三坑两涧三坑兩澗
Term · Terroir
sankeng liangjian
Literal meaning
three pits/gullies + two ravine-streams
Definition#
Collective name for the most prized valleys in the Wuyi core. The usual list is Niulankeng, Huiyuankeng and Daoshuikeng (the keng) plus Liuxiangjian and Wuyuanjian (the jian); some lists substitute or add Dakengkou. Names from this group are heavily used, and over-used, on labels.
Translation and usage#
| Language | Use | Alternatives & cautions |
|---|---|---|
| English | sankeng liangjian the five classic core valleys pinyin with a gloss |
Also acceptable
Avoid three pits two creeks (as a vague 'premium' label) it names specific valleys, not a quality grade |
| Deutsch | Sankeng Liangjian die fünf berühmtesten Kerntäler pinyin with a gloss |
Also acceptable
Avoid drei Gruben Grube suggests a pit or mine |
| Русский | Сань Кэн Лян Цзянь пять знаменитых долин центральной зоны pinyin with a gloss |
Also acceptable
Avoid Сан Кен Лян Цзян non-Palladius spellings |
| 简体字 | 三坑两涧 | |
| 繁體字 | 三坑兩澗 | |
| 日本語 | 三坑両澗 |
Common confusions#
- The list is contested: Jing Tea Shop names Dakengkou instead of Daoshuikeng; Jiemian lists six valleys including Dakengkou.
- Treated by buyers as a grade; it is a set of places, and The Paper reported Niulankeng output far below the volume sold under its name.