Farmers busy themselves picking tea at the tea plantation base hidden in the picturesque Fenghuang Mountain in Zhangjiagang, Jiangsu province, as the most famous and aromatic biluochun tea has come into season since the Spring Equinox, which fell on March 20 this year. [Photo from WeChat account zjgcitynews]

For those who wish to have a taste of the best spring tea, the tea plantation base hidden in the picturesque Fenghuang Mountain in Zhangjiagang, Jiangsu province, is sure to draw them in.

Stretching over an area of 280 mu (18.7 hectares), the base is home to a wide variety of tea categories. Among which, the biluochun tea, widely known for its unbelievable aroma, covers almost one third of the whole base and is the most-anticipated type.

And now, picky tea drinkers' favorite variety has come into season!

Starting from the Spring Equinox, which fell on March 20 this year, the golden season for the first batch of biluochun will last until Grain Rain, the last solar term in spring, as this period of the year usually features modest temperature and adequate rainfall, helping tea leaves maintain a high level of fragrance.

What's more, as the typical biluochun tea leaf has one sprout and one tender leaf, it usually takes an extended period to pick the tender tips while screening out the undesirable ones. Approximately 50,000 to 60,000 sprouts can only produce 500 grams of early spring biluochun, making the prices always remain high.

But thanks to the region's mild temperature since last winter, the output of biluochun this year is anticipated to increase by 200 kilograms, a year-on-year growth of eight percent, ensuring the average price will be maintained at 3,600 yuan ($521.8) per kg, a number consistent with last year.

Large batches of biluochun will be sold in late March. At that time, high-end tea drinkers can cozy up with a pot of biluochun, with its long-lasting, fruity, and refreshing fragrance.

The typical biluochun tea leaf has one sprout and one tender leaf, requiring much time to pick the tender tips and screen out the undesirable ones. [Photo from WeChat account zjgcitynews]