Basic Introduction to Wuyuan Green Tea

Wuyuan Green Tea (shortened to “Wuyuan Green” or “Wuyuan”) is produced in Wuyuan County, Jiangxi Province, China. Located in the northeastern mountainous area of Jiangxi, the county is surrounded by the Huaiyu and Huangshan mountain ranges. It boasts high terrain, towering peaks, lush mountains, clear waters, fertile soil, a mild climate, abundant rainfall, and year-round mist, making it ideal for tea cultivation. Here, green tea bushes cover the hillsides and every household produces fragrant tea, making it one of China's famous green tea production areas.

Product Characteristics

The leaves are soft and tender, with thick buds and leaves that contain high levels of effective components, making them suitable for producing premium green tea. The “Mingmei” tea made from the “Shang Meizhou” variety of tea leaves is carefully crafted to produce a tea with a clear, lingering fragrance reminiscent of orchids, a mellow and refreshing taste, a bright green and clear infusion, tender yellow-green leaves, fine and delicate strands, prominent tips and hairs, and a lustrous emerald green color.

History and Folk Customs

Wuyuan Green Tea has a long history. In his classic work, “The Classic of Tea,” renowned Tang Dynasty tea expert Lu Yu mentioned that “Shexian tea grows in the valleys of Wuyuan.” In the “Song History: Food and Goods,” the Xieyuan tea from Wuyuan was listed as one of six top teas in the country. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, it was designated as a tribute tea to the imperial court. During the Ming Dynasty, Wuyuan County would offer around 2,500 kilograms of tea annually to the emperor. “Wuyuan Green Tea” entered international markets in the eighteenth century; during the reign of Emperor Qianlong, it was exported to Britain. During the reign of Emperor Xianfeng, four tea houses in Wuyuan — “Yudechang,” “Yudehe,” “Hudedixin,” and “Jinlongtai” — collectively produced thousands of boxes of green tea which were shipped to Hong Kong for sale, generating substantial profits. “Yudesheng” tea house's “Xinliuxiang” green tea was even exported to Western Europe. During the Guangxu era, tea merchant Yu Jieran established the “Xiangxin Industrial Garden” where he cultivated thousands of pots of pearl jasmine and jasmine flowers to be used in the scented tea-making process.

Wuyuan has been an unsung hero in the export of Chinese green tea to the world. All Wuyuan green teas exported overseas are simply labeled as “Chinese Green Tea.”

Awards and Honors

Lingshan Tea from Dafan

During the Ming Dynasty's Jiajing period, Wang Hong, a local resident and then-Minister of Personnel, presented Lingshan tea from Dafan to the emperor, who bestowed a golden plaque with the inscription “Jinzhu Peak.”

Shangtan Tea from Jixi

During the Ming Dynasty's Jiajing period, You Yingqian, a local resident and then-Vice Minister of Revenue, presented Shangtan tea from Jixi to the emperor, who bestowed a Silver medal.

“Xiangxin Yong” Scented Pearl Jasmine tea

In 1910 (the second year of the Xuantong period of the Qing Dynasty), Yu Jieran, who founded the “Xiangxin Yong” tea factory in Longteng Village, Sikou, produced scented pearl jasmine tea that was selected as an exhibit at the Industrial Exposition hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Industry, and Commerce in Nanjing, winning a gold award.

“Wang Jinhe” Green Tea

In 1910 (the second year of the Xuantong period of the Qing Dynasty), the green tea produced by the “Wang Jinhe” tea house, run by Wang Jinhe from Xiaqi, won first prize at the Industrial Exposition hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Industry, and Commerce in Nanjing. In 1915, this tea also won second prize at the Panama-Pacific International Exposition held in San Francisco to celebrate the opening of the Panama Canal.

“Xiehechang” Scented Pearl Jasmine Tea

In 1915 (the fourth year of the Republic of China), the scented pearl jasmine tea produced by the “Xiehechang” tea shop, run by Yu Xiangxin from Longteng Village, Sikou, won first prize at the Panama International Exposition.

“Yifang” Green Tea

In 1915 (the fourth year of the Republic of China), the green tea produced by the “Yifang” tea shop, run by Wang Yiyuan from Yiguan Village, won first prize at the Panama International Exposition.

“Dingshenglong” Green Tea

In 1915 (the fourth year of the Republic of China), the green tea produced by the “Dingshenglong” tea shop, run by the Jin family from Yan Village, won first prize at the Panama International Exposition.

Mingmei

In September 1959, the special “Mingmei” tea produced by the Wuyuan Tea Factory was exhibited at the National Agricultural Exhibition and received a flag awarded by the State Council. The Ministry of Commerce recognized it as a “World-Class Tea Treasure,” while Soviet experts rated it as “The Finest Grade of Green Tea.” In 1982, at the National Famous Tea Appraisal Meeting, it was ranked among the top 30 teas in the country. In 1986, it received the title of “Famous Tea” from the Ministry of Commerce.

Qifeng

In September 1959, the special “Mingmei” tea produced by the Wuyuan Tea Factory was exhibited at the National Agricultural Exhibition and received a flag awarded by the State Council.

Super-Grade Special Treasure

In 1985, the “Super-Grade Special Treasure” green tea produced by the Wuyuan Tea Factory won the silver award for “Quality Product” from the state.

First-Grade Special Treasure

In 1985, the “First-Grade Special Treasure” green tea produced by the Wuyuan Tea Factory won the silver award for “Quality Product” from the state.

First-Grade Rain Tea

In 1985, the “First-Grade Rain Tea” green tea produced by the Zhanggongshan Tea Factory won the silver award for “Quality Product” from the state. In 1986, the “First-Grade Rain Tea” green tea produced by the Wuyuan Tea Factory won the title of “Quality Product” from the Ministry of Light Industry.

First-Grade Gongxi

In 1986, the “First-Grade Gongxi” green tea produced by the Wuyuan Tea Factory won the title of “Quality Product” from the Ministry of Light Industry.

First-Grade Zhenmei

In 1986, the “First-Grade Zhenmei” green tea produced by the Wuyuan Tea Factory won the title of “Quality Product” from the Ministry of Light Industry.

Lingyan Sword Peak

In 1989, Wuyuan Green Tea “Lingyan Sword Peak” was awarded the title of “National Famous Tea” at the national famous tea appraisal meeting.

Dazhangshan Tea

In August 1999, Dazhangshan Tea won the gold award at the 1999 Kunming World Expo.