As a birthplace of Chinese tea and Zen tea, and an essential section of the Tang Poetry Road, Xinchang County in Shaoxing, Zhejiang Province has been reputed for its wonderful mountains, water, and tea since the Six Dynasties.

Recently, reporters from over 10 central and regional news media have gathered in Xinchang for a trip to experience the unique charm of the tea town.

After driving 17 km southwestward out of Xinchang, the reporters reached Xiayanbei Village of Dongming Town. Walking on the road of the tea plantation, they plucked the tea leaves by hands.

When they returned to Baiyun Academy in Xinchang, the tea artists there were brewing a type of tea produced with ancient techniques, which is called Zhizhu Yifeng. Shi Zhenghan, the master of Dafo Temple introduced, “Generally, it is not easy to preserve green tea in the natural environment, however, the Tianmu tea produced with ancient techniques has gone beyond the limit. It can be made in three seasons. Spring tea produces a pleasant scent, summer tea has a strong flavor, while autumn tea tastes pure and mellow. Easy to store and with a mild flavor, it has brought blessings to local tea farmers.”

At the end of the day, the media delegation paid a visit to the Chinese tea market of Xinchang County. As the largest distribution center of Longjing tea in China, the Xinchang tea market consists of three phases. The first phase is the Xinchang trading market of tea; the second phase is the trading center for six types of Chinese tea; the third phase is a tea culture museum. 

Top things to do in Xinchang's tea gardens:

1. Walk around the tea market 

The Chinese tea market of Xinchang is the largest distribution center of Longjing tea in China.

2. Visit tea plantations

Enveloped in mists and fogs all year round, the tea plantations at Xiayanbei Village of Dongming Town are beautiful and enchanting.

3. Learn the tea art

When you come to Xinchang and walk into Qingyuan Tea House and Baiyun Academy, tea artists will teach you how to perform traditional Chinese tea ceremonies.

4. Understand the soul of tea

When in Xinchang, do as the Xinchangers do. Relax and try to immerse yourself in this beautiful tea county!