High-tech future seen in tea leaves

Green future

In 2016, Wuyishan was designated one of 10 pilot national parks. The pilot park area was made a world biodiversity reserve in 1992 and the Wuyi Mountains were placed on UNESCO's World Heritage List in 1999.

The Fang family's tea plantation was included in the protected area of the Wuyishan National Park.

In recent years, Fang has explored new ways to combine tea growing and eco-friendly tourism while promoting the idea of environmental protection, a goal of the national park.

To reduce the use of pesticides, Fang has interspersed soybean plants among the tea bushes. Insects eat the leaves of the soybean plants, which also add nutrients to the soil.

He has also planted osmanthus trees along the footpaths of the plantation. In autumn, when the tea-picking season ends, the osmanthus trees create beautiful scents and flowers for visitors to enjoy.

Fang said similar changes are taking place at other tea plantations in the city.

"The industry is becoming more environmentally friendly and more cultural elements are being attached to it," he said.

"Tea making reflects a harmonious relationship between people and nature. We treasure this gift of nature and should better protect it to ensure it is passed from generation to generation."