In the southern part of the Chinese landmass lies a region favored by time, known as Anhua in Hunan Province. Here, the story of this thousand-year-old Tea region unfolds like an enduring symphony, echoing through the ages and narrating the legend and allure of Black Tea.

After the Grain Rain season, the tea gardens of Anhua seem to come alive with nature's rhythm. The vast green sea of tea leaves, nestled among mountains such as Yuntai Mountain, Baiyun Peak, and Chahualing, presents a vibrant landscape. With 360,000 mu of tea gardens entering their prime for spring harvest, tea farmers wearing straw hats skillfully pluck the tender buds, gradually filling their bamboo baskets. This is not only a testament to their hard work but also a continuation of the heritage and dedication to black Tea culture.

Visitors are also drawn to these tea gardens, experiencing the joy of spring outings and tea picking while feeling the perfect blend of nature and culture. Each leaf here carries the weight of history, and every pluck feels like a conversation with the past. Wearing a straw hat and stepping into the garden, one can almost hear the call of this ancient tea region, an irresistible allure.

In the town of Anhua, the Zi River flows like a silver ribbon, wide and serene, with waves glistening. The houses on both banks are staggered and orderly, connected by bridges, creating a unique urban landscape. Specialty shops featuring tea products and tea culture experience centers line the main streets, vividly showcasing the essence of Anhua's black tea culture. Here, the scent of tea permeates every corner of the city.

Anhua, as the birthplace of black tea, boasts a long history and profound cultural heritage. However, in the 1980s, due to unregulated development, the black tea industry experienced a downturn. But with the call for rural revitalization, Anhua has undergone years of refined development centered around tea, ushering in a new era. In recent years, the annual comprehensive output value of tea has exceeded 20 billion yuan, lifting 100,000 people out of poverty. These numbers are both inspiring and solid proof of the revival of the black tea industry.

Through a thousand years of change, the journey through Anhua's tea culture is filled with mystery and charm. At Dongshi Old Street at the end of the Yaotoujian Ancient Trail, visitors feel as if they have stepped back in time, retracing the stone paths once trodden by horse caravans transporting tea northward. The sounds of footsteps on the worn stone pavement intermingle with camera shutters, a dialogue between history and modernity. In the Jiangnan Ten Thousand Mu Tea Garden, the most delicate “one bud and one leaf” is gently picked by women dressed in traditional attire. Their elegant posture and focused expression evoke images of ancient tea pickers. In the Anhua Black Tea Art and Culture Museum, professional tea masters demonstrate brewing techniques with patience and grace for those eager to learn. Here, tea is not just a beverage but also an art form and a culture.

With the continuous integration of tea and tourism, the “ritual” of drinking tea in Anhua becomes richer. Starting from a single leaf, using tourism as a breakthrough, the ancient tea region has been rejuvenated. In the World Black Tea Grand Theatre, the large-scale stage production “The World Tea Way” tells the story of the “China-Mongolia-Russia Thousand Mile Tea Route,” focusing on the tale of young caravan leader A Xuan venturing onto the tea route for his beloved Yilan. Advanced technologies such as 5G, multimedia, and all-weather simulation systems create an immersive experience, bringing the audience closer to the grandeur of that historical period. Each captivating scene and touching story deepens the understanding of the cultural significance of black tea.

Built upon its rich cultural resources and combined with contemporary elements, Anhua's industrial chain extends from tea cultivation and processing. Here, the travel experience gains a new twist. As the domain of ancient Meishan, during festivals, harvest celebrations, and gatherings of tribal leaders, the former Mei King would host lavish feasts. Dishes like horse caravan meat, chicken feather mushrooms, and crispy bamboo shoots, all full of regional flavor, are served alongside black tea, becoming signature dishes of Anhua hospitality. Anhua is also known as the “city in the forest,” with a forest coverage rate of 77%. Leveraging its natural advantages, ecological parks thrive. In the eastern outskirts of the town, a seasonal flower garden composed of 98 small hills is in full bloom with roses and azaleas, attracting many visitors for photography. Here, people can fully enjoy the gifts of nature and the harmonious blend of tea and the environment.

The abundance of tourism and cultural projects increases the added value of the tea industry and injects new vitality into Anhua's development. In 2013, the county received 1.213 million tourists, generating 630 million yuan in tourism revenue; by 2025, it welcomed 11.2 million visitors, with tourism revenue reaching 9.5 billion yuan. Over a decade, the number of visitors increased tenfold, and tourism revenue grew fifteenfold. This is an astonishing pace of development and a testament to the fruitful results of Anhua's integrated tea and tourism development.

The story of Anhua begins with tea but encompasses much more. It is a magnificent epic of history, culture, nature, and humanity. Moving forward, Anhua will continue to develop distinctive internet-famous destinations, deeply integrating tea, tourism, culture, sports, and health to offer a twenty-four-hour healthy tea lifestyle. Here, each leaf will continue to write the legend of Anhua, and every cup of black tea will bring endless reflection and enjoyment.

Let us step into Anhua together, savor the flavor of black tea, and experience the charm of this thousand-year-old tea region. Let us witness the glory and development of this land and pursue our dreams and create the future together. Anhua black tea will forever shine uniquely through the passage of time.