Locals pick tea leaves at a tea garden in Huangdu village, Xilong township, Anji county, Huzhou on March 27. [Photo/hz66.com]

The Anji white tea harvest officially kicked off in Huangdu village, Xilong township, Anji county, Huzhou on March 27.

Approximately 30 percent of the tea gardens in Anji have now ready for picking, with this year's harvest starting six days later than last year.

Nevertheless, thanks to the nourishing effects of February's spring rains and the abundant sunlight in March, there is widespread prediction that both the yield and quality of this year's white tea will experience a significant upturn.

Anji white tea, a prized green tea, is characterized by its long, narrow, yellow leaves with a distinct fold along their length.                                            

Tea is harvested in Huangdu village, Xilong township, Anji county, Huzhou. [Photo/hz66.com]