All is still in the valley as dawn breaks. Countless tea leaves are lit, and countless more remain in shade and snaking mists. Now and then birdsong resonates above the soft murmur of the leaves. The scent of tea fills the valley, leavening and intermingling the aromas of the earth and wildflowers.

One cup is placed on the bough of a vast tea tree. A coil of vapour rises from the kettle, through the dappling of light and shade. In the dance of leaves and hot water, through the aromas of each brew, the entire valley is unfurled.

Out flow the essences of the valley: its earths and its flowers, forests of pine in silent mornings, and the calls of cicadas after summer downpours…

China’s tea tradition is ancient and multilayered. It has naturally permeated the cultures of China and beyond, interacting with their religious, agricultural, poetic, gastronomic, and medicinal traditions. It has and will continue to evolve into many forms, yet throughout its history, Chinese tea has been taken as dry leaves with hot water as an aid to contemplation.

The finest single origin teas were prepared to release vivid reminders of the locale where they were grown. Such teas have served as a home from home for travellers; as media for Daoist or poetic contemplation of the earth and the immaterial world; or as objects of conoisseurship. For many, the right tea has been all these and more.

We aim to provide the ways and means to form your own valuable experience of Chinese tea culture.