SOME BASIC INFORMATION ON PU'ER TEA

Dear loving readers and readers,


As promised earlier, I will provide more details on Pu'er. To make thing simple and clearer, I will let the photos do the talking as each photo tells thousands words.


Below are some of the photos together with short briefing, which can give you a better understanding of what I am talking about.









You will find 7 pieces of Pu'er cake in each pack. Each pack is wrapped by dried big leaf and the weight of each piece usually ranges from 350 -450 grams. In short, each carton consists of 84 cakes.









Opened Pu'er tea cake.





The above photo shown the original pack of Pu'er, which has been removed from carton boxes. Each carton comprises of 12 packs of Pu'er. In short, each carton consists of 84 pieces of Pu'er cake.




The Pu'er cake will be broken in pieces by using the tools displayed below. A container will be used to put all the tools which, usually come in a set comprising of of tea Shuffle, Digger, Needle, Tongs and Vase.




In short, "Cha Dao" (the Way of Tea) is a set of tools that helps out in tea brewing. Typical tools in a Cha Dao set are:







Tea Shuffle - shuffles tea leaves





Tea Digger - digs expended tea leaves from teapots





Tea Needle - prevents spout blockage







Tea Tongs - handles hot tea ware for your fingers





Vase - provides home for all tools









The above photo taken of Pu'er tea, tea cup, kettle and its accessories.




As such, no tea ceremony would be complete without all the necessary utensils and accessories.


The tea tray is an central part of any tea ceremony or tea serving activity. The tea tray contributes a very distinctive personality when preparing the tea. Each tray has its own place for any consideration when planning on preparing your favorite teas.




Trust this info is useful to you. Look forward to seeing you again.




James Oh

 To read other related articles, please click the link below:-


http://teaartblog.blogspot.com/2009/06/more-about-puer.html

TEA SHOP AT WEST LAKE, HONGZHOU

Dear loving readers and visitors,





The display board at the main entrance of the west lake.





The photo was taken at the main entrance of the west lake.




















"Ripping water shimmering on sunny day,
Misty mountains shrouded the rain;
Plain or gaily decked out like Xizi;
West Lake is always alluring."


These are the words composed by the famous Song Dynasty poet Su Dongpo (960-1127) when he compared the West Lake to Xi Zi, the most beautiful woman in ancient China. These poetic sentiments described the glory of the scenery that inspired human beings.


West Lake, Hangzhou
Originally a shallow sea inlet, due to silting this 5.68 square kilometers (about 1,404 acres) of water became the famous West Lake. I was told that the depth of the lake is around 2.5 meter to 5 meter and the lake comprises five distinct sections. The largest part is known as the Outer Lake and it is bounded by the North Inner Lake, Yuehu Lake, West Inner Lake and Lesser South Lake.


Held in the embrace of hilly peaks on three sides, this water wonderland has been an attraction for centuries and it is small wonder that it was a favourite imperial retreat. The lake and its surroundings have all the elements of a traditional Chinese garden on a grand scale. The natural setting of strangely shaped peaks, serene forests and springs, dense foliage and a myriad of blossoms especially in springtime are enhanced by a treasury of sculpture and architectural features.







Lotus pond


Another natural spectacular sight is the tidal bore of the Qiantang River that has enthralled people for centuries. Overlooking the river estuary stands the 13 story high Six Harmonies Pagoda. Dating from 970 and built on the site of an earlier pagoda that served as a lighthouse, the name refers to the six codes of Buddhism i.e. harmony of the body, speech and thought and the renunciation of personal pleasure, opinions and wealth. A climb to the top of the pagoda carries the reward of an impressive view over the river.


Crossing the river is the Qiantang River Bridge. This is the first two-tier bridge to have been designed and built by Chinese engineers in modern times. The other great feat of much earlier engineering is the Grand Canal. Linking Hangzhou in the south with Beijing in the north, this is the longest man-made waterway in China and surpasses both the Suez and Panama canals.


I trust the above briefing of the West Lake well describe the beauty of its scenery. You can be rest assured that the splendid and diverse landscape will remain long in your memory forever.







The above photo was taken inside of the tea shop.


I was having tea with my friend after our tour; by a small boat, cost us RMB 80 per boat and followed by a light passenger vehicle, cost us RMB 40 per round trip.




The weather at that time was slightly more than 40 degree Celsius, and we decided to pop in the nearest tea house at the final stop of our tour. We ended up in the above tea house, not the convention type. I had my lemon tea ice while my friend had green tea. The ice lemon tea, which I seldom take, was a real thirst quencher. I could feel the effect almost instantly after a few sips of it. Some critics are against the cold tea as it is not good for health. However, the overwhelming heat caused me to give in to it. To more flexible, a change is also good as it add colors to life.


Whereas my friend was having green tea instead - the local delicate drink. He was only drinking and not eating the tea leaves, despite my advice to eat the tea leave. Some believe that the tea leaves give good health to human body. That's why the people there rather describe the act as "eat tea" rather than "drink tea", so as to give more appropriate meaning to it. If not of the heat, I would rather go for green tea. It also will enhance the blood circulation and cause good appetite, as a result of speeding up the digestion process.


The photo below tells thousands of words and it shows myself being very exhausted. Thanks for the cozy environment in the restaurant that gave us a good shelter from the heat, we ended up with a long chat of our good old times there.





The photo below taken at one of the traditional tea shops across the road.


It's not unusual to see Chinese tea houses and modern cafes standing side by side. Amidst the modernity and bustle of the city, one can still find serenity and beauty in the vicinity of Hangzhou's famed West Lake.


I really have lots of fun after spending a lovely time at the Hangzhou West lake and I encourage you do the same when you have the time.


Thereafter, we rushed to catch a cab to another place for a street walk and dinner before I call off my trip there. Beautiful China - may I visit you again..


Thanks for your time and hope to hearing from you again,


James Oh

MY SECOND DAY AT OLD TOWN, CHINA

Dear loving readers and visitors,




The above photo was taken at the Old Town, Shanghai. Both of us are teenage friends and we know each other since we were 11 years old. We went to the same primary and secondary school.

I chose this ancient shop because it is very meaningful to me. The mandarin character means "tea shop for famous people". It reminded me that tea was considered as luxury item in the past, only the rich and famous people are able to access to it.

Thereafter, it has been planted and produce in mass scale that allowed all walks of people to have access to it. So, thanks to those who have initiated such a noble idea to spread tea to more people. Similarly, this concept was later applied in automobile by Mr Ford, who had brought down the price of the car so more  people can afford to own it. This noble idea and action bring better life to more people. As such, we should do the same for the next generations of people the same way we have been benefited from this planet.

Trust this inspire you and look forward to hearing from you,

James Oh