Spring has arrived in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, bringing with it the bustling activity of tea leaf picking in the renowned West Lake tea growing area. Local residents are busy harvesting \"Mingqian cha,\" a special variety of tea leaves named for their harvest occurring before the Qingming Festival, also known as Tomb-sweeping Day.
The term \"Mingqian cha\" translates to \"tea leaves picked before Qingming,\" reflecting its placement within the 24 solar terms of the traditional Chinese calendar. This period is celebrated for its tender tea sprouts, which are highly prized for their delicate flavor and superior quality.
Due to the unique timing of the harvest, \"Mingqian cha\" is produced in limited quantities, making it exceptionally precious. As the saying goes, \"Mingqian cha is as precious as gold.\" This seasonal tea not only represents a rich cultural tradition but also supports the local economy by attracting tea enthusiasts and tourists to the picturesque West Lake region.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
