Liubao Tea: A Century Of Trade, Transformation, Global Expansion

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 12 (Bernama) -- A century ago, Liubao tea, sourced from the remote mountains of Wuzhou, began its journey along a vast shipping route that bridged land and sea, fuelling a path of trade.

At present, as part of the Belt and Road Initiative, the Liubao tea industry in Wuzhou has undergone a remarkable transformation, embracing modernisation and reaching new international markets along the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road.

Located in Wuzhou’s Liubao Town, the tea-growing city benefits from a perfect climate, an average annual temperature of 21.2 degrees Celsius and 1,500 millimetres of rainfall, creating ideal conditions for high-quality tea.

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Liubao tea, known for its distinctive "red, rich, mellow, aged" flavours, along with a unique betel nut aroma, has long been celebrated for its exceptional taste and quality, according to a statement.

At one point, Liubao tea was a significant player in global trade. In 1935, over 1,100 tonnes of Liubao tea were exported from Guangxi, as recorded in the Guangxi Yearbook of 1940. The "Tea Boat Ancient Road" originating from Liubao Town in Cangwu County, Wuzhou, became a corridor for economic and cultural exchanges between South China and Southeast Asian countries.

Despite facing challenges over the years, the Liubao tea industry in Wuzhou has experienced a resurgence. According to data from the Wuzhou Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism, the city now boasts over 394,200 mu (around 26,280 hectares) of tea plantations, engaging 240,000 tea farmers.

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The industry's rapid growth has had a significant economic impact, with tea cultivation increasing average annual incomes by 3,000 Chinese yuan per farmer and the overall output value of Liubao tea exceeding 20 billion Chinese yuan. (100 Chinese yuan = RM61.25)

To ensure product quality, Wuzhou has actively promoted standardised construction for Liubao tea, including one existing national standard, 18 Guangxi local standards, and 24 group standards, driving the standardised and regulated development of the entire Liubao tea industry chain.

Today, Liubao tea continues to build on its legacy, expanding its reach through an extensive network of land, sea, and air trade routes. As the industry thrives, Liubao tea is increasingly enjoyed by consumers globally, bringing a taste of Chinese culture and tradition to the world.

-- BERNAMA