The 2024 West Lake Longjing Tea Frying Competition qualifying tournament was held in Changdai village, Xihu district on March 27, attracting participants from various villages and enterprises, who showcased their tea frying skills at the event.

In a display of expertise, contestants demonstrated 10 major techniques including shaking, stacking, tossing, pressing, and grinding to fry tea leaves in iron woks.

This year's competition saw a surge in the number of young participants, with 60 percent of the contestants aged under 40.

Among them was Zhang Yicheng, the youngest competitor, born in 2002, who has been learning tea frying from renowned tea master Fan Shenghua for the past six years. Despite just graduating from college, Zhang has already become an entrepreneur, establishing two tea processing factories. He endeavors to create tea products catering to younger generations while also upholding traditional techniques.

Organizers hope the competition will increase interest in tea-making among young people, ensuring the preservation and survival of the region's tea culture.

After rigorous evaluation, Zhang and 39 other contestants have advanced to the finals of the competition.