Basic Introduction of Xingang Black Tea
Xingang Black Tea is a curled type of gongfu black tea developed by Huaiji Gaoshan Qing Agricultural Products Co., Ltd. Its fresh leaves are harvested from high-altitude tea gardens located above 800 meters.
The Xingang Gaoshan Qing tea plantation is situated within the Huaiji County, in the northwest of Guangdong Province, an area known as “Guangdong's Huangshan.” It boasts a high elevation with significant day-to-night temperature differences and is perpetually shrouded in mist, providing an ideal environment for the cultivation of premium teas. The plantation benefits from its unique geographical climate and implements an approach prioritizing prevention and integrated pest management, utilizing physical control methods and primarily organic fertilizers. As a result, the produced tea possesses distinctive characteristics such as unique aroma, rich flavor, good durability when steeped, alluring fragrance, and a pleasant aftertaste. Additionally, it contains abundant amino acids and polyphenols, beneficial to health. The “color,” “aroma,” and “flavor” of Xingang Black Tea have been evaluated by tea experts and found to be on par or superior to those of its origin.
The production process draws upon the essence of traditional Chinese gongfu black tea while incorporating improvements. The production process of Xingang Black Tea includes: sun-withering, indoor-withering, rolling, fermentation, and drying. For indoor-withering, instead of using traditional withering troughs, a thin-layered cooling rack is employed, ensuring more uniformity in the withering process. Fermentation is conducted in bamboo baskets, facilitating better monitoring of the fermentation progress. These two process enhancements contribute to the superior quality and unique aroma of Xingang Black Tea compared to traditional Chinese gongfu black teas.
Use of Geographical Indication Mark
Producers within the designated origin area of Xingang Black Tea can apply to the Market Supervision Administration of Huaiji County, Guangdong Province, to use the “Geographical Indication Product Special Mark.” After review by the Quality and Technology Supervision Bureau of Guangdong Province and approval by the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection, and Quarantine (AQSIQ), the application will be announced. The testing institution for Xingang Black Tea will be selected by the Quality and Technology Supervision Bureau of Guangdong Province from among qualified institutions.
Product Characteristics
“Xingang Black Tea” belongs to the Qingxin Oolong variety grown at high altitudes and is highly regarded by consumers for its outstanding quality, unique taste, and lingering fragrance. “Xingang Frozen Summit Tea” has a bright yellow-green liquor, a concentrated and fresh taste with a hint of orchid fragrance, and a long-lasting aftertaste. “Xingang Black Tea” has a floral and honey-like aroma, a bright reddish-brown liquor, a fresh and fragrant taste, and a tender, sweet, and long-lasting aftertaste.
Production Method
Process Flow: Withering – Rolling – Fermentation – Drying – Roasting.
Process Requirements:
(1) Withering: Fresh tea leaves are withered in bamboo trays, reducing their moisture content to around 60%.
(2) Rolling: Initially gentle and then more vigorous, lasting approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, achieving a cell damage rate of over 85%.
(3) Fermentation: Placed in bamboo baskets for fermentation until the leaves turn yellowish-red and the aroma develops.
(4) Drying: At a temperature of about 80°C to halt fermentation.
(5) Roasting: Dried until the moisture content is ≤6.5%, allowing the tea's aroma to emerge.
Awards and Honors
In 2014, “Xingang Peony Red” won an Excellence Award at the Third National Tea Competition “National Drink Cup.”
In September 2016, Xingang Black Tea was certified by the China Green Food Development Center as a green food product.
In November 2016, Xingang Black Tea won the Gold Medal for Black Tea at the 2016 Autumn Name-Brand and High-Quality Tea Competition organized by the Guangdong Tea culture Research Association.
In October 2025, “Xingang Black Tea” received the title of Guangdong Famous Brand Product.
In March 2025, the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection, and Quarantine of China issued an announcement approving the implementation of national geographical indication product protection for “Xingang Black Tea” from Huaiji.