Traditional tea planting mirrors human-nature harmony

The ancient tea forests are now glowing with new vitality as the younger generations are introducing new ideas aimed at better developing the tea industry in this area.

Xian Gong, 39, started a farmers' cooperative in 2010 in her hometown of Jingmai village. Over time, she expanded the initiative by developing it into a company integrating the cooperative, a tea factory, a hostel, and a shop under one roof.

Today, tea gardens under the cooperative cover an area of more than 9,000 mu (600 hectares) and generate an annual output of more than 200 tonnes, helping nearly 500 households increase their incomes.

A growing number of villagers are embracing new entrepreneurial opportunities by establishing cooperatives, tea factories and homestays. Many have adapted to the latest trends, such as selling tea through live streaming and sharing details of their daily lives and work on social media platforms.

The recent boom in the modern tea industry has prompted the residents of Jingmai to take better care of their ancient tea forests. In addition to the locals' efforts to refrain from using chemical fertilizers and pesticides, as well as avoiding planting other crops in the tea forests, the local government has implemented over 20 rules and regulations for the protection of precious ancient tea forests.

"This tea mountain is the most valuable legacy left by our ancestors, and it is our due responsibility to protect and make good use of it," Xian Gong said.