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Longjing Tea of Shifeng
Basic Introduction to Longjing Tea of ShifengThe history of Longjing tea dates back to the Tang Dynasty in China. In the Qing Dynasty, it is said that Emperor Qianlong wrote a poem titled "Observing the Picking of Tea" while touring the Tianzhu area of the Longjing tea region in Hangzhou. The ranking of West Lake Longjing teas goes as follows: Lion’s Peak (Shifeng), Dragon Well (Longjing), Cloud's Rest (Yunxi), Tiger Run (Hupao), and Mei Home Valley (Meijiawu), with West Lake Longjing considered the best. Nutritional ValueCompared to other teas, Longjing tea contains higher levels of amino acids, catechins, chlorophyll, vitamin C, and other nutrients. It is effective for quenching thirst, refreshing the mind, aiding digestion, relieving irritability, and has anti-inflammatory and detoxifying properties. Product CharacteristicsThe best Shifeng Longjing tea is not bright green but rather a natural, rough rice color with a tender yellow hue. This is a distinctive feature of Shifeng Longjing that sets it apart from other Longjing teas in terms of color. History and FolkloreLegend has it that when Emperor Qianlong traveled south, he visited the foot of Shifeng Mountain in Hangzhou and observed local women picking tea leaves as a gesture of understanding the common people.… -
Qishe Tea
Basic Introduction to Qishet TeaThe cultivation of QiShe tea has a long history and it has been highly regarded throughout history, with mentions in books such as "Xingyi Fu Zhi" and "Travels in Yunnan and Guizhou" (written by Chen Ding during the Qing Dynasty). Over time, QiShe tea has been favored for its unique flavor and exceptional durability when brewed. In recent years, the Xingyi Municipal Party Committee and Government have placed great importance on the development of the tea industry, treating it as an agricultural pillar industry and a project to enrich the people. A series of supportive policies and measures have been introduced, boosting the enthusiasm of tea farmers, leading to a total tea garden area of 79,000 mu. In Qishetown alone, the tea garden covers 24,500 mu. There are two provincial-level leading model enterprises, two model cooperatives, over 30 processing workshops, 13 established farmer professional cooperatives, one town-level association, one special industry joint branch, six newly constructed high-quality tea garden demonstration bases, and two clean tea factories with an annual production capacity of 200 tons. Three enterprises have obtained QS certification.After Xingyi City's QiShe tea and Qinglong County's Qinglong green tea received geographical indication protection as specialty… -
Kaiyang Selenium-Rich Tea
Basic Introduction to Kaiyang Selenium-Rich Tea Kaiyang selenium-rich tea has a deep historical background. The South Tribute Tea of Kaiyang is produced in Nanlong Township, Kaiyang County. It was named as a royal tribute during the Qing Dynasty's Qianlong period and gained prominence during the Qianlong and Jiaqing periods, with a history spanning over 200 years. Nanlong Township is located in the southeastern part of Kaiyang County, 18.5 kilometers from the county center. The township covers an area of 125.24 square kilometers and comprises three administrative villages: Wengduo Village, Tankan Village, and Zhongqiao Village, with a total of 131 village groups. The total population is 18,889 people, of which 18,403 are agricultural residents, accounting for 97.4% of the total population. Multiple ethnic groups reside within the territory, including Han, Bouyei, Miao, and Shui. Nutritional Value 1. Selenium-rich tea helps reduce fat and prevent cardiovascular diseases. The relationship between tea drinking and weight loss is very close. As early as over two thousand years ago, the book "Shennong's Herbal Classic" mentioned the weight loss effect of tea: "Long-term consumption can calm the mind, invigorate qi... lighten the body and prevent aging." Modern scientific research and clinical trials have confirmed that drinking… -
Cantonese Embroidery
Basic Introduction to Cantonese EmbroideryCantonese embroidery, one of the four famous embroidery styles in China, historically referred to embroidery products from Guangzhou, Foshan, Nanhai, Panyu, Shunde, and other areas—specifically, embroidery crafts from the Guangfu region. This includes embroidered paintings, theatrical costumes, beaded embroidery, and more. Product CharacteristicsCantonese embroidery works share a common feature: they are striking from afar and exquisitely detailed up close. In the early Qing Dynasty, British merchants brought clothing designs to Guangzhou workshops for embroidery. As these designs were in the Western oil painting style, embroiderers increased the variety of threads and improved their techniques to make the embroidery lifelike, enhancing the expressiveness of the embroidery and improving the skills of Cantonese embroidery. Techniques included twisting peacock feathers into thread and wrapping horsehair around yarn to create outlines. When British merchants brought designs to Guangzhou for embroidery, Cantonese embroidery absorbed the artistic style of Western oil painting, using perspective and principles of light reflection to enrich the design palette and expressiveness of the embroidery. These embroidered items were widely used in interior decoration and daily clothing. The mid-Qing Dynasty was the heyday of Cantonese embroidery exports; large embroidered paintings were taxed at 1.2 taels of silver, indicating… -
Boshan Ceramics
Basic Introduction to Boshan CeramicsBoshan has long been known as the "Porcelain Capital" and is one of China's five major ceramic production areas. Among Boshan Art Ceramics, the most famous is the "Raindrop Glaze," historically referred to as "oil drop." It is named for its appearance of luminous silver spots on a dark glaze surface. These spots are as small as grains of rice, resembling shining stars in the night sky from a distance, which led to the saying that "a foot-tall vase or an inch-deep bowl is considered an unparalleled treasure, while teacups and wine goblets are regarded as priceless rarities." Product FeaturesBoshan Art Ceramics come in a myriad of forms, both graceful and vivid, exquisitely delicate, evoking a lifelike feeling. The art of engraving porcelain is hailed as the essence of Eastern art and a unique specialty of China. With simple hammers and chisels, artisans create breathtaking works on porcelain plates. Many of these engravings have been designated as national gifts presented by Chinese leaders to foreign heads of state as high-end gifts. Exquisite black pottery artworks, inheriting the traditions of Dawenkou Culture and Longshan Culture, are characterized by their "paper-thinness, lacquer-brightness, and bell-like resonance." Garden ceramics, standing… -
How has tea ware evolved?
Tea ware is often referred to as the father of tea, for it carries the essence of a cup of tea. The word "China" itself also means porcelain, and the West came to know China through its porcelain. Early pottery, bronze wares, later porcelains, and teaware made from materials like purple clay and glass were all adapted to the social productivity levels and brewing methods of their times. The complete set of gold and silver tea ware unearthed from the Famen Temple’s underground palace from the Tang Dynasty is breathtaking (multiple types of tea ware can also be seen in the painting “Night Banquet in the Tang Palace”). During Emperor Huizong's reign, tea competitions included the use of tea ware as an essential element, and Jian bowls, necessary for the tea-whisking method, became popular. Three of the Jian bowls (also known as Tenmoku bowls) that were brought to Japan are now considered national treasures there. The five famous kilns that produced tea ware are also world-renowned. The evolution of tea ware is a vast topic, but at its core, it cannot be separated from three words: "ceramics, technology, culture." Today, we will explore the evolution of tea ware from two… -
How to Make Spring Pancakes
The spring pancake, also known as the lotus leaf pancake or simply the thin pancake, is a very thin baked flour pancake that is a traditional delicacy of the Han nationality in China. The ingredients are simple, and the method of making spring pancakes is very convenient. They have a soft and chewy texture, and the way to eat them can be customized according to your preference, with vegetables added as you like. They can be served as a main dish or stir-fried.Introduction to Making Spring PancakesIngredients Needed300 grams of wheat flour, 150 grams of water.Steps for Preparation1. Pour boiling water over the flour and knead into a smooth dough.2. Wrap the prepared dough in cling film and let it rest for half an hour before kneading it into a long strip and cutting it into small portions.3. Take one strip, flatten it, coat each piece with a layer of oil, stack two pieces together, and roll them out thinly and large.4. Place the prepared dough sheets in a pot and steam on high heat for 10 minutes; once cooled, they can be peeled off layer by layer.Tips1. Making spring pancakes is straightforward, but when kneading the dough, add water… -
What is Mogan Yellow Bud Tea?
Mogan Yellow Bud is a precious type of yellow tea produced in Deqing County, Huzhou City, Zhejiang Province, China, grown among the bamboo forests in the Moganshan area. Located to the northwest of Deqing County, Moganshan is a renowned summer resort in China and is said to be where the legendary swordsmiths Gan Jiang and Mo Ye crafted their swords. The bamboo forests in Moganshan are vast, and the natural environment is exceptional. Monks have been known to reside on Moganshan and grow tea since the Jin Dynasty, with this practice gradually fading away by the end of the Qing Dynasty. According to the "Moganshan Gazetteer," "The tea from Moganshan is meticulously picked and processed. The bud tea harvested around the Qingming Festival has a slightly yellowish hue due to its young buds. During the baking process, tea farmers capitalize on this characteristic by covering the leaves slightly, using low temperatures for a longer duration, resulting in a unique aroma and flavor, hence it is called Mogan Yellow Bud." In the spring of 1956, Professor Zhuang Wanfang from Zhejiang Agricultural College, who was staying at Moganshan for rest and recuperation, accidentally discovered a tea with an excellent aroma in the… -
Dafang Lacquerware
Basic Introduction to Dafang LacquerwareDafang Lacquerware is a traditional work of craft and art with ethnic style and local characteristics in Guizhou Province. During the Ming and Qing Dynasties, Dafang Lacquerware was selected as a "tribute" to be presented to the emperor. As a household decorative item for studies and living rooms, it adds an elegant, antique charm.It is also used as daily utensils in people's homes for holding dry and fresh fruits, sweets, and even dishes. Dafang Lacquerware was extremely popular during the Daoguang period of the Qing Dynasty. At that time, almost every household in the ancient Dading Prefecture knew how to make lacquerware, hence it was known as the "Lacquer City." Product FeaturesThe features of Dafang Lacquerware include elegant and realistic patterns, simple shapes, bright and reflective lacquer finish, vibrant colors, durability, and distinct national characteristics. Used as tableware, it does not conduct heat, mix flavors, leak, or attract pests; it is resistant to acids, alkalis, and is not prone to decay, nor does it fade.Another specialty of Dafang Lacquerware is its use of leather from livestock such as cattle, horses, and sheep, with cotton, hemp, silk, satin, and wood as the core material, and high-quality raw… -
How Much Do You Know About Gongfu Tea?
When it comes to gongfu tea, many people think of gongfu black tea or Chaozhou-style gongfu tea, but few know why it is called gongfu tea. Is it because the variety of the tea leaves is named gongfu? Let's talk about what gongfu tea really is. Generally speaking, gongfu refers to the time and effort spent on something, as well as the meticulousness and refinement involved, or the skill and expertise attained in a particular field. Black Tea Gongfu Tea In the category of black teas, gongfu tea is a type of refined black tea. It is named gongfu tea (or gongfu black tea) due to the extremely meticulous processing during both preliminary and final production stages. In the Qing Dynasty, gongfu tea referred to black tea and some Wuyi oolong teas. The monk Chaoquan, who lived as a commoner after the fall of the Ming Dynasty, became a monk in Mount Wuyi in the thirtieth year of the Kangxi era of the Qing Dynasty and developed an affinity for Wuyi tea. In his poem "The Song of Wuyi Tea," he writes, "It smells like plum blossoms and orchids, and its fragrance is achieved through careful baking. The teapot is… -
Wujiatai Tribute Tea
Basic Introduction to Wujiatai Tribute Tea "Wujiatai Tribute Tea" refers to tea produced in Wujiatai, Xuan'en County, Hubei Province, China. As early as the Qing Dynasty, Wujiatai Tribute Tea, which was honored by Emperor Qianlong's imperial decree "Imperial Grace and Favor," has long been famous and holds high historical, artistic, and scientific value. In 1984, General Secretary Hu Yaobang praised it highly after tasting Wujiatai Tribute Tea during his inspection tour of Xuan'en. "Wujiatai Tribute Tea" became a protected Geographical Indication product in 2008. In 2009, the Ministry of Agriculture issued the registration for the geographical indication of agricultural products for "Wujiatai Tribute Tea." It has since received the highest Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) certification domestically, as well as organic food certifications from the European Union and the United States. The tea won a gold medal at the International Tea Expo in China in 2010 and signed organic tea orders for over 1,000 tons with seven countries. "Wujiatai Tribute Tea" has become a "national calling card" for entering the international market. Furthermore, the State Administration for Industry and Commerce has already announced the "Wujiatai Tribute Tea Geographical Indication Trademark." The newly revised "Wujiatai Tribute Tea Standard" has been reviewed by… -
Flowing prosperity: Six facts you may not know about China’s Grand Canal
The 3,200-kilometer Grand Canal dates back nearly 2,500 years. It passes through eight provinces and municipalities. In 2014, 27 sections of the canal, totaling 1,011 km, and 58 relevant heritage sites gained UNESCO World Heritage status. Fact 1: Supervising shipments An "encryption system" was developed during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) to prevent corruption and ensure the quality of grain sent to Beijing from the south. Each "signature" on a folding fan represented an agency in charge of inspecting the cargo arriving in the capital. Signatures were also placed on the bags of grain, like seals. Supervisory officials could look at the fans to know which agency should be punished if any problems were discovered. Fact 2: Managing movement There were complicated systems and rigid regulations of shipments' time and distance. A cargo fleet usually contained 30 ships, and each fleet had its own flag. During the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), the central government owned over 16,000 ships for transportation along the canal. Fact 3: Cultural connotations More than 400 items found along the Grand Canal have been inscribed on the list of national-level intangible cultural heritage, including folk arts, handicrafts and local beliefs. Tianjin's Yangliuqing Lunar New Year woodcut paintings are… -
Pomegranates of Huaiyuan
Basic Introduction to Pomegranates of HuaiyuanThe cultivation of Pomegranates in Huaiyuan has a long history, with the high-quality seedlings of Anhui Baofeng being renowned for their excellent quality. It is said that they have been cultivated since the Tang Dynasty and by the Qing Dynasty, Pomegranates of Huaiyuan were recorded in official historical records. The County Annals of Huaiyuan notes: “Pomegranates are the best fruit in this county, surpassing even the pomegranates offered as tribute from Caozhou. They come in red flowers and fruits, white flowers and fruits, with the Jade Seed Pomegranate being particularly excellent.” This shows that Pomegranates of Huaiyuan had formed unique local characteristics long ago and won praise from people both at home and abroad due to their bright colors, neat shape, translucent seeds, and delicious flavor. Pomegranates of Huaiyuan were exported to Southeast Asia, the UK, Romania, and other countries, and introduced to the former Soviet Union, Bulgaria, and elsewhere.There are many varieties of Pomegranates in Huaiyuan, with an initial count of 13, divided into two major groups based on flower color: white and red. There is only one type of White Flower Pomegranate – the White Pomegranate, which has white flowers, seeds, and fruits.… -
Types of Authentic Chinese Tea [Complete List 2021]
As its original producer and cultivator, it’s no surprise that the art of tea is embedded in China’s culture and history. In China, teas aren’t just simple beverages you drink when you’re thirsty. Teas are also central to their spiritual relaxation, and the process of drinking teas also has its own set of etiquettes and related ethics. Additionally, teas have health benefits you definitely wouldn’t want to miss. Know More About Your Favorite Chinese Tea Nowadays, the consumption of tea is spread throughout the world, with most countries having their own variation and unique preparation processes. Still, nothing beats traditional Chinese teas, and fortunately, there are many places you can look. Before you go tea-shopping, it’s best to know what tea you should go for. Below, we’ve got a summary of the things you need to know about your Chinese tea options Green Tea Chinese Green Tea is one of the most common and most consumed teas over the world. The Chinese Green Tea is a type of unfermented tea that doesn’t undergo the usual oxidation and withering process used when making other types of teas. Flavor Profile Chinese Green Tea usually have a sweet and light… -
Zhuolu Nanjiangshi
Basic Introduction to Zhuolu NanjiangshiNanjiangshi, also known as Nanjiangshi Lion's Head, is named after its discovery in Nanjiangshi Village, Xiejiazhai Town, Zhuolu County, Hebei Province, where this type of walnut is produced. It first appeared during the Qing Dynasty but did not receive much attention due to its low yield. It is a variety of Scholar's Object Walnut. Product FeaturesThe generally recognized features include: large cross tip, concave bottom, diamond-shaped base, thick wide edges, dense texture (in the form of tight pattern), and a hard shell like stone. It is worth noting that the height of the Nanjiangshi variety is usually slightly taller compared to the Dwarf Lion's Head. Perfectly matched pairs with excellent appearance are very rare on the market, especially those with a slightly shorter stature, which are even rarer, making them highly sought after by enthusiasts of scholar's objects. Historical Folklore"Nanjiangshi Lion's Head" belongs to the category of Scholar's Lion's Head walnuts, one of many varieties. According to undocumented legends, it was called "Mapillar" at the end of the Qing Dynasty and later renamed "Ma Ke" during the Republic of China era. Due to its rarity and limited recognition among connoisseurs, it was not considered a high-end… -
Biluochun
Basic Introduction to BiluochunDongting Biluochun tea is a famous specialty of Suzhou and one of the top ten teas in China. Biluochun is a world-renowned green tea that has been a prized delicacy since ancient times, even being listed as an imperial tribute tea during the Tang Dynasty. The Suzhou Dongting Biluochun tea is made entirely from tender shoots. Half a kilogram (500g) of Biluochun consists of about 60,000 "one flag and one spear" leaves, which is why it was also known as "gongfu tea" or "new blood tea." High-grade Biluochun requires 60,000 to 70,000 tea buds for half a kilogram of dry tea, demonstrating the fineness of the buds. The best Biluochun comes from the Dongting Mountains on the shores of Lake Taihu in Wuxian, Jiangsu Province.The Dongting Biluochun production area is a famous mixed tea and fruit cultivation region in China. Tea plants are interspersed with peach, plum, apricot, plum, persimmon, orange, white fruit, pomegranate, and other fruit trees. Rows of verdant tea bushes resemble green screens, while the shade of the fruit trees protects them from frost and the sun. The intertwined branches and roots of tea and fruit trees imbue Biluochun with its natural floral and… -
For a healthy fall: Sleep more, drink more water and stay warm
TCM recommends getting one more hour of sleep, drinking more water and eating moistening foods to maintain health and keep your body's energy in sync with cosmic energy.Chu Shu on the Chinese lunar calendar usually falls around August 23. Temperatures usually remain high for around 18 days before it starts to cool off south of the Yangtze River, according to Qing Jia Lu by Gu Tieqing in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). The book describes the culture and customs in Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, and nearby areas.At this time of year, the yang energy in the universe begins to descend from its peak while yin energy starts to grow. Accordingly, the yang energy in the human body also starts to decline. Thus, at least another hour of sleep is recommended.Though ancient Chinese wisdom calls for taking a nap whenever you feel sleepy after Chu Shu, in these times it's not possible to just nod off when you feel like it. A nap of up to an hour at midday is recommended, if you can manage.Getting good quality sleep at zi (11pm-1am) and wu (11am-1pm) is important for health.The yin and yang energy in the human body will shift along with energy changes in the… -
Tips for the season
A portrait of Emperor Qianlong by painter Giuseppe Castiglione (Lang Shining).[Photo provided to China Daily]The love life of Emperor Qianlong from Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) has been a subject of discussion on China's social media recently thanks to two TV series-The Story of Yanxi Palace and Ruyi's Royal Love in the Palace take the baton.Emperor Qianlong, who died aged of 87, was also one of the longest-living monarchs in China.His good health is attributed to his good habits, according to Hu Xiaofei, a professor at Beijing Sport University.Speaking about the emperor's habits, Hu says: "He had a list of 10 things to do often and four things not to do."The 10 things to do involved 10 parts of body-the teeth, throat, ear, nose, eyes, face, feet, stomach, legs and arms, and hips.And among the four not-to-do things were no talking while eating and resting and not drinking too much."One of his 10 things to do involved rubbing the face, which is a good practice in the autumn," says Hu.The nose and ear massage with warmed hands is something we can learn from Emperor Qianlong, according to Hu Xiaofei, a professor at Beijing Sport University.[Photo provided to China Daily]"But you must warm… -
Luaan Guapian
Basic Introduction to Luaan GuapianLuaan Guapian, a traditional and historic Chinese tea, is one of China's top ten famous teas, often abbreviated as 'Guapian' or 'Pian tea.' It is produced in the Dabie Mountains around the city of Luaan, Anhui Province. In the Tang Dynasty, it was known as "Luzhou Luaan Tea," recognized as a renowned tea; during the Ming Dynasty, it began to be called "Luaan Guapian," considered an excellent and superior-grade tea; by the Qing Dynasty, it had become a tribute tea for the imperial court.Luaan Guapian is a special type of green tea. Among all teas in the world, Luaan Guapian is the only one without buds or stems, made solely from single-leaf tea. Removing the buds not only maintains the single-leaf shape but also eliminates the grassy taste; the stems become woody during processing, so removing them ensures the tea remains rich but not bitter, fragrant but not astringent. The leaves are plucked within ten days before and after the Grain Rain (Guyu) solar term, with two or three leaves taken at a time, prioritizing "maturity" over "tenderness." Nutritional ValueThe chemical components of Luaan Guapian have significant health benefits. Its composition includes 3.5-7.0% inorganic substances and… -
Why is tea called tea?
Why is tea called tea? Actually, there are two main ways to refer to tea across the world, namely “tea” or “chai”. Tea originated from China about 4500 years ago. There were records documenting the medicinal use of the tea plant as early as the Shang dynasty (1500 BC). About the word “tea”: it's a beverage commonly prepared by pouring hot or boiling water over cured leaves of the Camellia sinensis. At the beginning of its colonial period in the 16th century, Portugal was the first country to bring the habit of tea drinking to Europe. At the time, the Portuguese were involved in trade with Central China and Guangdong. The local word for tea there is “cha”, so the Portuguese adopted this way of calling it all across its other colonies, such as South America etc. Likewise, the word “chai” also entered Russia and the Arabic countries by way of foreign trading. At the end of 16th century during the Qing dynasty, China and Japan had declared a strict ban on maritime travel. Back when Zheng Chenggong (better known in the West by his Hokkien honorific Koxinga or Coxinga) hadn’t taken the island of Taiwan yet, it was full of… -
Small town in E China cultivates thriving calligraphy brush industry
Photo shows calligraphy brushes from Wengang township, Jinxian county, Nanchang city, east China's Jiangxi Province. (Photo/Wu Siyu) With a population of less than 50,000, Wengang township in Jinxian county, Nanchang city, east China's Jiangxi Province produced 820 million calligraphy brushes in 2023, with a total output value of 2.32 billion yuan ($319.5 million). In the same year, the sales revenue of calligraphy brushes and related cultural products reached 8.25 billion yuan. Photo shows calligraphy brushes from Wengang township, Jinxian county, Nanchang city, east China's Jiangxi Province. (Photo/Wu Siyu) A craftsman makes a calligraphy brush in Wengang township, Jinxian county, Nanchang city, east China's Jiangxi Province. (Photo/Liu Lixin) Wengang has a long history of producing calligraphy brushes. Introduced during the Eastern Jin Dynasty 1,600 years ago, the craft of making calligraphy brushes took root in Wengang and flourished. By the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), Wengang calligraphy brushes became a local tribute to the imperial court. A craftsman makes a calligraphy brush in Wengang township, Jinxian county, Nanchang city, east China's Jiangxi Province. (Photo/Liu Zhankun) Li Xiaoping works on a calligraphy brush in Wengang township, Jinxian county, Nanchang city, east China's Jiangxi Province. (Photo/Liu Lixin) Photo shows a calligraphy brush culture museum in… -
Shenyang Imperial Palace covered in snow
This aerial photo taken on Nov. 7, 2023 shows the snow-covered Shenyang Imperial Palace in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province. Shenyang Imperial Palace was built in 1625 and had been used as the imperial palace in early Qing Dynasty (1616-1911). ( tasteallchina /Yao Jianfeng) This photo taken on Nov. 6, 2023 shows the snow-covered Shenyang Imperial Palace in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province. Shenyang Imperial Palace was built in 1625 and had been used as the imperial palace in early Qing Dynasty (1616-1911). ( tasteallchina /Chen Wei) This photo taken on Nov. 6, 2023 shows the snow-covered Shenyang Imperial Palace in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province. Shenyang Imperial Palace was built in 1625 and had been used as the imperial palace in early Qing Dynasty (1616-1911). ( tasteallchina /Chen Wei) Tourists walk by a gate of the snow-covered Shenyang Imperial Palace in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, Nov. 7, 2023. Shenyang Imperial Palace was built in 1625 and had been used as the imperial palace in early Qing Dynasty (1616-1911). ( tasteallchina /Yao Jianfeng) This photo taken on Nov. 6, 2023 shows the snow-covered Shenyang Imperial Palace in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province. Shenyang Imperial Palace was built in 1625… -
Anxi Tieguanyin Tea
One of the joys of travel in China is the authentic, fragrance-rich Chinese tea and profound Chinese tea culture & history. By enjoying a cup of tea, you have a glance of the haunting Chinese tea culture. In southeast China's Fujian Province, a pretty mountainous country named Anxi produces Tie Guan Yin – a superior variety of oolong tea in China. Anxi is the birthplace of Tie Guan Yin. Loacal Chinese tea farmers here began to plant this special tea in 1725 during Qing Dynasty. After that, Anxi ushered in its heyday of tea production. The “Inner Anxi” is the main producing area of tieguanyin tea, with the exceptional advantage of warm climate (the mean annual temperature is 15-18 degrees centigrade), abundant rainfall (the annual rainfall is 1700 – 1900 mm), a large area of acid red soil, and being locked with continuous hills. Why is called Tie Guan Yin? Tie Guan Yin is not only a name for the tea but also for the tree. The tree is not plump, but a bit week, with thick and dark green leaves. The edge of each leave is a little folded resembling the folded palm of bodhisattva Avalokitesvara (known in Chinese as Guan Yin).… -
Suzhou Gardens: The Art and Soul of Chinese Classical Gardens
Suzhou can be considered one of the most exquisite cities in the whole of China, and the Suzhou gardens are the most vivid embodiment of this refinement. Throughout history, Suzhou has had a total of 802 gardens, and the praise of being a "city of half gardens and pavilions" is by no means an empty phrase. It is not so much that Suzhou provides a dwelling place for gardens, but rather that the gardens spread throughout the entire city have created a Suzhou city steeped in the gentle language of the Wu dialect. So what exactly are Suzhou gardens? They serve as a window to China's aesthetic facing the world, and with the completion of the Chinese-style courtyard Mingxuan in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1980, modeled after the Master of the Nets Garden's Dianchunyi, it spreads aesthetic elements unique to China to the world. In spring, Suzhou gardens become sea of flowers, undoubtedly the most beautiful time of the year for gardens. The early magnolias in March, the wisteria at the end of March, and the peonies in late April, with flowers of various colors blooming in succession, adorn the Suzhou gardens as sea of flowers. Even those…
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