Tea enthusiasts visit the West Lake scenic area to sample and pre-purchase tea leaves. [Photo/Zhejiang Daily]

Tea enthusiasts from across China have been flocking to the West Lake scenic area to sample and pre-purchase tea leaves, local media reported on March 3.

Hangzhou West Lake Longjing Tea Co is among those that have seen a major surge in orders for spring tea. The pre-sales order volume currently stands at 3 million yuan ($430,400).

Qi Yingjie, chairman of the company, attributes this to a more positive outlook among distributors and customers. Qi expressed his confidence in this year's spring tea season, expecting sales to increase by over 30 percent.

The thriving tea tourism industry is also fueling the revival of local businesses, with the Man She Xi Yuan homestay seeing an increase in guests. Owner Zhang Xiaoman said the occupancy rate has already climbed to 65 percent.

Longjing tea contains significant amounts of polyphenols and amino acids, making it a go-to drink for the health-conscious. But beyond its health benefits, it also imparts a refreshing, subtly sweet flavor, making it a crowd-pleaser all over the world. 

On the international stage, Longjing is one of China's most famous tea varieties, with a long history draped in legend.