Why use a gongdaobei when drinking tea alone?

by Zhu Yang on

Some tea lovers have asked if they need a gongdaobei when enjoying tea alone. Gongdaobei are also known as "Fairness Cups", "Share Cups" or just "pitchers"! Here's why you...

Qing Wu Tang - an artist's studio steeped in tradition

by Zhu Yang on

I recently spent two months back in China and was lucky enough to visit many of our artists' studios as well as meet new artists. I love spending...

The Refined Aesthetic of Fenglu (风炉): Tea Ceremony Artistry

by Zhu Yang on

风炉 ("Fenglu") is the traditional term for stoves or braziers that are used to boil water for a tea ceremony. The history of the fenglu brazier traces back...

"Two Cups of Tea" - Tang Dynasty Poem

by Zhu Yang on

Many Chinese poems over thousands of years are about tea. I'd like to share them with the world. Yesterday, I translated "Two Cups of Tea" - my goals is...

White Tea Varieties: Fuding vs. Yunnan

by Zhu Yang on

Today, let's embark on a journey to discover the delightful differences between Fuding White Tea and Yunnan White Tea. I've always been fascinated by the unique qualities of...

The Enchanting Elegance of Mengding Ganlu Green Tea

by Zhu Yang on

Several years ago, one of my best friends in Sichuan introduced me to Mengding Ganlu (蒙顶甘露) – a captivating green tea that continues to enchant me to this day....

Meeting over tea

by Zhu Yang on

Today, a good friend had a college friend visit from another city, and my friend wanted to introduce us. I of course invited them to come to my home for...

Slowing down to enjoy your tea

by Zhu Yang on

On Friday night, I received some bad news. It was in my mind all night and I started imagining that it was my fault even though it wasn't...

On the freshness of tea & actively engaging in life

by Zhu Yang on

Last week, one of my followers on Instagram messaged me to ask about the following lines of poetry He who desires to know the pure, refreshing flavor of...