Tea garden of Taiping Houkui. [Photo/Huangshan Daily]
The tea fields of Houkeng village in Huangshan district, Huangshan, welcomed a group of visitors from South Korea on June 14. They were part of a delegation from the Korea Tea Culture Graduate School, led by President Jung In-oh of the World Tea Federation, participating in an immersive study tour to discover the secrets of China's renowned Taiping Houkui tea.
Guided by Fang Liyan, deputy general manager of Huangshan Houkeng Tea Company, the group explored the pristine tea gardens. The breathtaking landscape of cloud-veiled peaks and terraced fields offered perfect photo opportunities.
At Houkeng Tea's exhibition hall, the Korean tea scholars learned about the company's history and quality certifications, gaining an appreciation for its dedication to preserving heritage while continuing to innovate. They witnessed firsthand the traditional production techniques used to make Taiping Houkui Tea, which have been designated as a national intangible cultural heritage item.
The visit culminated in a tasting session where the tea's orchid aroma and enduring flavor through multiple infusions earned praise. "This journey connects us to tea's cultural roots," said Jung. "Houkeng's commitment to quality inspires our practice. Tea remains our common language for fostering international exchange," he added.
Houkeng's authentic tea traditions and ecological preservation continue to attract tea enthusiasts from around the world, giving Huangshan a prominent spot on the world map of must-visit tea cultural destinations.
Korean scholars witness the traditional production techniques of Taiping Houkui Tea. [Photo/Huangshan Daily]