Sichuan Province is the First Place in the World to Grow Tea

Sichuan covers a large area and has a diverse climate. Although parts of the province have a humid subtropical climate with precipitation following the same monsoon pattern as much of China, the climate of much of Sichuan is considerably more arid than provinces farther to the south and east. Desertification is a major problem in Sichuan, particularly in the most arid parts to the northwest. Tea can only be grown in the wetter parts of the province.

Sichuan province is one of the places where tea plants originated. Zhuyeqing, a type of green tea produced in Mount E’mei, is one of the most famous teas in Chengdu and all of China. Zhuyeqing is treasured for its long-lasting fragrance, refreshing taste, and health benefits, and favored by locals and travelers alike.

 Ya’an  city is the birthplace of Tibetan tea and also one of the earliest areas in China to plant tea trees since 2,000 years ago, producing the Mengding Mountains green tea, which is one of the best Chinese tea. Picking tea leaves or seeing the sea of clouds and sunrise in Niubei Mountain will offer an unforgettable experience. Besides that, the Old Town of Shangli with many stilted buildings and arch bridges in various forms tells the history of the city. In the evening, the brightly lit Covered Bridge on the Qingyi River is the most bustling place in Ya'an.

Perhaps the tea best known by Westerners, and always popular with locals, is Jasmine tea, which is green tea with Jasmine petals. Yet another easily transported (and light!) treasure to take home.