Three Holes and Two Streams is the core of the Wuyi rock tea production site, representing the highest level of Wuyi rock tea. The distinctive features of Three Holes and Two Streams are the presence of a thick layer of soil, mainly gravel soil, with good drainage and good permeability, and moderate acidity, which gives the Three Holes and Two Streams rock tea a fresh and fragrant taste profile.
In 2006, the production techniques of Wuyi Great Red Dragon were recognized as a national-level intangible cultural heritage by the State Council. In 2010, Wuyi Great Red Dragon was recognized as a Chinese famous trademark by the General Council of Industry and Commerce.
As a result, Wuyishan City has established new regulations that only rock tea produced within the Wuyishan administrative area can be called Wuyi rock tea. In addition, more than 70 square kilometers of Wuyishan tourist area have been designated as rock tea core sites, which means that all rock tea production sites that can only be accessed by purchasing a ticket to the Wuyishan tourist area belong to the rock tea core sites.
Thus, the old tea producers began to call the traditional rock tea main site, three holes and two streams, the core of Wuyi rock tea main site. After 2010, three holes and two streams became the core of Wuyi rock tea production site.
- The "three holes" refers to the Huiyuan, Niulan and Daoshui sites. The main sites of Wuyi rock tea are located between two mountains and form depressions, usually with two outlets, which means that the sites of three holes and two streams have a short period of exposure to sunlight and a large temperature difference between day and night, providing very favorable natural conditions for the quality of Wuyi rock tea.
- The "two streams" refers to the Liuxiang and Wuyuan streams. The main rock tea sites of Wuyi form a water channel between the mountains, through which the water flows. The "Shuowen" (a historical Chinese dictionary) describes the term "涧 (jiàn)" as "water between the mountains".
The reason why three holes and two streams can produce excellent tea is closely related to their unique natural environment. Hidden valleys are the ideal place to grow good tea, so three holes and two streams sites are said to produce excellent tea. Wuyi's three holes and two streams main rock tea sites are located in a low-lying position, shaded most of the year, with little direct sun but plenty of diffused light, plenty of water and suitable temperatures, thus providing a humid environment that creates ideal conditions for producing good tea. In addition, three holes and two streams main rock tea sites are known for their "secretion", similar to the smell of orchids in a deep valley, while the rock tea main tea sites on rocky slopes are known for their strong aroma.
The soil of the three-hole and two-stream sites is mainly gravelly soil from weathered rock. This soil is well-drained and rich in minerals, allowing the tea plants to absorb more minerals.
The three-hole and two-stream sites are abundant in water resources, with streams flowing through the valleys, creating a more humid environment for the tea plants.
In the three-hole and two-stream sites, direct sunlight is limited and diffused light prevails, which allows tea plants to produce more nitrogenous substances.
Temperatures at the three-hole and two-stream sites are generally moderate throughout the year, allowing the tea plants to effectively accumulate more internal substances.
The favorable environment of three holes and two streams promotes the accumulation of internal substances in tea plants, allowing rock tea to have more aromas and flavors, such as high tea amino acid content and fresh and robust flavor.
It is precisely thanks to these advantageous natural conditions that Three Holes Two Streams Rock Tea has a fresh, lively, sweet and fragrant taste profile.
