Tea Valley (Charengu) in Zhoushan
Nestled above the Xiamen Reservoir in Shuangqiao Town, Dinghai District, Zhoushan Island, Tea Valley (Charengu) is a scenic spot known for its lush landscapes and serene atmosphere. The valley, named after its extensive tea plantations, sits on Datan Ridge, the fourth peak of the East China Sea, with tea plants covering thousands of acres. The park is celebrated for its “Six Wonders”—high mountains, deep valleys, long streams, flying waterfalls, tranquil forests, and perilous cliffs—and its “Six Elegances”—fruit picking, flower viewing, spring appreciation, tea tasting, Zen meditation, and orchid visiting. The “Six Delights” of the valley include spring birdsong in ravines, summer shade on forested beaches, autumn frost on maples, winter snow on plum blossoms, sleeping by streams, and wandering with the clouds.
Overview
Tea Valley (Charengu) is situated upstream of the Xiamen Reservoir in Shuangqiao Town, Dinghai District, Zhoushan Island, Zhejiang Province. The highest peak, Datan Ridge, rises to an elevation of 420 meters, and the mountainous area spans approximately 30,000 acres. The valley, home to vast tea plantations, is affectionately dubbed “Zhoushan’s Jiuzhaigou.” It is one of the island’s most secluded gorges, with verdant mountains, hidden temples, verdant valleys, cascading white waterfalls, birds singing, and fragrant flowers creating a paradise-like environment. The most notable feature is the original ecological tea garden at the 400-meter-high Datan Ridge top, where Zen tea has become a distinctive treat.
Entering Tea Valley (Charengu) feels like stepping into a fairyland. Eco-friendly bamboo and wooden huts and pavilions by the stream give a sense of idyllic rural life. Walking along the winding mountain stream paths paved with cobblestones, visitors are greeted by the sounds of flowing water and birdsong. The scenery, with shrimp and fish playing in the clear stream, helps forget the city’s hustle and all worries.
The beauty of the creek is just the beginning of Tea Valley (Charengu)’s ecological charm. This creek stretches about 3 kilometers, offering different rural delights along its course. The flowing water runs through layers of unique peaks and stones, sometimes meandering gently, sometimes rushing through gullies, and sometimes tumbling down rapids. Standing by the stream, one can admire the picturesque peaks and ridges mirrored in the water, with fish swimming playfully, adding to the natural allure for tourists.
The uppermost part of the stream is Xiamen Dragon Pool. Entering this secluded valley, with towering peaks, steep cliffs, and cool climate, visitors find a pristine ecological area. The jade-like Dragon Pool, reflecting the verdant peaks, is exceptionally charming. According to local lore, the valley owner, Zheng A-San, once saw a dragon (or a large python) leisurely resting at the pool’s mouth during his childhood. This bottomless pool, believed to be connected to the sea, adds a mystical element to the valley.
Tea Valley (Charengu) boasts excellent ecological conditions and stunning scenery, serving as a habitat for gray swans, egrets, roebucks, sika deer, stone crabs, fish, shrimp, and the endangered giant salamander.
Major Attractions
Zishu Plaza: Located at the confluence of streams, surrounded by tea mountains, bamboo forests, and orchards, this plaza offers hammocks for relaxation, stones for tea tasting, and shaded walks among ancient trees.
Yunshui Plaza: Featuring mist and a sense of a dragon ascending, this area provides a picturesque setting with streams, water wheels, and tea rooms for enjoying tea and scenery.
Dragon Pool View: The mystical Dragon Pool, believed to be blessed by a dragon, is surrounded by legends and natural beauty.
Tea Valley (Charengu) Peach Orchard: Covering 62 acres, the orchard blooms in spring and offers sweet, juicy peaches in July, known for their health benefits.
Tea Valley (Charengu) Bayberry Grove: Spanning over 100 acres, this grove produces sweet, juicy bayberries in June, with both the fruit and its derivatives offering various health benefits.
Specialties
Crisp Pears: With a sweet, juicy flavor, these pears are known for their health benefits and are highly sought after during the harvest season.
Wine-Scented Pomelos: These pomelos develop a rich wine fragrance after the frost, offering numerous health benefits and a unique flavor.
Local Cuisine
Tea leaf scrambled eggs
Tea-flavored pork floss
Dragon head vegetable
Osmanthus stir-fried rice cakes
Free-range mountain chicken
Ferns
Roasted potatoes
Tea Valley (Charengu) provides a perfect blend of scenic beauty, tea culture, and delicious local food, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and tea enthusiasts alike.
