Farmers pick white tea in the tea garden. [Photo/fujian-szwhg.chaoxing.com]

White tea originated in Fuding, Fujian province. Its production technique has been recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage item under the traditional craft category. The white tea gardens, located around the Tailao Mountain range, span 17 townships.

Among China's six famous teas, white tea stands out for its plump buds covered in white hairs. Varieties like baihao yinzhen (white fluff silver needle), baimudan (white peony), gongmei, and the newly crafted white tea are derived from trees such as dabai (big white) tea tree.

White tea, a lightly fermented tea, undergoes a unique production process involving no frying or rolling, allowing for moderate natural oxidation to preserve active enzymes and polyphenols. Techniques like withering, piling, drying, and sorting are crucial. The tea's refined process includes steps like raw tea preparation, hand-picking, finished tea production, uniform stacking, baking, and packaging. Due to temperature variations, white tea production techniques are categorized into normal climate processing and abnormal climate processing.

White tea's distinct apricot-yellow liquor, delicate aroma, and fresh, sweet taste make it a favorite among tea enthusiasts. The accompanying tea ceremony rituals, such as cleansing utensils, adding tea leaves, pouring water, admiring the tea, smelling the fragrance, and savoring each sip, enrich the experience with unique aesthetic significance.

Workers process Fuding white tea. [Photo/fujian-szwhg.chaoxing.com]