Nanyue Cloud-Fog Tea

Nanyue Cloud-Fog Tea

　　Nanyue Cloud-Fog Tea was listed as a "tribute tea" as early as the Tang Dynasty, and is also recorded in the famous classic *The Classic of Tea* by Lu Yu: “Tea from the southern mountains grows in the valleys of Hengshan County.” Mount Hengshan (Nanyue), located at 27°12′ north latitude, enjoys a mild and moist climate, with soil rich in organic matter. For 280 days of the year, the area is shrouded in clouds and fog, creating particularly favorable conditions for tea growth. Nanyue tea is free from pests and chemical pollution, and its refined production process results in tea that is widely renowned for its delicate, downy leaves, vibrant green color, fresh and mellow taste, and long-lasting tender aroma. Between Zhurong Peak, Furong Peak, and Zigai Peak lies the Pilu Cave, surrounded by a narrow valley stretching twenty li in both width and depth. Surrounded by mountains on three sides and often enshrouded in mist, the valley has fertile, moist soil—perfect for tea cultivation. The tea produced here is called Cloud-Fog Tea. The tea leaves are long and pointed, resembling spear tips. When brewed, the pointed tips stand upright while the two leaves fan out like flags. They remain vividly green, steeping in the water with a rich fragrance. A single sip refreshes the spirit. Legend has it that Nanyue Cloud-Fog Tea has a history of over two thousand years. As early as the Tang Dynasty, it became a tribute product, and at that time, it was a staple drink among the wealthy few. Today, Cloud-Fog Tea is cultivated all over Nanyue. The tea thrives best when grown at altitudes between 800 and 1,100 meters, especially around Guangji Temple, Tiefo Temple, and Huagai Peak. These areas are often wreathed in cloud and fog, bathed in gentle sunlight, and covered by dense forests. The tea produced here is described as having “tightly rolled, slender leaves with abundant downy tips, excellent internal quality, fragrant aroma, and a lingering aftertaste.” From 1980 to 1982, Nanyue Cloud-Fog Tea was rated as a top-quality product at both the provincial and ministerial levels, and it continues to sell well both domestically and abroad.