The Dahongpao Scenic Area (大红袍景区) in Mount Wuyi is renowned for producing the most famous tea of Wuyi Mountain, the Dahongpao tea. One of the main attractions in the scenic area is the Dahongpao tea trees themselves. These six precious tea trees are situated within a bowl-shaped tea garden on a rocky ledge, protected by stone barriers, which highlight their rarity. The cliffs are inscribed with the red characters “大红袍.” Below the tea garden, there is a pavilion named Jiulong Tea House, where visitors can savor the famous tea while enjoying the scenic beauty. Another notable tea garden in the Dahongpao Scenic Area is the Jiulongke Tea Garden, known for its lush greenery, fragrant air, and stunning views.
According to legend, the Dahongpao tea originated from seeds carried by a celestial crane from Penglai Island, which then grew on the cliff in Wuyi Mountain. Another tale tells of a monk from the Tianxin Temple who cured an emperor’s illness with tea leaves from these trees. In gratitude, the emperor draped a red robe, worn by scholars who passed the imperial examination, over the tea trees, staining them red. The cliff features the characters “Dahongpao” in large, vermillion script. The Dahongpao tea trees have dense foliage with leaves that stretch upwards. The leaves are broad, oval-shaped, and dark green with a glossy finish, while the new buds have a reddish tint. In early spring, the tea trees sprout new leaves, and from a distance, the entire tree appears bright red, as if draped in a red robe.
The Dahongpao tea trees grow at an altitude of over 600 meters, in an area with flowing streams and misty clouds. The soil, derived from weathered acidic rocks, is ideal for tea cultivation. The Dahongpao trees are over a thousand years old and are nourished by spring water seeping from the rock crevices, allowing them to thrive without the need for fertilizers. Today, only four original Dahongpao trees remain on the cliff of Jiulongke, making them extremely valuable.
In addition to the original Dahongpao tea trees, another notable site in the scenic area is Yongle Zen Temple. The architecture of Yongle Zen Temple is grand and impressive, with structures such as the Maitreya Hall, Heavenly King Hall, Mahavira Hall, Guanyin Hall, Dharma Hall, storage rooms, dining hall, meditation hall, guest hall, and pilgrims’ quarters arranged along the central axis. The temple’s lofty pavilions, surrounded by trees, create a serene and elegant atmosphere, making it a delightful place to explore leisurely.
Overall, the Dahongpao Scenic Area offers a blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and historical significance. Visitors can appreciate the unique environment that fosters the growth of the world-famous Dahongpao tea while also exploring the architectural marvels and tranquil surroundings of Yongle Zen Temple. Whether you are a tea enthusiast, a history buff, or a nature lover, the Dahongpao Scenic Area in Mount Wuyi provides an enriching and memorable experience.
