柏柳村：白茶飘香的故乡

Core Viewpoint - Fuding white tea, recognized as a geographical indication product of China, has gained international acclaim and is deeply rooted in the unique culture and values of its origin, Fuding City, particularly in Bai Liu Village, known as the "First Village of Chinese White Tea" [1][3]. Group 1: Historical Significance - Fuding white tea was officially recognized as a protected geographical product by the former National Quality Supervision and Inspection Administration in June 2004 [1]. - Bai Liu Village has been a significant contributor to the white tea industry, with over 3 million acres of white tea seedlings planted nationwide, 70% to 80% of which originate from this village [1]. - The village was designated as the "First Village of Chinese White Tea" in 2009 after expert evaluation by the China International Tea Culture Research Association [1]. Group 2: Cultural Heritage - The legacy of white tea production in Bai Liu Village is attributed to generations of tea artisans, including Mei Xiangjing, a master of white tea making and a national intangible cultural heritage inheritor [3][4]. - Mei Xiangjing's grandfather, Mei Bozhen, played a pivotal role in promoting Fuding white tea, winning a gold medal at the Panama-Pacific International Exposition in 1915 [3][4]. - The family has a rich history in the tea business, with Mei Bozhen establishing a tea business that gained recognition across China and beyond [3][4]. Group 3: Modern Developments - The current tea production area in Bai Liu Village is approximately 5,400 acres, with 16 tea factories operating in the village [1]. - Mei Fusheng, a descendant of the Mei family, is committed to preserving traditional charcoal baking techniques in tea production, emphasizing quality control and the natural properties of white tea [7][8]. - The white tea industry in Fuding City is thriving, with 350,000 out of a population of 600,000 engaged in the white tea sector, supported by 300,000 acres of tea plantations [9].