Farmers pick tea leaves at a plantation in Wengjiashan village. [Photo/tidenews.com.cn]

In the first-level protected area of the West Lake Longjing tea plantation in Wengjiashan village, Hangzhou in East China's Zhejiang province, tea farmers began sporadic plucking of spring tea on March 16.

The spring tea variety being harvested this season is Longjing 43. Due to less days with temperatures above 10 C this year compared to most years, West Lake Longjing tea leaves will be picked and hit the market later than usual. The official plucking of Longjing 43 is set to commence on March 20, with mass harvesting scheduled for late March.

The delayed tea picking time this year reflects the impact of climate change on agricultural production. Tea farmers plucking in the tea gardens of Wengjiashan village highlight the importance of protecting the original tea-growing region for the quality of its tea leaves.

Longjing tea, also known as Dragon Well tea, is one of China's top 10 most famous teas. It originated in Longjing village and its surrounding areas in Hangzhou. Longjing tea is a type of green tea and is recognized for its flat, smooth leaves and fresh, delicate fragrance. The taste is crisp and sweet, leaving a lingering aftertaste. Longjing tea has enjoyed great popularity both domestically and internationally, with the most famous variant being West Lake Longjing.

A farmer holds some freshly picked West Lake Longjing tea leaves. [Photo/tidenews.com.cn]