Mt.
Emei in Sichuan province is one of China's four mountains sacred to
Buddhism. Many secular travelers also visit it to tour the historic
temples and enjoy the green wooded scenery, Another of the joys of
the mountain for some is to drink E Ruizi tea, which is only
available in China. The mountain mists make many areas around Mt.
Emei famous tea producers.
E
of course means Mt. Emei, and Ruizi means "pistils." The buds of the
processed tea look like pistils among the dark green eyebrow-shaped
leaves covered with fine hair.
This tea is known for its lift to the spirits, and the feeling of
relaxation it imparts. Picking takes place about ten days before
Qingming Festival (early April) when the buds are the size of a
grain of rice. The beverage is a clear green with a strong aroma and
long-lasting aftertaste.
