Leishan Silver Ball Tea

Leishan Silver Ball Tea

Leishan Silver Ball Tea is a geographical indication protected product.

　　Leigongshan Silver Ball Tea is a specialty of Leigongshan in Leishan County, Qiandongnan Prefecture, Guizhou Province. Leigongshan Silver Ball Tea is meticulously processed from high-quality one-bud-one-leaf and one-bud-two-leaves tea leaves sourced from eco-friendly tea gardens located deep within the misty Leigongshan National Nature Reserve.

　　The Silver Ball Tea is found within the Leigongshan National Nature Reserve at an altitude of 1300–1400 meters. The soil here is loose and fertile, often shrouded in mist with abundant diffused light, ample rainfall, and fresh air—all contributing to the excellent internal quality of the tea. Additionally, the tea leaves contain up to 2.00–2.02 micrograms of selenium per gram, which is 15 times the average selenium content found in typical teas.

　　Leigongshan Silver Ball Tea is crafted from premium tea leaves—one-bud-one-leaf and one-bud-two-leaves—harvested from the misty eco-tea gardens deep within the Leigongshan National Nature Reserve. Its unique shape is the first of its kind in China, with each silver-grey to dark green ball measuring 18–20 millimeters in diameter and weighing 2.5 grams when dry. Place one ball per cup, pour in 150 milliliters of boiling water, and after three minutes, the ball slowly unfurls in the cup, resembling a budding flower or a lotus lifting its head, standing gracefully. As steam rises, the tea leaves dance inside the cup like rolling green clouds or a heavenly maiden scattering blossoms. The refreshing fragrance and the dynamic shape of the tea create a visual delight and offer a true appreciation of tea culture and art.

　　When tasting Silver Ball Tea, observe its shape, inhale its aroma, and savor its flavor. The fragrance is lofty and clean, with a rich chestnut aroma and a thick, fresh, and sweet aftertaste that lingers in the empty cup. The tea liquor is bright yellow-green, with visible tender buds and fine hairs at the bottom of the cup. Savoring it slowly is an indescribable experience. “On a cold night, when a guest arrives, serve tea instead of wine.” Though tea may not be as invigorating as wine, it brings a sense of peace. Tea can be enjoyed alone or shared with others. It’s a wonderful way to gather friends, chat freely, discuss tea, and appreciate the art—offering a unique flavor and refined pleasure.

　　Honors of Silver Ball Tea:

　　       Won the title of Guizhou Famous Tea in 1986;

　　       Awarded Quality Product by the Ministry of Light Industry from 1986 to 1989;

　　       Won the Gold Award at the First China Food Expo in 1988;

　　       Passed national-level appraisal at the National Quality Food Selection Conference on June 10, 1990;

　　       Won the Third Prize for Scientific and Technological Progress in Guizhou Province in 1990;

　　       Selected as a diplomatic gift for overseas embassies at the Gift Selection Exhibition hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in July 1991;

　　       Won Excellent New Product at the China Food Industry Ten-Year Achievement Exhibition in 1991;

　　       Won the National Famous Tea Product Award in 1996;

　　       Won the Gold Award at the 4th China-Japan-Korea International Famous Tea Competition in 2002;

　　       At the 2008 China Green Tea (Guzhang) Summit Forum, "Silver Ball Tea" won the Silver Award, and "Qingming Tea" won an Excellence Award;

　　       On May 22, 2011, it was honored with the Special Gold Award for Chinese Famous Tea at the 2011 China (Shanghai) Tea Expo.