Abstract: Huangshan Maofeng Tea, as a treasure of Chinese Tea culture, is steeped in mystery and legend. This article analyzes its historical and cultural background, environmental characteristics, production processes, value and benefits, and inheritance and innovation, to expound on the thousand-year-old tradition of taste and the beauty of exploring Huangshan Maofeng tea. (Limited perspective; April 2024).

Keywords: China; tea culture; Huangshan Maofeng; tea aroma; heritage exploration

I. History and Culture of Huangshan Maofeng Tea

1.1 Origins and Legends

Huangshan Maofeng tea, as a treasure of Chinese tea culture, is filled with mystery and legendary tales. According to historical records, Huangshan Maofeng tea originated during the Tang Dynasty when a tea farmer in the Huangshan region discovered a unique tea tree whose leaves resembled sparrow tongues, were emerald green in color, and had a pleasant aroma. The tea farmer carefully picked and processed these leaves, eventually creating Huangshan Maofeng tea.

The legends surrounding Huangshan Maofeng tea are rich and varied. It is said that long ago, a sage in the Huangshan region sought an herb that could prolong life and traveled far and wide. Finally, he found a magical tea garden at the peak of Huangshan, where the tea trees flourished and the leaves were of superior quality. The sage took these leaves back to heaven and presented them to the Jade Emperor, who praised their taste and named them “Huangshan Maofeng.” He then ordered the sages to plant these tea trees on Huangshan for the enjoyment of the heavenly court.

These origins and legends have added a rich cultural foundation to Huangshan Maofeng tea, making it a shining jewel in Chinese tea culture. Today, Huangshan Maofeng tea has become one of the representatives of Chinese tea culture, attracting countless tea enthusiasts with its unique qualities and flavors. When savoring Huangshan Maofeng tea, people are also experiencing a thousand years of tradition and culture, feeling the beauty of tea aroma.

1.2 Development and Inheritance of Tea Culture

Huangshan Maofeng tea, as a treasure of traditional Chinese tea culture, has undergone development and inheritance over thousands of years, embodying the wisdom and efforts of countless tea makers. Since ancient times, the inheritance of tea culture has been closely linked with poetry, calligraphy, painting, and other arts, forming a unique cultural system. During the Song Dynasty, literati often gathered to share tea and discuss philosophy, leaving behind many famous poems. In the Ming Dynasty, as tea-making techniques advanced, Huangshan Maofeng tea gradually emerged as a top choice among tribute teas.

In modern times, with globalization and improved living standards, Huangshan Maofeng tea has gradually expanded beyond China's borders and into the world. An increasing number of international friends have come to understand and appreciate this tea with a thousand-year tradition. At the same time, the inheritance of domestic tea culture has taken on diverse forms. On one hand, traditional tea art performances and tea culture lectures are actively held, attracting enthusiastic participation from many tea enthusiasts. On the other hand, modern technology, such as live streaming and short videos, has injected new vitality into the inheritance of tea culture, making it more accessible to young people.

Innovation within tradition is an important direction for the development of Huangshan Maofeng tea culture. In recent years, some tea companies have begun to combine traditional tea-making techniques with modern technology to develop products that better suit modern tastes. Additionally, tea tourism has become a new form of travel, attracting many visitors to experience the charm of tea culture. These innovative measures not only enrich the connotations of tea culture but also inject new momentum into the inheritance and development of Huangshan Maofeng tea.

As Lu Yu, the tea sage, once said, “Tea as a beverage began with Divine Farmer Shennong and became known through Duke Zhou of Lu.” The development and inheritance of Huangshan Maofeng tea vividly embodies the enduring nature of Chinese tea culture. In the future, we hope that Huangshan Maofeng tea will continue to inherit and promote the essence of Chinese tea culture, bringing the wonderful experience of a thousand-year tradition to more people.

II. Growth Environment and Characteristics of Huangshan Maofeng Tea

2.1 Growth Environment and Climatic Conditions

The growth environment of Huangshan Maofeng tea can be described as exceptional. It is primarily produced in the Fuxi, Tangkou, Fangcun, Yangcun, and San Kou areas of Huangshan District, Anhui Province, China, where the altitude reaches 700–800 meters. The terrain is rugged and mountainous. The climatic conditions in the Huangshan region are unique, with a subtropical monsoon climate, distinct seasons, abundant rainfall, and misty conditions. This humid climate provides excellent conditions for the growth of Huangshan Maofeng tea, allowing the leaves to absorb the essence of nature fully.

The soil in the Huangshan region is mostly mountain yellow loam and mountain brown loam, which are rich in organic matter and minerals, providing ample nutrients for the growth of tea plants. Additionally, the significant temperature difference between day and night in the Huangshan region, with ample sunlight during the day and cooler temperatures at night, is conducive to the accumulation of nutrients in the tea leaves, giving Huangshan Maofeng tea its distinctive aroma and flavor. Studies show that the average annual temperature in the Huangshan region is around 15°C, with an annual precipitation of over 1,600 millimeters and a relative humidity above 70%, providing good assurance for the growth of Huangshan Maofeng tea.

The growth environment of Huangshan Maofeng tea also benefits from its unique geographical location and topography. The Huangshan region is located in a subtropical monsoon climate zone, with distinct seasons, abundant rainfall, and misty conditions. This humid climate allows the tea leaves to absorb moisture and nutrients from the air during growth, ensuring the quality and flavor of the tea. Furthermore, the rugged terrain and mountainous landscape provide good shade and wind protection for the tea plants, protecting them from direct sunlight and strong winds during growth.

Thanks to the exceptional growth environment and climatic conditions of the Huangshan region, Huangshan Maofeng tea stands out among various tea varieties, becoming one of the most revered teas. Its unique aroma, flavor, and quality have made Huangshan Maofeng tea a favorite in the market, becoming the preferred choice for tea enthusiasts seeking to savor a thousand-year tradition and explore the beauty of tea aroma.

2.2 Characteristics and Quality Identification of Tea Leaves

Huangshan Maofeng tea, as one of China's traditional famous teas, is characterized by its distinct features and outstanding quality. Firstly, in appearance, Huangshan Maofeng tea has a bright green color, tightly twisted and evenly sized leaves, and visible white down, like a maiden dressed in Silver, elegant and noble. When brewed, the leaves unfold gracefully in the water, like green leaves dancing, adding great aesthetic value. Secondly, in terms of flavor, Huangshan Maofeng tea has a clear and persistent aroma, a fresh and refreshing taste with a sweet aftertaste, a clear and bright liquor color, and tender and uniform leaves at the bottom. This unique flavor is unforgettable and leaves a lasting impression.

In terms of quality identification, Huangshan Maofeng tea has strict standards. Firstly, the picking time, part of the plant picked, and picking methods significantly impact the quality. Generally, Spring Tea is of the best quality because the tea plants have rested over the winter, producing stout buds and leaves rich in internal substances. Secondly, the tea-making process is also key to quality identification. The production process of Huangshan Maofeng tea includes picking, fixation, rolling, and drying. Each step requires skilled craftsmanship and strict control. Lastly, the storage and packaging of the tea are also critical factors affecting quality. Only proper storage and packaging can maintain the freshness and quality of the tea.

In identifying the quality of Huangshan Maofeng tea, scientific methods can also be employed. For example, detecting the content of polyphenols, amino acids, and other nutritional components in the tea can determine the quality. Modern analytical techniques can also be used to analyze the aroma and flavor components of the tea, allowing for a more accurate assessment of its quality. Additionally, experienced tea farmers and merchants may identify quality through observing the appearance of the tea, smelling its aroma, and tasting its flavor.

In summary, Huangshan Maofeng tea has won the affection of consumers with its unique appearance, flavor, and quality. When savor