Simao City in southwest China's Yunnan Province, also known as the cradle of the renowned Pu'er tea, will reclaim its ancient name of Pu'er in April. Vice mayor of the city, Guan Dinglu, said that the plan has been approved by the State Council, local newspapers reported on February 27.

Pu'er tea, together with dianhong (Yunnan black tea) and tuocha (bowl-shaped compressed mass of tea leaves produced in Sichuan or Yunnan), are the three best-known teas in the province, where tea planting and making has been a major industry for the rural people for thousands of years. Although the three names might not be as well-known in China as longjing (green tea produced in Hangzhou of Zhejiang) and oolong, dianhong used to be a best-seller in Western Europe and the US in the 1970s and 80s, while Pu'er was a favorite among royalty during the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties.

Pu'er has a distinctive flavor, which is somewhat earthy without being repulsive, its richness lingering in the mouth and palate. Poor grade Pu'er can be bitter but the top grades are smooth, pleasant and sweet. The tea is also highly regarded for its medicinal qualities as a digestive and nerve stimulant.

The tea takes its name from a Qing Dynasty prefecture that was called Pu'er, where there stood the mountain, Pu'er Mountain. There were many tea plantations on this mountain. After several name changes over the last few decades, the current one, Simao City, was finally decided upon and approved by the State Council on October 30, 2003.

Authorities reason that because of the city's rich history and tradition in tea-making, reclaiming its ancient name of Pu'er will further promote the development of the local industry. About half of the local residents are engaged in the tea business.

According to an official from the municipal Party committee's publicity department, the new name would be announced at the Eighth China Pu'er Tea Festival, to be held in the city in April.

Last year, the city reported sales revenues from Pu'er tea of more than 800 million yuan (US$103.3 million). The city government will invest 1 billion yuan (US$129 million) in a series of programs to promote tea culture and the tea industry, with plans for a tea museum, a new road to be called Tea-Horse Road, a replica of an ancient tea town, a Star Boulevard catering to tea businesses, cultural events to promote tea-related art, and commemorative activities to honor tea-making pioneers. According to the city's social and economic development plan for the 2006-10 period, tea plantation acreage will be increased to 144,000 hectares, with tea-leaf output targeted to reach 81,000 tons, of which 46,000 tons will be Pu'er tea.

(China.org.cn by Zhang Yunxing, March 1, 2007)