Xie Zhengan
Time-Honored BrandXie Zhengan · Anhui · Founded 1862
Xie Zhengan, a renowned tea merchant from Huizhou in the late Qing Dynasty, created Huangshan Maofeng tea, establishing its status as one of China's most famous teas. His brand, Xieyuda, has been passed down for over a century, symbolizing quality and integrity in Chinese tea culture.
Brand Story
Xie Zhengan (1838-1910), courtesy name Jinghe, was born in Shexian County, Anhui Province. During the Xianfeng era (1851-1861), the tea industry declined due to the Taiping Rebellion. In 1862, the first year of the Tongzhi era, Xie revived his ancestral business in Caoxi, Shexian (now Fuxi, Huangshan), establishing the 'Xieyuda Tea House'. He traveled extensively through tea mountains, refining techniques, and in 1875, the first year of the Guangxu era, he created a roasted green tea with leaves shaped like sparrow tongues, covered in white down. Named 'Huangshan Maofeng' for its origin, it quickly became renowned for its four virtues: high aroma, mellow taste, clear liquor, and lustrous leaves. It was sold widely in northern and northeastern China and was even considered for tribute to the imperial court. Xie emphasized quality, setting standards like 'no picking in rain, dew, or weak leaves', and pioneered branding by printing the 'Xieyuda' name on packaging to prevent counterfeits. His business acumen and cultural contributions elevated Huangshan Maofeng to the top ten Chinese teas, and Xieyuda remains a representative of Huizhou merchants' tea legacy.
“Xieyuda, a century of tea fragrance”
Signature Products
Leaves shaped like sparrow tongues with visible white down, fresh aroma, and mellow sweet taste. (500-2000 RMB/500g)
Slightly curled strips, green and lustrous, clear liquor, and sweet aftertaste. (200-500 RMB/500g)
Picked before Guyu (Grain Rain), tender leaves, fresh and crisp taste, great value. (100-300 RMB/500g)
Stores & Addresses
Located in: Anhui（安徽）
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Cultural Note
Xie Zhengan's creation of Huangshan Maofeng revolutionized the baking process, introducing the 'light rolling and slow roasting' technique that balanced appearance and quality. He advocated for tea gardens on high, shaded mountains with rocky soil and established strict picking standards, laying the foundation for Huangshan Maofeng's excellence. His brand consciousness and honest business practices reflect the Huizhou merchants' tradition of 'merchant with scholarly virtues', leaving a lasting impact on the tea industry.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a "China Time-Honored Brand" (中华老字号)?
A China Time-Honored Brand is a designation by China’s Ministry of Commerce for brands with a long history that inherit products, craftsmanship or services across generations and have operated continuously to the present.
When was Xie Zhengan founded?
Xie Zhengan was founded in 1862, originating in Anhui, Anhui, primarily in the Tea field.
What is the signature product of Xie Zhengan?
Its signature product is Huangshan Maofeng (Supreme). See the "Signature / Buy Online" section on this page for more products and shopping links.
Where can I find the official list of China Time-Honored Brands?
You can log into the MOFCOM "China Time-Honored Brand Information Management System", or browse this site’s brand directory — we have profiled 1,451 time-honored brands.
Sources / References
Brand fundamentals (founding year, heritage level, recognition batch) follow official sources such as the MOFCOM time-honored brand list. Story and encyclopedia: