Baojin Golden Tea

During the Jiajing reign (1522–1566) of the Ming Dynasty, Lu Jie, an imperial censor, fell victim to miasma while traversing dense forests on an inspection tour in Baojing. Fortunately, an elderly Miao woman brewed a concoction using old tea leaves, which swiftly cured him. In gratitude, Lu rewarded her with an ingot of gold and recommended the tea to the emperor as tribute. Thus, "Golden Tea" earned its name. 

Visiting Huangjin Village in spring, you may take part in an ancient ritual worshipping the Tea Ancestor, experience the bustling fair at the foot of Lvdong Mountain, and discover this legendary tea that is worth its weight in gold.

Recommended tea plantations: Ancient tea garden in Huangjin Village, Lvdongshan Town; and, Xianying Tea Industry Sightseeing Park in Dayan Village, Hulu Town.

Best harvest period: Early March - Mid-April.

Hands-on activities: Tea ancestor worship ceremony; village fair; picking tea leaves; and, traditional tea-making. 

Nearby attractions: Lvdong Mountain Scenic Area; Hangji Miao Village; and, Lvdong Miao Village.

Local delicacies: Miao cured meat, wild brake, tea-flavor beer, and tea-flavor liquor.

 (Photo/Guo Liliang) 

Chinese source: hunantoday