Gu Zhu Zi Sun Origin: Gu Zhu Mountain, Shuikou Township, Changxing County, Huzhou City, Zhejiang Province.
Quality Characteristics: Dry tea has a compact and neat appearance, resembling bamboo shoots, complete and delicate, with a jade-green colour and prominent silver tips.
Tea Colour: Clear and bright.
Fragrance: Rich and fragrant, with a delicate orchid-like aroma.
Taste: Fresh and mellow, with a sweet aftertaste.
Leaf base: Fine and tender, forming clusters.
Detailed Introduction to Gu Zhu Zi Sun
‘The imperial carriage seeks spring, half-drunk, as the celestial maidens present water and open the curtains. The peony flowers smile as the golden ornaments sway, and the news of the purple bamboo shoots from Huzhou is announced.’ This is a vivid description by Tang Dynasty poet Zhang Wengui of the scene of purple bamboo shoot tea being offered as tribute. It is evident that Gu Zhu purple bamboo shoot tea was already recognised as tribute tea during the Tang Dynasty, making it a ‘pioneer’ among premium tribute teas. Tea sage Lu Yu praised it as ‘the first among teas.’ Gu Zhu Purple Bamboo Shoots are named for their fresh tea buds and leaves, which are slightly purple in colour, with tender leaves curling like bamboo shoots. They are also praised for their ‘vibrant green fragrance, intoxicating aroma, and delightful taste.’
Appreciation of Gu Zhu Zi Sun Tea
Zi Sun tea is picked between Qingming and Guyu every year, with the standard being one bud and one leaf or one bud and two leaves just unfolding. The new Zi Sun tea has buds and leaves clinging together, or buds standing upright with leaves slightly unfolding, resembling orchids. After brewing, the tea soup is clear and bright, with a greenish-purple colour, a sweet and refreshing taste, and a faint orchid aroma.