Longjing tea will be the real deal from now

SHANGHAI: Long the favorite drink for generations of Chinese, Longjing tea enjoys an unrivalled reputation for quality and flavor.

Yet imitators and unlicensed producers have been muddying the market, watering down the quality and reputation of what is ranked the country's No 1 tea.

Now a new regulation is in force to ensure only genuine Longjing tea - mostly grown on the hillsides in the scenic areas around the West Lake of Hangzhou, capital of Zhejiang province - finds its way into the nation's teacups.