Long Jing teas from the Xin Chang area with the Da Fo 大佛 designation – based on the local Great Buddha temple. The Xin Chang area is located in Zhejiang province, and although Dragon Well type of teas have been produced there for quite some time, the area has only recently been recognized as the canonical place of origin for the famous tea. In addition, local teas are becoming more popular year after year and also rising in price and quality. There are even opinions that Xin Chang teas are superior to the teas from the place of origin, but that’s up to individual assessment.
The term Ming Qian Cha – 明前茶 is used for teas from the most valuable early harvest of the year, when the first leaves of highest quality are sprouting. The term literally means teas harvested before the Qing Ming Spring Festival (early April).
