A young monkey sits on a wooden railing with a traditional Chinese temple in the background, symbolizing the legend of Da Hong Pao tea, which is said to have been discovered by a monk who noticed monkeys picking the tea leaves from the high cliffs of Wuyi

THE LEGENDARY ORIGIN STORIES OF DA HONG PAO: THE BEST OOLONG TEA

Written by: Camille Liu

June 27, 2024

Time to read 3 min

Introduction

Da Hong Pao, often hailed as the "King of Teas," holds a special place among China's most precious teas. Da Hong Pao is celebrated as an exceptional Oolong tea because of its rich aroma, vivid orange-yellow liquor, and exceptional "rock charm" (岩韵). This notable tea, originating from the majestic Wuyi Mountains in China's Fujian province, is appreciated for its excellent flavor and fascinating backstory. The name " Da Hong Pao " originates from three legendary stories that add to the mystique of this superb tea. Let’s explore these fascinating tales that have been passed down through generations of Da Hong Pao.

A serene tea setting featuring a white teapot and two small cups filled with amber-colored Da Hong Pao tea, placed on a black tray with concentric circle patterns. The setup is on a bamboo mat, with a green plant in the background, creating a tranquil atmosphere ideal for enjoying a traditional tea experience.

Story 1: The Tea-Picking Monkeys

The first legend tells of the tea-choosing monkeys. The Wuyi Mountains in Fujian are recognized for his or her lovely herbal splendor, but the tea timber of Da Hong Pao develop on steep cliffs, making it extremely tough for farmers to reap the leaves. To conquer this challenge, the tea farmers trained a monkey to choose the tea leaves. This smart monkey learned to apprehend human instructions and started amassing the fresh buds and leaves, which had been then processed into tea. The farmers might dress the monkey in crimson gowns, consequently the call " Da Hong Pao " (Big Red Robe). Every spring, when the tea timber sprouted new leaves, the sight of monkeys clad in pink apparel scaling the cliffs to pick tea became a acquainted and spell binding scene.

Story 2: The Scholar's Gratitude

The 2nd tale is ready inside the Tianxin Temple inside the Wuyi Mountains. A student on his manner to the capital for the imperial examinations fell ill near the temple. The kind abbot of the temple used tea from the Jiulongke (Nine Dragon Nest) to therapy the student, enabling him to continue his journey and take part within the assessments. The scholar succeeded in turning into the pinnacle-ranked scholar (状元) and returned to the temple to explicit his gratitude. As a token of appreciation, he draped a purple robe conferred by means of the emperor over the tea timber that had saved his life. This gesture gave upward thrust to the call " Da Hong Pao ."

Story 3: The Emperor’s Blessing

The third legend includes an emperor's desire. According to the story, a negative student on his manner to the capital for the checks fell unwell and changed into helped through a compassionate monk who brewed a bowl of tea for him. The tea miraculously cured the scholar, who went on to acquire top honors and even marry into the royal circle of relatives. Grateful, he again to the Wuyi Mountains to thank the monk and found out that the tea he drank had medicinal properties. The scholar requested a batch of this tea to present to the emperor. Coincidentally, the empress changed into affected by intense belly pain on the time. The emperor gave her the tea, which cured her illness. Delighted, the emperor despatched the pupil returned to the Wuyi Mountains with a crimson robe to honor the tea timber. The gown changed into draped over the trees, and ever on the grounds that, the tea from these timber turned into known as " Da Hong Pao ."

Over time, these 3 tea bushes gained repute and were inscribed with the call " Da Hong Pao " on the rock walls. The memories in their foundation spread a ways and extensive, similarly elevating the tea's popularity as a country wide treasure.

A traditional setup showcasing Da Hong Pao tea, with a small bamboo tray holding dried, dark tea leaves next to a white cup filled with rich, amber-colored brewed tea. The setting is on a brown woven mat, highlighting the deep color and quality of the Da Hong Pao tea.

The Essence of Da Hong Pao

Each of these legends contributes to the mystique and attraction of Da Hong Pao , improving its popularity because the satisfactory Oolong tea. The colourful orange-yellow liquor, the orchid-like fragrance, and the mentioned "rock attraction" make it a in reality unique tea experience. As you get pleasure from a cup of Da Hong Pao , you’re no longer simply taking part in a beverage but also connecting with centuries of records and culture which have been carefully preserved and honored.

Da Hong Pao is still revered, now not only for its first-rate flavor and aroma but also for the wealthy cultural background that it represents. The next time you revel in a cup of this mythical tea, don't forget those enchanting tales that have been passed down via generations, adding a layer of intensity and appreciation to every sip.