In March, Hangzhou in eastern China enters the peak bud-sprouting season for West Lake Longjing tea. In Longwu Tea Town, the core production area of this renowned tea, tea-themed experiences are being rolled out one after another as the area shifts from “selling tea” to “selling scenery.”

A spring market set among the tea hills is drawing strong crowds, with some stalls even adding second-floor viewing areas. Nearly 20 merchants now focus on tea tasting, fireside tea experiences, and handmade products, offering visitors an immersive taste of the spring tea countryside.

By leveraging its rich tea garden resources, Longwu Tea Town has moved beyond the traditional model of selling tea alone, transforming the entire tea hill area into an open scenic destination. Visitor traffic in the village has increased by 50% compared to usual levels, while revenue continues to rise. Last March, the town received nearly 800,000 visitors.