Xiūníng

Xiuning lies among the mountains of Huizhou, on the upper waters of the Xin'an River. North of the county seat rises Songluo Mountain, renowned for its green tea. The fragrance and careful preparation of its leaves won admirers far beyond the small area where they were grown.

During the Ming, the monk Dafang became associated with the preparation of Songluo tea. His methods and the tea's reputation spread, and writers listed it among the celebrated teas of their age. In 1608 local gentry paid for an inscription commemorating the mountain and the monk's work. Merchants carried the tea to distant markets, while its fame encouraged other producers to sell their own leaves under the Songluo name.