It is produced in Huangshan District, Huangshan City, Anhui Province (formerly Taiping County), mainly in the Houkeng area. The tea leaves have a magnificent shape and are regarded as the finest among pointed - shaped teas. It got its name "Taiping Houkui" because its founder was named Kui Cheng.
Picking: It is advisable to pick the tea before noon on sunny or cloudy days (before the fog dissipates), during the period from Guyu to Lixia. The picking season is only about 15 - 20 days each year, and the picking usually stops before the Start of Summer. Generally, one bud with three or four leaves is picked, and the principle of "Four Selections and Eight Rejections" is followed during the picking process.
Production: There are two production methods: traditional handmade and improved handmade. The traditional handmade process consists of two procedures: fixation and baking. The baking process is further divided into three steps: rough baking, full baking, and re - baking. The improved handmade process adds a shaping and straightening procedure on the basis of the traditional one. The fresh tea leaves are straightened by hand one by one, and then sent to a specific shaping machine to be flattened and formed by hand.
Soup color: After brewing, the tea soup presents a light green, clear and bright color, or a yellow - green and clear hue, as transparent as a mirror.
Leaf base: The leaf base is tender, even, plump and forms clusters. It shows a bright light yellow - green color. The buds and leaves stand upright, with faint red filaments visible between the veins. The leaves are soft and elastic.
Aroma: The orchid - like fragrance is 扑鼻而来,fresh, brisk, and long - lasting. It makes you feel as if you were in a mountain flower sea. The unique "Houkui charm" lingers in the mind, leaving an endless aftertaste.
Taste: The taste is fresh, mellow, and sweet upon entry, with a long - lasting aftertaste. The tea has a pure flavor without bitterness. It is full - bodied and rich in layers. Even after multiple infusions, it can still maintain a good taste.