On May 8, 2023, tea farmers picked fresh leaves at a vine tea plantation in Jindu Village, Wulingyuan District, Zhangjiajie City, Hunan Province. (Photo/Wu Yongbing)

After the Start of Summer, one of the 24 solar terms on Chinese lunar calendar, the special "vine tea" grown in the Wuling mountainous area has entered high production and sales season. Tea farmers are busy picking fresh tea leaves and processing tea products to supply markets.

Vine tea, also known as Ampelopsis grossedentata, is a type of plant that is native to Zhangjiajie and is often used for medicinal purposes. The locals often refer to it as "meicha" or "wild tea". Tujia people affectionately refer to it as 'Tujia divine tea' since it has both edible and medicinal properties. Rich in flavonoids, it has such effects as antioxidant and immune regulation and becomes popular among customers. In recent years, the local government has relied on rich tourism resources and excellent ecological environment to vigorously promote vine tea cultivation, driving farmers to increase income and become rich.

On May 8, 2023, tea farmers picked fresh leaves at a vine tea plantation in Jindu Village, Wulingyuan District, Zhangjiajie City, Hunan Province. (Photo/Wu Yongbing)

On May 8, 2023, a tea farmer dried vine tea leaves at a vine tea plantation in Jindu Village, Wulingyuan District, Zhangjiajie City, Hunan Province. (Photo/Wu Yongbing)

This article is from the Hunan Provincial Government www.enghunan.gov.cn.

Translator: Yu Jiangjiang

Chinese source: People's Daily