In the world of premium tea, perfection usually means untouched leaves. However, in Zijin County, Heyuan City, Guangdong Province, the most sought-after brew begins with a tiny "pest" known as the small green leafhopper. On March 6, as one of the three famous teas of Guangdong, Zijin Tea was handpicked to be part of the media service package for the Guangdong Delegation's Open Day to the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress. Why is this insect-bitten tea becoming so popular among global consumers? The answer lies in a unique blend of natural environment and modern innovation.
The unique flavor of Zijin Tea is a result of a fascinating biochemical reaction. During the spring and autumn, leafhoppers bite the tea buds to suck their juices, causing the leaves to curl and develop a distinct reddish tint along the veins. According to experts at the Tea Research Institute of the Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, this "attack" induces the tea buds to produce volatile substances like alcohols and aldehydes. Once processed, these chemical changes result in a natural, irreplaceable honey and fruit aroma. This "insect-bitten" requirement means the tea cannot be mass-produced through shortcut methods. It depends entirely on the local ecosystem, which boasts a 76.7% forest cover and year-round mist.
A green leafhopper is biting a tea leaf.
To reach younger and more diverse customers, the Zijin Tea Association is leveraging modern technology to break traditional consumption barriers. By developing functional tea drinks and tea-infused snacks, the industry is moving beyond formal tea ceremonies and into the "on-the-go" convenience market. This change is opening up new markets and ensuring that the ancient skill of tea-making evolves with the times.
Furthermore, Zijin County is turning its scenic tea plantations into a tourism engine. On January 10, the 2026 Zijin Tea Mountain Bike Open drew over 400 cyclists from around the world to race through the lush tea mountains, transforming casual visitors into overnight guests. The increased flow of tourists has brought additional income to local farmers through accommodation, catering, and the sale of local specialties.
Today, this insect-bitten tea is enriching the entire region. As of December 2025, Zijin's tea plantations have expanded to 60 square kilometers, with an annual output value exceeding 2.5 billion yuan. By helping over 20,000 farmers increase their income, Zijin County now aims to elevate this unique tea into a 10-billion-yuan industry within the next three years.
Author: Dong Han
Photo: Nanfang Plus
