The
two main peaks of Mt. Tianmu (Eyes looking Heavenward), East and
West Tianmu, are each topped by a pool that never dries up, hence
the name. They are located directly west of Hangzhou near the
western edges of Zhejiang province. The mountain is famous for its
natural resources and scenery of waterfalls and streams. The warm,
moist climate that enables it to be the home of numerous rare
animals and birds and many kinds of plants also makes the area a
good tea producer. Its tea occupies a very important place in
china's tea production. With bamboo shoots and walnuts, tea is
prized as one of the "three treasures of Tianmu."
The
tea bushes grow in the valleys, where it is misty three-fourths of
the year. Tianmu Qingding tea is mainly from the cloud and mist
belt, between 1600 and 4000 feet. The summit is too windy to grow
tea. The processed leaves are tight, dark green strips with visible
hair and many leaf-bud sets.
Qingding tea is also used for scenting as Jasmine and Yulan
(Magnolia) tea.
