Jianmen Tribute Tea

Jianmen Tribute Tea

　　Jianmen green tea enjoys a renowned history. As noted in *Records of Scenic Spots in Shu*: “There is Liangshan Temple, which produces tea, also considered a rare gem in Shu.” In truth, as early as the Tang Dynasty, Jianmen’s green tea had become a tribute offering. The Song Dynasty poet Lu You, who “rode into Jianmen Pass on a donkey under a gentle rain,” was moved to spontaneously praise Jianmen Yulü after enjoying a cup. This was the same tea that, after the Chinese Workers’ and Peasants’ Red Army took Jianmen Pass, several generals who led the battle remarked, “This mighty pass gives forth tea fragrance across China.”

　　The Jianmen Mountains, over a thousand meters above sea level, enjoy abundant rainfall, mild climate, and fertile soil—ideal conditions for tea cultivation. Since the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the Jianmen Mountain area has developed more than ten tea bases, covering tens of thousands of acres. Among them, the Jianmen Pass Tea Plantation at Xiānfēng Guān (Immortal Peak Temple) atop the seventy-two peaks of Jianmen Pass is especially renowned. Jianmen Pass tea is sold across the country, with “Jianmen Yulü” winning the title of Famous and High-Quality Product at the Western China Agricultural Expo, and “Jianmen Cuiyùn Yuya” (Jade Cloud Jade Sprout) claiming first prize at the 5th “Zhongbei Cup” Tea Competition. As a result, Jianmen green tea has gained widespread fame and is especially favored by tea enthusiasts.