Anhua Qianliang Tea

Anhua Qianliang Tea

Anhua Qianliang Tea is a geographical indication certification trademark.

　　Geographic Scope

　　The specific growing area is located within Anhua County, Yiyang City, Hunan Province, situated in the mountainous region of central-northern Hunan, in the northern part of the Xuefeng Mountain Range, along the middle reaches of the Zi River. It borders Taojiang and Ningxiang to the east, Lianyuan and Xinhua to the south, Xupu and Yuanling to the west, and Taoyuan and Changde to the north. Its geographic coordinates range from 111°58′51″ east longitude to 100°43′07″ east longitude and from 28°38′37″ north latitude to 27°58′54″ north latitude. It stretches 123.764 kilometers from east to west and 73.461 kilometers from north to south, covering a total area of 4,950.25 square kilometers, making it the third largest county in Hunan Province.

　　Distinctive Qualities

　　“Qianliang Tea,” also known as Huajuan Tea, gets its name because a single roll traditionally weighed about one thousand taels (approximately 36.25 kilograms). This tea is compacted in a long cylindrical bamboo basket using a stick and hammer, forming a cylindrical shape. It stands 147 centimeters tall and has a diameter of 20 centimeters, weighing around 36.25 kilograms. Materials used: the tea is wrapped in polygonum leaves, covered with palm bark, and then tightly bound and compressed with bamboo strips. The raw material is sun-dried black tea made from whole white-stemmed tea leaves harvested around the Beginning of Summer.

　　Cultural Background

　　Anhua tea and tea culture have had a significant influence both nationally and globally. First, it has a long history. Tea existed in Anhua before the establishment of the county itself. Qiujang Thin Tea was an imperial tribute as early as the Tang Dynasty. After the establishment of Anhua County in the Song Dynasty, the court recognized Anhua as “foremost among all prefectures and markets in tea.” Second, it is unique in the world. The craftsmanship of “Qianliang Tea” is distinctive—only China produces it, only Hunan within China, and only Anhua within Hunan. According to sources, industry experts as well as tea culture literature from Japan and Taiwan recognize Anhua’s “Qianliang Tea” as a classic of tea culture and the “King of World Teas.”