Exploring tea culture: A fusion of Chinese and intl perspectives in Ningbo

An international visitor tries to stir-fry tea. [Photo/tidenews.com.cn]

Baoguo Temple Ancient Architecture Museum hosted "The Initial Exploration of Tea" on March 30, a tea culture event that attracted nearly 30 participants from countries including the United Kingdom, Australia, and France. This enriching experience demonstrated the elegance of Chinese tea traditions while encouraging cross-cultural dialogue.

The day began in the lush tea gardens, where participants took on the role of traditional tea pickers. Equipped with bamboo baskets and guided by experts, they carefully plucked tender tea buds. Though inexperienced, their enthusiasm was evident.

A participant from Brazil, Olivia, remarked on the effort required to gather quality leaves, saying, "Picking each bag of tea is not easy—you need to select many good leaves."

The highlight of the event was the tea processing demonstration, where skilled artisans displayed the intricate techniques of fixing, rolling, and drying. Attendees even tried their hand at the craft, appreciating the expertise involved. An Australian guest described it as "an impressive skill".

The experience concluded with a tea ceremony, where participants went into the cultural and philosophical aspects of Chinese tea. From etiquette to preparation, every detail was explained thoroughly. Guests shared their perspectives, with one Spanish attendee noting the serene beauty of blending tea culture with ancient architecture.

Yu Xiaolu, an official from Ningbo's Jiangbei district, emphasized the goal of promoting cultural exchange through such events, bridging traditions and creating lasting connections.

An international group learns about tasting tea through the guidance of a tea art professional. [Photo/tidenews.com.cn]