Zhao Ping Tea

Zhao Ping Tea

　　Zhao Ping County is located in eastern Guangxi, where the natural ecological environment is well-suited for tea production. The county has over 50,000 mu of tea plantations, producing more than 2,500 tons of dried tea annually, with a per-mu output value of over 3,000 yuan. The high-quality teas produced by more than 60 local tea processing factories are well received in export markets, and the average per capita income from tea alone reaches 1,200 yuan. The large-scale cultivation of tea and industrialized operation in Zhao Ping County have become a major industry for increasing farmers' income and developing the rural economy.

　　Known as a place of "nine parts mountains, half part water, and half part fields," Zhao Ping County boasts a forest area of 4.079 million mu and a forest coverage rate of 84.17% — more than three times the national average — with air quality meeting China’s Grade I standards. Influenced by subtropical monsoon climate, the area enjoys mild temperatures, abundant rainfall, high mountain fog, abundant springs, fertile soil, and a long frost-free period, all of which provide ideal conditions for cultivating high-quality tea. Leveraging these unique ecological advantages, Zhao Ping County is fully committed to establishing tea bases, improving quality, supporting leading enterprises, building brands, expanding markets, and vigorously developing eco-agriculture under the brands “Zhao Ping Red” and “Zhao Ping Green.” In 2013, the county had 170,000 mu of tea plantations, with an annual dried tea output of over 7,500 tons and a total output value of 800 million yuan. There is one autonomous region-level leading enterprise, six municipal-level leading enterprises, and over 60,000 people engaged in tea-related industries, making it a major sector of the rural economy. A range of tea varieties has been developed, including green tea, dark tea (Liubao tea), and black tea. The county has created a series of tea brands such as “Zhao Ping Red” and “Zhao Ping Green,” forming a pattern of large-scale planting, industrialized operation, and standardized production. Both “Zhao Ping Red” and “Zhao Ping Green” have been registered under China’s “Agricultural Product Geographical Indication” system, and their geographical indication certifications have been approved by the State Administration for Industry and Commerce. In December 2011, an export tea quality and safety demonstration zone covering 28,800 mu, led by Qijiangfeng Tea Co., Ltd. and Yijian Tea Co., Ltd., passed the autonomous region-level acceptance. In December 2013, “Zhao Ping Tea” was granted national quality inspection and quarantine geographical indication protection status. In January 2014, “Zhao Ping Red” and “Zhao Ping Green” obtained geographical indication trademark certification from the State Administration for Industry and Commerce. Zhao Ping County has successively won honors such as the “China Tea Industry Development Government Contribution Award,” “National Key Tea-Producing County,” “Hometown of China’s Famous Teas,” and “Guangxi Export Tea Quality and Safety Demonstration Zone.” The tea industry is becoming a new green pillar and competitive industry in Zhao Ping, as well as a highlight for increasing farmers’ income.