Xingshan White Tea

Xingshan White Tea

Xingshan White Tea is a product recognized under the geographical indication of agricultural products.

　　  Xingshan White Tea Compared to other types of tea, Xingshan White Tea features white leaf bottoms, strong fragrance, yellowish-green and clear infusion, and a light taste with a hint of sweetness. Its amino acid content is more than twice that of regular green tea, giving it excellent health benefits.

　　  "Xingshan White Tea" originates from Zigui County in Hubei Province—the hometown of the legendary beauty Zhaojun. Blessed with a distinctive microclimate that provides ideal natural growing conditions, and enriched by the profound cultural heritage of Zhaojun, the tea is exceptional. Xingshan White Tea is a thermosensitive, improved variety of tea tree, mainly grown in three towns—Shuiyuesi, Xiakou, and Gaoqiao—at elevations between 600–800 meters. The area enjoys superior natural ecological conditions, with pure air, water, and unpolluted soil, making it perfect for the healthy growth of white tea. The county has 1,400 hectares of white tea plantations, producing 500 tons annually. During the 13th Five-Year Plan period, the goal was to establish 400 hectares of high-standard white tea bases each year, aiming to make Zigui the top white tea-producing county in Hubei. Xingshan White Tea inherits traditional pan-fired green tea processing techniques while innovating with new methods such as light roasting, light rolling, and constant-temperature baking. The final product boasts a color of emerald green mixed with yellow, a lasting and refreshing aroma, a fresh and sweet taste, a crystal-clear golden-yellow infusion, and leaf bottoms that are jade-white with green veins. The tea has won several awards including “Top Ten Famous Teas of Hubei,” “Hubei Provincial Famous-Brand Product,” the Special Prize at the “National Drink Cup,” the Quality Award at the “China Tea Cup,” and received Geographical Indication Certification for Agricultural Products of China in 2015.

　　  Geographical Scope

　　  Xingshan White Tea is primarily produced in three towns in Zigui County—Shuiyuesi, Xiakou, and Gaoqiao. The protected geographical indication area for this agricultural product spans longitude 110°25′ to 111°09′ east and latitude 31°08′ to 31°25′ north. This includes areas east to Maliangping in Shuiyuesi Town, south to Yezhuchi in Shuiyuesi Town, west to Hejiaping in Gaoqiao Township, and north to Hongshuihe in Shuiyuesi Town. The production area covers 1,400 hectares, with an annual yield of 420 tons.

　　  Product Quality Characteristics

　　  1. Sensory Evaluation Standards: Implemented according to GB/T23776-2009 "Methods for Sensory Evaluation of Tea." The tea leaves are uniform and intact, with a greenish luster; the infusion is tender green and bright; the aroma is fragrant and long-lasting; the taste is fresh, mellow, and sweet; and the leaf bottoms are intact with a jade-like color. 2. Quality Indicators: Water extract ≥35%, tea polyphenols ≥12%, free amino acids ≥3.5%. 3. Safety Requirements: Pesticide residue levels must not exceed national food safety standards. Product quality follows the guidelines of GB/T8312.8-2007 "Pesticide Application Criteria" and NY5244-2004 "Pollution-Free Food—Tea."