Spring has sprung in Hangzhou, and that means one thing: it's time for the Mingqian Cha harvest! 🌿✨
The West Lake tea-growing area in east China's Zhejiang Province is buzzing with activity as locals begin picking the first tea leaves of the season. Known for its delicate and tender sprouts, Mingqian Cha—literally \"tea leaves picked before the Qingming Festival\"—is prized for its exceptional quality and limited availability.
The Qingming Festival, also known as Tomb-Sweeping Day, is one of the 24 solar terms in the traditional Chinese calendar. Tea leaves harvested before this period are said to capture the essence of early spring, making them as precious as gold. 💰🍵
Due to the short picking window and the tenderness of the sprouts, the production of Mingqian Cha is low, which only adds to its allure. Sipping on this tea isn't just enjoying a beverage; it's experiencing a cherished part of Chinese culture that dates back centuries.
So if you're a tea lover or just curious about unique cultural traditions, now's the perfect time to explore Hangzhou's tea fields and perhaps even join in the harvest! 🌄✈️
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
