Maoyan Berry Tea

Maoyan Berry Tea

Maoyan berry tea is a product with geographical indication.

　　Maoyan berry is a wild plant that grows in the pristine forests of Zhangjiajie. The finely processed Maoyan berry tea boasts the unique freshness and simplicity of this land.

　　Maoyan berry, also known as Tujia Dew Tea or Tujia Divine Tea, is commonly referred to as longevity vine, ganoderma grass, eyebrow tea, vine tea, bitter dew, Wuyuan snow chrysanthemum, Maoyan berry tea

　　Guanyin grass, sweet mountain tea, dragon beard tea, etc. Wild Maoyan berry cannot currently be transplanted artificially. Scientific research confirms that this plant is a rare species that survived the mass extinction caused by the Quaternary glacier and only grows in the misty, pristine forests of Zhangjiajie at altitudes of 800–1300 meters, specifically within red sandstone areas. Its environment remains entirely unpolluted. Most of it only survives in China’s Zhangjiajie at elevations of 800–1300 meters. Maoyan berry possesses both medicinal efficacy and nutritional value, making it the wild plant with the highest content of flavonoids and the richest nutrition in the world. It is widely believed that the plant itself is a divine willow that can cure diseases and ward off disasters with just a touch from Guanyin Bodhisattva, or extend one’s lifespan with a sweep—hence the local Tujia people also call it “Tujia Dew Tea.” Historical records indicate that in 1379, during the Hongwu era of the Ming Dynasty, Qin Huai rose up against the imperial court. He led a rebellion on the banks of the Maoyan River in Wentang Town, Yongding District, Zhangjiajie, commanding rebel forces that fought against the rich, aided the poor, seized towns and counties, forming a powerful local army. Fearing the rebels would overthrow his rule, Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang urgently dispatched 250,000 troops to suppress them. After six months of fierce battles, due to the overwhelming numbers of government soldiers, the rebels were besieged in the Maoyan River area. Lacking food supplies and with numerous wounded soldiers, compounded by the damp, cold mountain conditions, many suffered from infected wounds and respiratory issues, leading to low morale and almost complete loss of combat effectiveness. At this critical moment, a century-old Taoist priest collected a large bundle of Maoyan berry from the misty Wuling Mountains and used it to treat both internally and externally the wounds and illnesses of the rebel soldiers—curing asthma, sword wounds, diarrhea, colds, and inflammation, revitalizing their strength to fight back fiercely. During the seven years that Qin Huai and his men were trapped in the Zhangjiajie virgin forest, the wounded survived thanks to the divine tea's healing and anti-inflammatory effects. Thus, the legend of "divine tea saving the soldiers" was born and has been passed down to this day, adding a layer of mystery to Maoyan berry. Many stories from today’s Zhangjiajie originate from this conflict between the Ming Dynasty and the Tujia King Qin Huai. Since then, the local Tujia people have revered Maoyan berry as "divine tea," drinking it regularly to prevent and treat illnesses. For thousands of years, the local Tujia mountain folk have maintained the tradition of drinking this tea generation after generation. The Tujia people here are known for their robust health, with many living long and healthy lives into their seventies (and an especially high number of centenarians, the most in any region of China). Over the years, there have been no cases of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, obesity, or cancer. The special fragrance of the tea and its miraculous effects in preventing various diseases and promoting human health are considered a blessing from the divine—thus it is also named "Ganoderma Tea" and "Divine Tea." Starting in 1993, the Zhangjiajie Applied Plant Research Institute, under government oversight, conducted ingredient and efficacy evaluations with several authoritative medical institutions across the country. Functional trials confirmed that it has immune-regulating health benefits and significant application value. Utilizing modern cell-wall-breaking technology, Maoyan berry is refined into a series of health teas, which offer unique efficacy and broad uses. Jacques Rogge, former President of the International Olympic Committee, once highly praised Maoyan berry, stating that its emergence will provide a natural green pathway for human health and make outstanding contributions to the well-being of humanity.

　　Maoyan Berry Tea

　　Geographic Scope

　　Maoyan berry tea is thus called because it is produced along the banks of the Maoyan River (the section of the Lishui River from Qing’anping Township to Huayan Hydropower Station upstream is called the “Maoyan River”). The production area of “Maoyan berry tea” lies within four townships in the northwestern part of Yongding District, Zhangjiajie City: Luotaping Township, Qing’anping Township, Wentang Town, and Sanjiaguan Township. The production area covers a land area of 382.2 square kilometers, with a total population of 34,000. The production zone is located between 29°06′37″–29°24′36″ north latitude and 110°04′15″–110°19′23″ east longitude; it borders Sangzhi County to the north, Yongshun County to the west, XuanShui Forest Farm to the south, and Luoshui Township, Jiaoziyi Town, and Yinjiaxi Town of the district to the east. The main production area maintains a stable annual cultivation area of over 34 hectares, with total output exceeding 15 tons.

　　Product Quality Characteristics

　　2. Internal Quality Physical and Chemical Indicators: Maoyan berry is a rare natural treasure among wild plants.