanyin in high esteem and have made many incisive remarks about it. Chen Chuan wrote in *China’s Famous Teas*: “When it comes to Huangguanyin, those fortunate enough to have tasted it will immediately recall its uniquely intoxicating high fragrance and its refreshing, mellow, and sweet taste.” “Huangguanyin is a healthy beverage. With its high aroma and delicious taste, along with its unique quality, it sells well both domestically and internationally, mainly to overseas Chinese markets in Southeast Asia, and has now expanded to over 30 countries across five continents including Japan, France, the United States, and West Germany, where it is deeply loved.” Zhang Tianfu described in *Fujian Oolong Tea*: “In recent years, Huangdan has gained immense popularity among consumers due to its uniquely ‘heaven-penetrating fragrance’ and its market advantage of early availability. Currently, Huangguanyin is exported in various packaging forms and enjoys a high reputation in Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore, and other places.” By the end of 1999, the production of Anxi Huangguanyin had reached a new stage. The county’s Huangguanyin tea plantation area covered more than 12,000 mu, with a yield of over 2,000 tons, accounting for approximately 16% of the county’s total tea production. The main tea-producing areas include Luoyan in Huxi Town, as well as Daping, Jingu, and Jiandou towns. The future of Huangguanyin promises to be even more fragrant and enchanting. (Anxi County)