There is an old Chinese saying that “famous mountains produce famous tea.” Mount Huangshan is one of the best-known locations for growing high-quality green teas in Anhui Province. Anhui is a major agricultural tea-producing region in eastern China and includes both flat and mountainous areas.
Maofeng is certainly one of the finest teas. A special processing technique makes it strong yet very refreshing. Its pleasant aroma is reminiscent of a fresh orchid. Huangshan and the surrounding region were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1990, which is very important because the surrounding tea fields will be preserved.
All six types of tea are produced in this area, but the highest-quality teas from Anhui Province are black, green, and yellow teas. Rich red clay and the higher elevations around the mountain create a perfect environment for growing tea. Tea has been cultivated in the province for thousands of years, and many teas are not exported to Western countries because of high demand in China.
Anhui is probably the region with the largest number of famous Chinese teas. At least five Anhui teas are included among China’s finest and best-known teas: Huangshan Mao Feng, Taiping Houkui, Liu’an Gua Pian, Dinggu Da Fang, and Keemun Black Tea.
Because Anhui lies in the transitional area between northern and southern China, people from both regions have influenced its culture for centuries. The highest-quality materials for Chinese calligraphy also come from Anhui Province, including ink, paper, and stone ink vessels.
Last but not least, Anhui cuisine, consisting of game or fish with local herbs, is considered one of the eight foundations of Chinese cuisine, along with the province’s teas.
