Tea, commonly known as cha, is a beverage made from the leaves and buds of the tea tree that have been processed. It originated in China and has a long history and rich cultural connotations. Depending on the season, tea can be categorized into spring tea, summer tea, autumn tea, and winter tea.
In addition to traditional types of tea, there are also reprocessed teas, which include flower tea, pressed tea, extracted tea, tea foods, and tea-containing beverages, where tea extracts are added to drinks.
The origin of tea can be traced back over 6,000 years to the Tianshu Mountain area in Yuyao, Zhejiang, China. Archaeological discoveries indicate that Tianshu Mountain is the earliest place in China where tea trees were cultivated, closely linked to Chinese culture.
1. West Lake Longjing
West Lake Longjing is one of China’s top ten famous teas, with a history dating back over 1,200 years. Its name comes from the surrounding mountains near Longjing Village in Hangzhou, where exceptional natural conditions produce this tea treasure.
Top-grade West Lake Longjing tea has flat, smooth, and straight leaves with a tender green sheen and a refreshing, sweet taste. The tea harvested before Qingming Festival is praised in the tea community as “Mingqian Longjing,” known for its superior quality.
Sipping a cup of Mingqian Longjing feels like experiencing the fresh atmosphere of springtime Hangzhou. After brewing, it has a lasting, fragrant aroma, a light yellowish-green color, and a delightful taste that lingers.
Emperor Qianlong praised West Lake Longjing tea during his visit to West Lake, designating eighteen tea trees at the Hu Gong Temple under Shifeng Mountain as “Imperial Tea,” significantly enhancing its fame.
2. Biluochun
Biluochun, a type of green tea with over 1,000 years of history, derives its name from its origin in Dongting Mountain, Suzhou. It is a gem of Chinese tea culture.
The process of making Biluochun is an art, involving key steps such as killing the green, rolling, shaping, and frying, all requiring the tea artisans’ rich experience and skill.
