Beauty

In the busy modern society, the fast-paced lifestyle has made us miss out on many beauties and joys. The emergence of tea spaces with a focus on aesthetics provides us with an opportunity to slow down and explore and enjoy another way of life. Located in the Yun Valley Innovation Park in Baohe District, Eleven Tea House is such a tea space that combines tea and aesthetic living. It presents a natural setting amidst very modern architecture, integrating culture, refined gatherings, and tea events in one place. It infuses traditional culture and the concept of tea plus aesthetics into modern life, allowing more people to discover the beauty of life. The founder of the tea house, Guan Xiaobao, was once a landscape designer. He became involved with tea by chance. "Drinking tea is a way to enjoy life and should not be constrained by the environment. I hope to create a space where everyone interested in tea can brew tea in their own preferred way. Ten signifies completeness, from the very beginning." Speaking about the origin of Eleven Tea House, founder Guan Xiaobao said this. Upon entering Eleven Tea House, the words “Luzhou Light” illuminated by the lights catch your…

Black tea is a fully fermented tea and is the most consumed type of tea worldwide. Its mild nature makes it suitable for general consumption and is a popular recommendation among merchants. To fully appreciate the unique flavor of high-quality teas like ancient tree black tea, it must be brewed correctly. So how should one brew ancient tree black tea? Awakening the Tea: Use water at approximately 85°C for 10 seconds to awaken the tea. The resulting infusion will have a light apricot color that appears somewhat dull. When cooled, the tea has a rich, burnt aroma and a thin yet sweet taste with noticeable aftertaste. First Sipping (Third Infusion): Brew for about 5 seconds using water at around 85°C. The infusion turns a deep brownish red and emits a reddish glow in the cup. It tastes sweet right away, is rich and smooth, and leaves a lasting fragrance in the mouth. The sweetness remains in the mouth, encouraging continuous sipping. The lid of the cup has a faint burnt and sweet aroma mixed with a hint of milkiness. The bottom of the cup has a more pronounced milky aroma mixed with honey notes that linger. Fourth Infusion: The texture…

Brewing tea is an art that requires method. Even the finest tea cannot fully express its true flavor if brewed improperly. Only by following the correct brewing methods can one truly savor the authentic taste and enjoy a delicious cup of tea. So, how should white tea be brewed to bring out its best? How to Brew White Tea for Optimal Flavor? Techniques for Brewing White Tea! 1. Brewing Silver Needle: When brewing Silver Needle white tea, there are two key points to consider: First, the tea buds are long and delicate, so the water temperature should not be too high, around 90 degrees Celsius is ideal; second, this premium white tea is covered in fine white down, so when pouring hot water, avoid direct contact with the tea buds. Instead, pour the water along the side of the cup (or pot). This approach has two benefits: it protects the appearance of the tea buds and prevents the tea from becoming cloudy due to the release of too much down, which could affect the clarity and beauty of the tea's color. Although the Silver Needle tea leaves are slender and delicate, they are also plump and fleshy, allowing for a…

When it comes to Xi Shi, everyone is familiar. As one of the Four Great Beauties of ancient China, she was renowned for her graceful and beautiful appearance that could captivate a city. In the world of zisha (purple clay) teapots, there is also one known as “Xi Shi.” As the name suggests, this teapot should be as beautiful as Xi Shi herself, or perhaps its inspiration originates from Xi Shi. Xi Shi was a maiden who lived in the state of Yue during the Spring and Autumn period. She was naturally beautiful and enchanting, truly capable of captivating a city with just a smile and a country with another. A poem describes her thus: a small mouth like a cherry, a lock of hair like a rainbow; even without makeup, she was adored by heroes of old. The Xi Shi teapot is also an exquisite creation among zisha teapots, and today we will delve into the essence of both Xi Shi and the Xi Shi teapot. The King of Yue, Goujian, endured hardship and plotted to restore his kingdom. He presented Xi Shi to King Fuchai of Wu, intending for her to subvert the state of Wu. Everyone in…

Spring is the season when tea plants grow and tea farmers are at their busiest. In the Xijin Factory Wild Ancient Tree Tea Garden of Majiepo County, Yunnan Province, spring tea picking for 2024 has already begun. This tea garden is located in the Shuishaba mountain ravine of Zhongzhai Village, Xijin Factory Township, at an altitude ranging from 1,858 meters to 1,933 meters, providing an ideal environment for tea trees. In the tea garden, two particularly prominent large tea trees can be seen: Xijin Factory No. 1 and Xijin Factory No. 2. Xijin Factory No. 1 is a small tree-type tea plant, 11.5 meters tall, with a semi-spread posture and dense branching. It stands at an altitude of 1,858 meters in the middle of the mountain ravine. Xijin Factory No. 2 is another small tree-type tea plant, 10 meters tall, also with a semi-spread posture and dense branching. It is located in the lower part of the mountain ravine at an altitude of 1,933 meters. These two large tea trees are the oldest and most representative in the garden, possessing a long history and rich tea resources. The tea farmers carefully tend to these wild ancient tree tea plants during…

The shelf life of tea refers to its optimal tasting period. However, each type of tea has different appreciation angles; for green tea, it's all about its freshness and briskness. Therefore, the back of most green tea packaging will indicate a shelf life of 18 months. This means that, under normal circumstances, after 18 months, its freshness and briskness are virtually gone. However, this does not mean that drinking it after the expiration date is unsafe. On the contrary, if stored properly, the transformation of tea over the years may pleasantly surprise you. How Long is the Shelf Life of the Six Types of Tea? Green Tea (1 year) Green tea is not fermented, making it the freshest among teas, and it is prone to oxidation upon exposure to sunlight and air. The optimal tasting period for green tea is generally 12 months, which can be extended to 18 months with sealed refrigeration. Huang Tea (2 years) Huang tea undergoes an additional "yellowing" process compared to green tea, experiencing mild fermentation. It is a unique category that finds beauty in its yellow hue. Its optimal tasting period is 2 years. White Tea (Long-term Storage) White tea is neither stir-fried nor…

Some collectors do not understand the principles of nurturing a pot. They think that once they buy a pot, placing it in a clean spot is enough, so they often just put it in a display cabinet or box and consider their task done.Such a method of storing pots is the least desirable. A newly purchased pot should be carefully used for tea brewing to nurture it before storage. Clever use is actually the best way to maintain it, although rare purple clay artifacts are exceptions. Contemporary purple clay collector Tang Yun liked to use his "Man Sheng" pots for tea brewing in rotation like ordinary teapots during his lifetime.He once said: "I don't want to use antiques as decorations; I want to use them. If something can be used, I will use it." Some guests were at a loss when he served them tea brewed in such a precious pot.Mr. Tang laughed and said: "These are external possessions that should be used regularly; only by using them regularly can they become part of oneself, achieving a state where both object and self are forgotten. Most people do not know this." Preserving purple clay is indeed important, but maintenance is…

Settle down, hold a fragrant cup of tea, and watch as the blue sprout and jade stamen unfold, branches stretch and leaves spread in myriad postures. In this world, when we have our fill of food and drink, we should take the time to slowly savor our tea and let its wisdom-infused fragrance seep into our lives. As time flows and centuries pass, how many people have managed to turn tumultuous times into tranquil waters, and how many have transformed the muddled and chaotic world into one of purity and clarity? What life truly is, is drinking tea and having heartfelt conversations. We are gradually leading more affluent lives. After meals, we brew ourselves a cup of tea and spend more time making friends. Our consumption philosophy is slowly changing, as we return to the essence of life, pursuing our own inner utopia, and paying for quality and aesthetics. An increasing number of people have clear aesthetic positions, seeking out their true selves in life. More and more people are finding like-minded companions who share similar values, aesthetics, and consumption philosophies, to enjoy life together. When it comes to drinking tea, the focus is on personal experience, not following the…

Abstract: Longjing tea stands out among green teas because it draws the essence of heaven and earth and integrates harmony between humanity and nature. This article analyzes its historical origins, cultural connotations, characteristics and identification, production techniques and features, applications and influences, inheritance, and prospects, to expound on the history, culture, and modern value of West Lake Longjing tea from China. Please bear with any limitations or errors (one person's view; 2024.04). Keywords: China; tea culture; West Lake Longjing; historical culture; modern value I. Historical Origins of West Lake Longjing Tea 1.1 Origin and Legends West Lake Longjing tea, as a gem of Chinese green teas, is steeped in mystery and romance through its origin and legends. According to historical records, the birthplace of Longjing tea is located by the West Lake in Hangzhou, near the village of Longjing, where mountains and waters converge, the climate is pleasant, providing ideal conditions for tea plants. There is a widely circulated legend about the origin of Longjing tea. Long ago, there lived a kind old woman in Longjing Village who worked hard every day, tending to her family’s tea garden. One day, while working in the mountains, she met an elderly man…

Litchi, also known as lychee, is loved for its sweet and fragrant flesh. The entire fruit is a treasure trove of medicinal value. For instance, litchi seeds can help regulate qi flow, dispel cold and stagnation, and relieve pain. Litchi shells are known to alleviate heatiness in the body to some extent. A lady's laughter through a cloud of red dust; none would know it was due to litchis coming—Du Mu, "Passing by Huaqing Palace (Three Quatrains, First)" Eat three hundred litchis daily, I would not mind being a southerner forever—Su Shi, "Eating Litchis" In May in the south, litchis are as red as cinnabar, each one round like a dragon's pearl—Liu Zuman, "Litchi" Many tea enthusiasts also love litchis but may wonder which teas pair well with them. In fact, litchis have a strong compatibility and can be paired with many foods, producing unique effects. With tea, you can try pairing litchis with black, white, or green tea—all of which work well. Here are the benefits of combining litchis with tea: Litchi Black Tea—Beauty and Detoxification Litchis contain vitamins A, B1, and C, as well as pectin, free amino acids, proteins, and elements such as iron, phosphorus, and calcium.…

There are two types of teapot enthusiasts: those who love duanni, and those who do not. For those who dislike it, a moment's inattention can result in the pot looking grubby and even blackened in places. This instantly sours their appreciation, leaving them to rue their decision to purchase a duanni teapot.However, once a duanni teapot has been nurtured, its transformation is remarkable and exceptionally beautiful, evoking a deep sense of affection. This aesthetic pleasure and sense of achievement are likely only fully appreciated by those who adore duanni. As such, many teapot aficionados have a love-hate relationship with it.Duanni is essentially a coexisting deposit of green and purple clays. In the local dialect of Yixing, "duan" sounds like "tuan," hence why duanni is also called tuanni. Its light color means that improper care can lead to noticeable stains, which polarizes opinions—those who love it, love it deeply, while those who don't feel entirely indifferent.In "Seeing or Not Seeing" by Cangyang Jiacuo, he writes, "You see, or you do not see me; I am there, neither sad nor joyful." Similarly, duanni remains unchanged regardless of whether one likes it or not, unaffected by external preferences or personal emotions. The beauty…

Black tea is fully fermented, and during the fermentation process, polyphenols in the tea leaves oxidize continuously. Originally hidden within the leaves, nutrients move to the surface and dissolve easily in water. Therefore, brewing black tea is very skill-dependent. Key to brewing great black tea, aside from the amount of tea, water temperature, and steeping time, is having a good purple clay pot. So what kind of pot allows even a beginner tea enthusiast to brew delicious black tea? The rich aroma of black tea and the warmth of a purple clay pot have an inherent connection, blending together to create a cup of tea that lingers in the memory. When using a purple clay pot to brew black tea, it's important to understand these aspects to bring out the best flavor. Purple clay pots have strong adsorption properties and retain the tea's fragrance. Purple clay pots have a unique dual-pore structure, with both chain pores and closed pores coexisting. Chain pores allow the tea's aroma to pass through the pores, but because they are winding and tortuous, some residue remains on the pore walls. This is the primary reason why purple clay pots retain the tea's fragrance. Black tea…

In the world of white tea, there is a role often misunderstood—the Shoumei. It seems to be frequently regarded as a “low-end tea,” with its raw materials considered inexpensive. But is this really the case? Let's unveil the mystery of Shoumei together and explore the story behind it. Shoumei, a name that sounds like a venerable elder with long, refined eyebrows, gives off an impression of steadiness and warmth. Its appearance isn't particularly outstanding; one bud with three or four leaves, with obvious stalks and broad, round leaves. Compared to the plump buds of Baihao Yinzhen (Silver Needle) and the one bud with one or two leaves of Baimudan (White Peony), it does indeed appear somewhat “unremarkable.” This is why Shoumei occupies a lower position in the “pecking order” of white teas and is viewed by some as the “lowest grade” of white tea. However, is Shoumei really a low-end white tea? In fact, once we delve deeper into Shoumei, we discover many lesser-known advantages. Firstly, the production volume of Shoumei is very large, accounting for more than half of the total production of white tea. This makes Shoumei the most common and accessible variety of white tea, allowing more…

Life is short, and we should enjoy it while we can, indulging in poetry and wine. Having a persistent hobby is indeed fortunate. If this hobby also benefits our health and well-being, it couldn't be more fitting. Drinking tea is one of life's most delightful hobbies. Once you fall in love with it, it becomes a lifelong companion. To drink tea healthily and consistently over the long term, turning it into a consistent health practice, consider the following tips. How to Drink Tea for Better Health 1. Green Tea + Chrysanthemum Tea Green tea contains aromatic compounds that dissolve fat, eliminate greasiness, and prevent fat accumulation in the body. Vitamin B1, Vitamin C, and caffeine promote gastric juice secretion, aiding digestion and fat reduction. Saponins also help slim the figure. Additionally, green tea increases the metabolism of fluids, nutrients, and calories, reducing fat buildup in the body. Chrysanthemum tea effectively relieves fatigue caused by excessive festivities and refreshes the palate, diminishing the greasy aftertaste of food. 2. Rose Hips + Rosemary Rosemary is used as a spice in Western cuisine. Drinking rosemary tea can alleviate bloating and abdominal distension caused by consuming too many fatty foods during the holidays and…

Drinking tea for health has become the choice of many office workers. The purple clay teapot is a commonly used tea utensil, but what kinds of tea are suitable for brewing in it? Does it have anything to do with the shape and size of the teapot? In fact, when using a purple clay teapot for brewing tea, apart from considering the type of clay used, you can also make choices based on the capacity and characteristics of the teapot's shape. So, what kinds of tea are suitable for brewing in a purple clay teapot? What rules should be followed? Black Tea: West Beauty Teapot, Rongtian Teapot The common feature of the West Beauty Teapot and the Rongtian Teapot is their large belly, deep body, and plump, round shape, which can fully bring out the aroma of black tea without damaging the leaves. As the color of black tea infusion is relatively dark, it is suitable to use darker colored clays such as Tianxing clay, blue-gray clay, or Dicaoqing clay for making the purple clay teapot. Oolong Tea: Duozhi Teapot, Dragon Egg Teapot Most oolong teas expand significantly after brewing, so teapots with slightly larger mouths, like the Duozhi Teapot,…

I have always loved tranquility: a book, a cup of tea, a moment of leisure that belongs to me. My heart finds peace in the quiet corners, filled with joys and sorrows alike. I do not feel lonely or regretful; only the faint hint of longing that inadvertently settles on my brow. I wish to become a blade of grass, growing under the sun and dancing with the breeze. To find contentment without desires, to exist in silence, cultivating a heart full of tolerance and openness. To embrace all the flavors of life and savor every emotion, living without disturbance, smiling at the world. I place my pen in the ebb and flow of time, entrusting my thoughts to the words that rise and fall. I seek warmth and lean on the soul, allowing kindness to grow within me, making my heart pure and beautiful. Life is like a speck of dust, sometimes flying high, sometimes settling down. Each day passes in toil and haste. To live happily, one must learn to please oneself. The road ahead may be thorny, but with confidence and determination, by being strong and brave, free from worry and fear, we can walk through any…

Green lines, water surfaces, garden appearance, slow paths, skylines… wherever people go, there is scenery everywhere. Swallow-tail ridges, white walls red tiles, red bricks, and stones, etc. Minnan traditional materials integrated with modern architecture in an organic combination. A strong sense of nostalgia greets you. Nestled in Longjuan Township, at an altitude of over 800 meters on a tea mountain, Zhongmin Wei's Tea Estate is free from the hustle and bustle and urban air pollution. There is only a gentle spring breeze and the rare tranquility and peace. As the designated tea for the State Council’s General Office, the "Five-Star Ecological Tea Garden of the Nation," it is often shrouded in mist, with suitable lighting and plenty of diffused light. The geographical location, climate, and hillside soil are very suitable for the growth of Tieguanyin. Due to its large scale, the ecological environment is well-preserved. The tea estate is acclaimed as one of the largest in Anxi, of the highest specification, and with the best natural ecological environment among Tieguanyin tea estates. Most of the tea fields are developed in low valleys between peaks and the mid-sections of hills, retaining the original vegetation at the tops and bottoms of the…

"Throughout history, poets have been tea connoisseurs, toasting their friends with a cup of clear tea." In China's thousands of years of history, the humble tea leaf has played an indispensable role. Among the seven refined pursuits of life—music, chess, calligraphy, painting, poetry, wine, and tea—one cannot do without tea! The tea mountains are filled with verdant green after a whole winter of rest and accumulation. It seems that the fragrance of tea wafts from the tenderest and most vibrant branches among the leaves, its subtle aroma enchanting and intoxicating. Spring breezes are delightful, but nothing compares to sipping a cup of spring tea, lost in its floral splendor. What is Pre-Ming Tea? "Pre-Ming Tea" and "Pre-Rain Tea" are terms used in the Jiangnan tea region along the Yangtze River to refer to different stages of spring tea based on seasonal divisions. Due to the climate in the Jiangnan area, some early-emerging tea varieties begin sprouting around the Awakening of Insects and Spring Equinox. Thus, tea harvested before the Qingming Festival is called "Pre-Ming Tea." The appeal of "Pre-Ming Tea" has always been due to its high quality and relative scarcity. Its excellence lies in the tenderness of its buds…

Pu'er tea is gentle and doesn’t harm the stomach. In today’s fast-paced, high-pressure lifestyle, gastric problems are common, and many people have imbalanced blood and qi or irregular eating habits. Typically, lightly fermented teas can be a concern for tea enthusiasts. Pu'er tea is a scientifically validated health beverage. Many modern individuals are working tirelessly to make money, and once the cancer-preventing and health benefits of Pu'er tea were confirmed by medical professionals, the concept of “spending a little for longevity” strengthened the faith of tea lovers and attracted many new enthusiasts. Additionally, Pu'er tea’s ability to reduce fat, aid digestion, and promote weight loss has captured the hearts of countless beauty-conscious individuals looking to maintain their figure and middle-aged individuals dealing with weight gain. Pu'er tea is easy to brew and can withstand multiple infusions. Properly aged Pu'er tea is not bitter or astringent, even after prolonged steeping. Unlike high-mountain teas that require precise timing, brewing Pu'er tea is simple and enjoyable, and it’s as convenient as using tea bags. The components in Pu'er tea inhibit the growth of harmful microorganisms in the digestive system while promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria (such as lactobacillus), effectively regulating gut function.…

Liang Sicheng said: For the Chinese, having a courtyard of one’s own means the spirit truly has a place to settle. The Chinese have had a deep affection for courtyards since ancient times. Whether in the halls of power or far from officialdom, there was always a courtyard. A courtyard bears a way of life, a world different from the noise outside. A courtyard is the yearning many people have for their hometowns and homesteads; it hides a beautiful little world in our hearts. Bright flagstones, grey-tiled eaves, scattered flowers and trees, curling smoke from cooking fires, the scent of food wafting over from neighbors, and children playing in the courtyard unaware of the setting sun. Now that we have left the courtyards behind and moved into tall city buildings, we are gradually becoming estranged from the reassuring connection to the earth, gradually forgetting our old dreams of being at one with nature. Time is just right, life is stable. Having a courtyard, returning to nature and oneself, brewing tea and reading books, listening to the wind and rain lying down, has become a pursuit. Many people yearn for a garden of their own, a place where they can be…

As the heat reaches its peak and all things flourish, stepping into the tea garden of Sanhe Village, Taizhong Town, Jingdong County, a fresh scent greets you. Fine rain like silk gently falls upon the tender green tea leaves, with glistening droplets shimmering like pearls. Rows of tea plants appear even more lush in the rain, like a green velvet carpet laid over the earth, stretching to the horizon where it meets the misty clouds.Rain|Moistens|Spring|Tea At this moment, the tea garden is shrouded in mist, like a light veil drifting among the tea plants. The scenery, visible yet elusive, seems like a mystical fairyland deliberately created by nature. A gentle breeze brings a coolness and carries the fragrance of tea mingling with the rain, invigorating the spirit. The tea farmers, wearing conical hats, move through the rows of tea plants. Their skilled hands expertly pick the fresh young shoots, their focused expressions as if engaged in a silent conversation with nature. Rainwater slides off their hats but cannot dampen their enthusiasm for work. Each picking is a promise for life, and every leaf bears their hard work and hope. In this tea garden, drenched by rain, time seems to stand…

Slight Cold, the twenty-third solar term of the year. From today onwards, we enter the coldest period of the year. Slight Cold marks the lowest temperatures, with only a few historical instances where Great Cold was colder than Slight Cold. Now that it's cold, brewing tea is probably what tea lovers look forward to every autumn and winter. In the freezing cold, gathering around a stove to brew tea with a few friends, whether discussing poetry and philosophy or not, the sound of boiling water and swirling tea leaves brings out the words that float from the teapot mouth. These are the words brewed by the tea maker all winter long. A gentle fire burns away to bring forth the next spring. Drinking tea, regardless of social status or wealth, is always part of people's leisure lives. Drinking Tea Selecting the right tea to drink should be based on the season and environment. Warming and heat-repelling fermented teas are typically black tea, dark tea, ripe Pu'er, Liubao tea, and aged white tea. Warming and Heat-Repelling Fermented Teas As a fully fermented tea, black tea undergoes enzymatic oxidation due to the action of oxidase on tea polyphenols, converting much of it…

Tea, like an elegant envoy stepping out of the depths of history, has traversed thousands of years and continues to exude its enchanting fragrance under the pens of literati and poets. It is more than just a simple beverage; it is a profound cultural symbol, an expression of deep affection for life and a unique attitude towards it. Before the delicate tea leaves even touch the lips, their lingering aroma already fills the surroundings, as if carrying the sediment of time and ancient wisdom, captivating the heart and soul. In tranquil nights, when all is quiet, only the gentle breeze softly caresses, bringing a hint of coolness. At such moments, humming a melodious ancient tune, one's thoughts can seemingly traverse through the tunnel of time, engaging in a spiritual dialogue with the ancients. Brewing a cup of fragrant tea elevates this tranquility and rustic ambiance to the utmost degree. Tea is not meant for guzzling. To simply raise the cup hastily and drain it is a desecration of its true essence, akin to the crude behavior of a boorish person. Tea should be sipped gently and savored slowly. Each mouthful of tea carries a unique and subtle flavor that lingers…

Tea, the last of the seven essentials for daily life, is also a refined aspect of living.Every daily activity has its own order in life. Only after the basic needs like firewood, rice, oil, salt, and soy sauce are met, does tea come into play. Tea is a spiritual nourishment that comes after satisfying one's physical needs, offering enjoyment beyond the material. It represents our pursuit of a fulfilling life. Drinking tea invigorates us and enhances our quality of life. A bowl of tea refreshes the spirit, dispels fatigue, brings leisure, fosters friendship, and stirs up ripples of beauty in life. A person who enjoys tea naturally harbors a deep love for life, emotions, and existence; here there is the scholarly aroma of inkstones and brushes, the lingering melody of music, and the Zen-like serenity and freedom of classical gardens with their winding paths. Tea brings you tranquility. Slowly boiling water, gently infusing the tea, the aroma fills the air, the leaves unfurl, and the brew deepens, permeating body and soul. With tea by your side every day, soothing your worries and calming your mind, it will be your companion for a long time. In times of frustration and distress,…