Traditional tea processing techniques and their associated social practices in China were added to UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity on Nov 29.

Laoshan district in Qingdao, Shandong province is a famous tea production area in northern China. The Laoshan Green Tea Processing Technique is the most recognized in Qingdao, and it has been listed as one of the Shandong provincial intangible cultural heritage items.

Laoshan green tea has a special fragrance and is rich in nutrients. It is also a national geographical indication protected product.

The Laoshan tea planting area in Qingdao is about 1,333 hectares, and produces an annual output of about 1,200 metric tons.

In recent years, the tea industry in Laoshan has grown rapidly, which has in turn helped the district adjust its agricultural structure, and increase local farmers' incomes.

An aerial view of the terraced tea plantations in Laoshan district, Qingdao [Photo by Liu Mingyuan/WeChat account: laoshan96616]

Fog wreathes the tea plantations in Laoshan Mountain area in Laoshan district, Qingdao. [Photo by Liu Mingyuan/WeChat account: laoshan96616]

Laoshan boasts lush soil and moist climate conditions, which are suitable for planting tea. [Photo by Liu Mingyuan/WeChat account: laoshan96616]

Villagers pick tea leaves at a plantation in Laoshan district. [Photo by Mou Xiaoyu/WeChat account: laoshan96616]

Laoshan green tea is a certified trademark of geographical indication, and has become a famous brand in northern China. [Photo by Dong Zhigang/WeChat account: laoshan96616]

The tea industry increases local farmers' incomes in Laoshan district, Qingdao. [Photo by Laoshan Wendao/WeChat account: laoshan96616]

Laoshan green tea has a special fragrance and is rich in nutrients. [Photo by Liu Mingyuan/WeChat account: laoshan96616]