The Hangzhou Tea Culture Expo 2019 and Longjing Tea Festival open in Hangzhou, capital of Zhejiang province, on March 30. [Photo/zjol.com.cn]

The Hangzhou Tea Culture Expo 2019 and Longjing Tea Festival opened in Longwu Tea Village of Hangzhou, capital of Zhejiang province, on March 30.

Designed to showcase the tea culture and industrial features of Longwu, promote the development of the tea industry and boost local tourism, this year's expo marks another opportunity for Hangzhou to further consolidate itself as the "tea capital of China", after the Chinese Tea Olympics made Longwu Tea Village its permanent venue last December.

Longwu, a characteristic tea town in Hangzhou, was honored as a national AAAA scenic spot at the opening ceremony.

Longjing tea, or West Lake Dragon Well tea, is a variety of green tea from Hangzhou. It has topped the list of the 10 most famous teas in China and is characterized by its green color, delicate aroma, mellow taste and beautiful shape.

Along with the opening of the Longjing Tea Festival, an array of cultural activities including a tea frying competition, tea performances, and intangible cultural heritage performances were staged during the expo.

A group of six prominent tea scientists were recruited as part of a think tank on Longwu Tea Village and are expected to give advice on future tourism projects.

The arrival of the internet era has not only changed the development model of the tea industry in Xihu district, but also the traditional tea market.

The Rural Agriculture Bureau of Xihu District and Longwu Tea Village inked a cooperative agreement with Alibaba Group in a bid to boost the industrial development of Longjing tea with the help of e-commerce.

Longwu, a characteristic tea town in Hangzhou, is honored as a national AAAA scenic spot at the opening ceremony of the Hangzhou Tea Culture Expo 2019 and Longjing Tea Festival, on March 30. [Photo/zjol.com.cn]

A tea specialist demonstrates tea etiquette during the Hangzhou Tea Culture Expo 2019 and Longjing Tea Festival in Hangzhou, capital of Zhejiang province, on March 30. [Photo/zjol.com.cn]