The 2026 spring picking season for Taiping Houkui Tea opened in Houkeng village, Huangshan, on April 16.
The launch event combined performances, product promotion, business signings and industry awards, underscoring the importance of the famed tea to the local economy. Known for its distinctive "two leaves embracing one bud" shape and lasting orchid-like aroma, Taiping Houkui Tea is one of China's best-known teas and a national geographical indication product.
Performers stage the drama Monkey King of Houkeng Enjoys Spring Tea at the opening ceremony. [Photo/WeChat account: huangshanribao]
Houkeng, a core production area, has 360 hectares of tea gardens managed under ecological, standardized and science-based practices to ensure quality. Facing changing market demand this year, local producers have adjusted their product mix by increasing output of mid- and lower-priced varieties and improving packaging to better match consumer preferences. Prices for premium tea are expected to remain stable, while those of mid- and lower-range products may edge down.
Taiping Houkui Tea. [Photo/WeChat account: huangshanribao]
With a brand value of 5.298 billion yuan ($776.7 million), Taiping Houkui Tea ranks fifth among China's geographical indication products. In 2025, Huangshan district produced 1,722.8 metric tons of tea, generating 720 million yuan in primary output value and 3.9 billion yuan in comprehensive output value.