An aerial view of the 14th China International Putuo Buddha Tea Cultural Festival in Putuo on May 23. [Photo/WeChat account: ptly360]

The 14th China International Putuo Buddha Tea Cultural Festival was held in Putuo district, Zhoushan, East China's Zhejiang province on May 23.

The opening performance centered around the 24 solar terms to demonstrate the growth, harvest, and processing of the Buddha tea in Putuo with dances, instrumental ensembles, as well as poetry recitations.

Performers serve Putuo Buddha tea at the opening performance of the 14th China International Putuo Buddha Tea Cultural Festival in Putuo on May 23. [Photo/WeChat account: ptly360]

Serving Buddha tea competition, Buddha tea photography competition, and other activities were also held on the same day.

In recent years, Putuo has stepped up efforts to integrate its tea culture with local industrial development to promote the upgrading of its tea industry and increase the income of local tea growers.

The tea plantation in Putuo. [Photo/WeChat account: ptly360]

Zhoushan's history of tea planting dates back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907). Due to the city's fertile soil, clean air, and great natural environment, Zhoushan-grown tea leaves are known for their high quality.

The city currently houses 9,405 mu (627 hectares) of tea plantations and 38 tea leave processing businesses. Three regional brands, Putuo Buddha Tea, Dinghai Mountain Tea, and Penglai Xianzhi Tea, have been created in the city.