Yingjing Tea

Yingjing Tea

　　Yingjing tea has a long production history, especially known for its border tea, which was famous in southwestern China. In ancient times, rulers implemented an official monopoly on border tea, which was later opened to free trade by merchants who used it as a means of controlling the Tibetan people. In the early 17th century, the Qing Dynasty rulers established tea processing factories centered around Ya Prefecture (now Ya'an City), producing and selling the tea to Kangding and Tibet. The border tea produced in Yingjing is called "Southern Route Border Tea."

　　Border tea is the main ingredient used by Tibetan people to make butter tea and is also an essential part of their daily life. As the saying goes: “Better go three days without salt than one day without tea; better go three days without food than miss a single meal of tea.” This shows how important tea is to the Tibetan people.

　　Yingjing enjoys low temperatures, frequent rain and fog, and suitable soil and water conditions, all of which provide excellent natural conditions for tea growth. The peak tea-picking season runs from Guyu to Bailu in the lunar calendar, during which tea farmers harvest the leaves at the right time. Yingjing has abundant tea resources, with major production areas distributed across townships such as Sanhe, Xinmiao, Xinjian, Minjian, Huangyi, Anjing, Baofeng, Shizi, WuXian, and Lietai. The county has a total of 23,000 mu of tea plantations. Tazishan is a key tea production base in Yingjing, boasting 250 mu of high-mountain premium tea gardens. The county’s historical peak annual tea production reached 2 million kilograms.

　　Yingjing border tea is divided into six varieties: Kang Brick, Jinjian, Jinlun, Jinyu, Xiyah, and Maojian. Among them, "Kang Brick Tea" is named for its brick-like shape. Yingjing Kang Brick Tea is made by fermenting coarse tea leaves, then blending them in proportion with unfermented coarse strips and fine tea leaves. The mixture is steamed, machine-pressed, wrapped in yellow paper, branded, and packed in bamboo baskets, resulting in a product that is rustic yet uniquely distinctive. Originally branded as "Keluo," it was later renamed "National Unity Brand," exclusively sold in regions such as Garzê and Lhasa. It is known for its excellent quality, high reputation in Tibet, and strong popularity among Tibetan people.

　　After the reform and opening-up, to promote tea production, the county established a tea group company. Building on traditional products, it developed over 30 premium products including "Tashan Brand," "Ganlu," "Mao Feng," "Ancient City Maojian," and "Guanyin Immortal Tea."

　　Yingjing’s new premium teas integrate color, aroma, and taste. They feature jade-like emerald green color, long-lasting rich fragrance, bright yellow-green liquor, mellow and refreshing taste, and a naturally sweet flavor. These teas have won the Western China "Lu Yu Cup" and provincial "Ganlu Cup" Quality Premium Tea Awards for three consecutive sessions.

　　Yingjing tea is of higher quality compared to teas from other regions—thicker leaf texture, heavier body, purer taste, and greater endurance for brewing. It offers high nutritional and health benefits, making it an excellent choice for drinking and gifting. With abundant tea resources, Yingjing has broad prospects for developing both border tea and premium teas. Currently, the industry is gradually moving toward industrialized development.