Traditional tea processing techniques and their associated social practices in China were added to UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity on Nov 29. 

The coastal city of Yantai in East China's Shandong province has a long history of planting tea, which dates back to the late Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279) and the early Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368). The Haiyang Green Tea Processing Technique is the most recognized in Yantai, and was inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity of Shandong Province in 2021.

Haiyang boasts lush soil and moist climate conditions, which are perfect for harvesting tea. Currently, the city has 24,000 mu (1,600 hectares) of tea production areas, accounting for nearly 70 percent of Yantai's total. The local government has released a slew of supportive measures to boost the development of the tea industry. Haiyang Green Tea benefited from these measures and was registered as a certified trademark of geographical indication, and has become a famous brand in northern areas in China.

In recent years, the tea industry in Haiyang has grown rapidly, which has in turn helped the city adjust its agricultural structure, and increase local farmers' incomes.

The Haiyang Green Tea Processing Technique is the most recognized in Yantai, and was inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity of Shandong Province in 2021. [Photo/WeChat account: ytwlgw]

Haiyang Green Tea is a certification trademark of geographical indication, and has become a famous brand in northern areas in China. [Photo/WeChat account: ytwlgw]

Haiyang boasts lush soil and moist climate conditions, which are suitable for harvesting tea. [Photo/WeChat account: ytwlgw]