• handmade item

• materials: big-leaved arbor tea leaves from the village of Dingjia Zhai

• shape: cake

• dimension: diameter 14.5 cm / 5.71 in

• weight: 200 g / 7.05 oz

In the Yiwu mountain of Mengla County, there are two Dingjia Zhai villages. One is inhabited by the Han people, while the other is home to the Yao ethnic group. Yao Dingjiazhai is 22km east of the border village of Guafeng Zhai and 10km north of Mahei Zhai. Though 10 km away, it is a one-hour bumpy motorbike ride to the Yao Dingjia Zhai from Mahei.

The fall harvest of tea starts in late August and lasts until late October. Compared to the spring and summer flushes, fall tea pales in the concentration of tea polyphenols (TPP), resulting in a blander flavour, thinner mouthfeel, and lighter chaqi. However, fall teas have their strength - incredible aroma. The dryer and cooler season helps preserve the tea leaves aroma, reflected in their growing, harvesting, and fixing processes. With their high fragrance, low bitterness and most importantly, their affordable price points, fall teas are a smart and economical choice for many.