Dragon Pearl Tribute Tea

Last updated 2026-11-15 — In China, whether among scholars and officials or those who merely dabble in refinement, books, swords, tea, and the guqin are regarded as cherished hobbies and symbols of taste. Tea, this wonderful thing, is truly marvelous—excellent for both health and self-cultivation. In Kaixian, tea is grown on almost every mountain. The Jiapu Records of Kuizhou Prefecture from the Jiaqing era of the Qing Dynasty states: “Tea from Tea Ridge in Kaixian boasts an exceptional flavor, and no other plants grow among the tea bushes.” The Tang Dynasty Chancellor Wei Chuhou also composed poetry about Tea Ridge in his Twelve Scenic Poems of Shengshan. Among all teas, Dragon Pearl Tea stands out as the finest—fragrant, pure, sweet, and thirst-quenching, with a lingering aftertaste. Individual leaves stand elegantly apart, while clusters brew thick and rich, as if dancing. Its appearance features tightly rolled leaves with visible white downy tips, oily and intact. The infusion is a clear yellowish-green, highly resistant to over-brewing. Drinking it refreshes the spirit, relieves fatigue, invigorates the mind, and sharpens the eyes. When brewed with water from Longjing, the tea's form becomes even more exquisite, and its taste even better—an indescribable delight. As early as the Tang Dynasty, it was listed as a tribute tea. After the founding of the People’s Republic of China, it consistently ranked first in Sichuan Province’s famous tea evaluations. However, due to its limited production, it could not meet the demand of tourists in the Three Gorges region, making it all the more precious. The Three Gorges area is rich in water and mountains, and thus also abundant in tea. Tea absorbs the spiritual essence of the Three Gorges' mountains and is steeped in the charm of its waters. Savoring it while admiring the scenery of the Three Gorges is truly one of life’s great pleasures. The area where Dragon Pearl Tea is produced features the rugged and striking Yangsi Gorge, hot springs and karst caves in diverse forms, and the pristine waters of the Donghe River. When you visit such a place and taste its tea, your interest is naturally piqued. During the season of high spirits, drifting along the “sea-like” waters of the Three Gorges by boat and riding the waves adds yet another layer of enjoyment. Walking across the land of Kaixian, though it is just a corner of the Three Gorges—a place only reached when water levels are high (Kaixian is less affected during dry seasons)—among these “three wonders,” I seem to glimpse the diligence and wisdom of my fellow villagers, filling me with hope for tomorrow. Today, no matter how much we reminisce about history or long for our homeland, the waters of the Three Gorges will rise, and loved ones will be relocated elsewhere. So, let us offer them our “three wonders.” Such gifts carry less of the mundane and more of genuine emotion. As time passes and nostalgia lingers, true feelings remain forever. Open a scented fan to gaze upon the Three Gorges, and let the gorge breeze soothe your weariness; lie on a cool mat with your pillow against the gorges’ river, and shout a work chant to dream yourself back home; sip a cup of Dragon Pearl Tea to warm the dialect of your hometown—the fragrance of the native land travels far and wide. (Kaixian)