Tianmu Qingding Tea, also known as Tianmu Yunwu (Cloud and Mist) Tea, is a green tea produced on East Tianmu Mountain in Lin’an County. Tianmu Qingding is characterized by its thick leaves, prominent downy buds, deep green color, and glossy appearance. When brewed, it yields a clear infusion with distinct, unfolding tea buds, a fresh and savory taste, and a lingering, refreshing aroma.
Tianmu Mountain is a historical tea region. Records from the Ming dynasty note the “Three Treasures of Tianmu Mountain”: tea, dried bamboo shoots, and small walnuts, with tea being the most famous. Lu Yu, the Sage of Tea, wrote in Chapter 8 of The Classic of Tea: “Hangzhou’s Lin’an and Yuqian counties produce tea from Tianmu Mountain, comparable to that of Shuzhou.” With its warm climate, humus-rich soil, and up to 250 foggy days a year, the area produces exceptional tea that remains immensely popular to this day.
Most local tea gardens are situated in mountainous areas at altitudes between 600 and 1,200 meters, typically tucked away in mountain hollows to shelter from strong winds. Spring harvest is considered the best, which is further divided into “Dinggu” and “Yuqian” grades, with Dinggu being the highest quality. The standard harvesting method is one bud and one leaf, though one bud and two leaves are also accepted, with one bud and one leaf being the absolute best. The production process involves fixing (kill-green), spreading for cooling, light rolling, and drying. Premium Tianmu Qingding Tea features tightly bound, strip-shaped leaves with thick substance, prominent downy buds, a deep green color, and a glossy sheen. Upon brewing, the liquor is crystal clear, revealing individual unfolding buds with a vibrant, savory flavor and a long-lasting, fresh fragrance.