Basic Introduction to Jingde Tian Shan Zhen Xiang Tea
“Tian Shan Zhen Xiang” tea is produced in Tian Shan, Jingde County, Anhui Province. It is a newly created premium tea that won first place at the provincial famous tea competition in June 1988. To brew this tea, it is recommended to use a glass cup or a porcelain cup, not too large, and preferably with mineral water, mountain stream water, or rainwater (clean rain collected during rainy days). Use about 3 grams of tea leaves per cup (maintain a ratio of 50:1 for water to tea), and the water temperature should be around 85°C when brewing. After Steeping for 2-3 minutes, you can start savoring the tea. Enjoying Tian Shan Zhen Xiang offers a unique pleasure. When steeped in a glass cup, the tea leaves initially intertwine and float before settling at the bottom of the cup, resembling fresh bamboo shoots after the rain, vivid and lifelike. The clear broth and the shadow of the buds are pleasing to the eye. When the lid is slightly opened, an enticing fragrance greets the nose. Sip slowly and enjoy the lingering aroma that fills your senses. Even after several infusions, the tea's aroma remains, leaving a long-lasting aftertaste.
Tian Shan, within Jingde County in southern Anhui, is part of the eastern range of Huangshan Mountain and is just 8 kilometers away from the famous Tian Du Peak scenic area in a straight line. Surrounded by undulating mountains and crisscrossing streams, the region features high forests, deep valleys, thick soil, and fertile land. The prime tea-growing areas are located in the deep valleys and gorges at altitudes ranging from 400 to 700 meters. On sunny days, clouds and mist shroud the area, while on rainy days, vast cloud seas stretch out as far as the eye can see. Such a naturally blessed environment enriches the tea plants with the essence of the mountains and rivers, resulting in a tea with a rich, pure flavor and a high aroma.
Geographical Scope
The protected area for Tian Shan Zhen Xiang tea includes the high-altitude tea gardens located between 400 and 700 meters above sea level in 9 towns and townships across Jingde County, Anhui Province: Miaoshou Town, Xinglong Town, Suncun Town, Baidi Town, Sanxi Town, Caijiaqiao Town, Yunle Township, Ban Shu Township, Yuzhen Village, and Jingyang Town. The geographical boundaries extend from Fangdai Village in Yuzhen Township to the east, Gaojia Village in Baidi Town to the south, Xiangyun Village in Miaoshou Town to the west, and Xu Village in Yunle Township to the north. The geographic coordinates are from 118°15′38.86″E to 118°44′15.43″E and 30°07′19.28″N to 30°29′13.76″N. The total area of the tea gardens is 1,600 hectares, with an annual production of 98 tons.
Product Characteristics
Tian Shan Zhen Xiang tea is typically harvested between Qingming and Guyu, with the picking standards divided into five grades based primarily on the tenderness of the tea shoots. The highest grade consists entirely of buds, the first grade is made from one bud and one young leaf, the second grade is one bud and two young leaves, the third grade is one bud and two fully unfolded leaves, and other grades are used for Green Tea. The finished product has a straight, slightly flattened shape, a lustrous green color, robust buds with visible downy hairs, and a light green broth.
Historical and Cultural Context
This newly created premium green tea is produced in the Tian Shan area of Jingde County, Anhui Province, which is located in the northeastern foothills of the Huangshan Mountains. The production period is divided into “Pre-Qingming Tea,” which is picked and processed before April 5 (Qingming Festival) when the tea shoots are just emerging, tender like lotus hearts, hence also known as “lotus heart.” “Pre-Guyu Tea” is picked and processed before April 20 (Guyu Festival) and consists of one bud and one leaf, hence also called “flag and spear.”