Vast tea fields in Xinchang county, Shaoxing, Zhejiang province [Photo provided to ezhejiang.gov.cn]

Tea plays an important role in the county's agricultural industry, generating around one third of its total agricultural output. Around half of local farmers’ incomes come from planting tea, and 180,000 out of its 430,000 population are involved in tea planting. 

Statistics show that the county planted nearly 10,134 hectares of tea last year, generating an output of 5,030 metric tons worth over 1.2 billion yuan ($169.35 million). The output of the entire tea industrial chain was valued at 8.62 billion yuan.

"The annual tea culture festival helps spread awareness of our local tea brand - Dafo Longjing," said Shi Weiyao, director of the county's department of agriculture and rural affairs.

The festival was once selected as one of the top 10 agricultural festivals in Zhejiang and has contributed greatly to the growth of the local tea industry.