Mengding Ganlu Green Tea (蒙顶甘露)

Why it is worth considering

Mengding Mountain in Ya'an, a short trip from Chengdu, is fabled as the birthplace of cultivated tea in China — legend credits a monk named Wu Lizhen with planting the first bushes here some 2,000 years ago. Mengding Ganlu ("sweet dew") was an imperial tribute tea for centuries, and the spring harvest (March–April) remains the premium pick.

For a visitor it is an easy buy: vacuum-sealed packs travel well, the flavor is fresh and floral without demanding expert brewing, and it is unmistakably Sichuan — a step beyond the generic green teas sold everywhere.

Before you buy, check

• Check the harvest season on the pack — spring (March–April) is the premium grade; ask the shop if it is not printed.
• Buy vacuum-sealed packs, not loose bulk tea, if you are flying home — they keep the aroma and survive luggage.
• Smell the dry leaves before buying: good Mengding Ganlu smells fresh and sweetly vegetal, never stale or musty.
• Compare grades within one shop rather than across shops — naming is not standardized.

Good to know

• Tea prices vary widely by grade — confirm the per-unit price at the counter before paying; we have not verified current shelf prices.
• Keep sealed and away from strong smells in your luggage; green tea absorbs odors fast.