Wuyi Shan
Wuyi Shan (also known as Bohea Hills in earlier Western documents) is a protected area in Fujian Province, China. It lies around 27°40′N 117°45′E / 27.667°N 117.750°E on mountainous terrain near Wuyishan City. Its official zones of protection are Wuyi Shan Nature Reserve and Wuyi Shan Scenic and Historical Interest Area.
Geology and relief
Bedrock lithology at Wuyi Shan is dominated by tuff, rhyolite, and granite in the western part. Red sandstone is common farther east. The elevation ranges from 200 m (656 ft) to 2,158 m (7,080 ft). The terrain is rugged with cliffs and high peaks.
Climate and vegetation
Lower elevations have a humid subtropical climate with mean annual temperature around 18°C (64°F) and mean annual precipitation of at least 220 cm (86.6 in). Cooler, wetter conditions prevail at higher altitudes and winters can be snowy on the highest peaks. Broadleaf evergreen forests dominate the lower elevations; their tree species yield to deciduous and needleleaf evergreen trees at higher elevations.
Fauna
Animal life at Wuyi Shan is diverse, with many rare species. Tiger, leopard and clouded leopard are among the 71 species of mammal on record. There are at least 256 bird species, 73 reptile species, 35 amphibian species and 40 fish species. Insect species number not less than 4,635.
Culture
Mountain call and Mountain open
Mountain call and Mountain open are ceremonies held in Wuyi imperial tea garden. County magistrate used to take the chair of the Mountain Call ceremony on Jingzhe Day(惊蛰). In the scheduled procedure, tea planters call out together “tea, tea, sprout”. By doing this, they pray god for the blessings of tea harvest.
Tea Picking Opera
Mt.Wuyi area is the birthplace of tea picking opera. Developed from local folk dances and songs, the opera is hilarious and describes people’s daily lives. The Tea Picking Opera has strong rural flavour and basics of Hakka culture in its performances. This has made it popular in the local areas.
Leap Year Meals
Leap year meals are called liu qing（六亲） meals. Every leap year and leap month, parents and brothers must invite their married daughters and sisters to come back and have meals. When parents are alive, parents make the invitation; otherwise brothers do it.