An idyll for everyoneís cup of tea
By Victoria Fei |
June 29, 2013, Saturday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
CITY people live a fast life. Space for relaxation is vital to balance work and leisure.
Perhaps that is why teahouses have endured in popularity into the modern age. There, people can enjoy a hot cup of tea and experience what has come to be known as China's "tea culture."
Lin Zhiwang, who has been in the tea trade since 1992, took over You Yuan Cha Ren teahouse on Gulong Road in the Minhang District in 2009.
It is a quiet setting perfect for a teahouse. The building itself is simple but elegant in design, featuring 28 private rooms, including one that can accommodate up to 80 guests.
Lin is not only a proprietor but also a tea master. He personally vets the tea varieties before they are served to customers.
"To me, drinking tea is an essential part of every day routine," he said. "It sets a mood, a feeling, and reminds me of our heritage. It's a culture I want to promote."
Lin said his teahouse attempts to do that by providing a perfect atmosphere and professional service.
The interior of the teahouse is special. It features natural elements such as small bridge, and décor and furniture in ancient styles. There's the lulling sound of water and a tranquil sense of beauty.
Lin's hobby is collecting woodcarvings, stone sculpture and other artworks, which he displays to great effect in the teahouse.
Small wonder that it has become such a popular spot, particularly among expats. VIP visitors from abroad are often taken there by hosts.
"Expats prefer green tea, oolong and scented teas," Lin said. "Most of them enjoy the ambience of Chinese tea culture. Despite the popularity of coffee drinking, tea always holds its own."
The teahouse is a cultural landmark in the Gumei area.
Tea drinkers are entertained by music and by strolling tea experts happy to explain the fine art of tea brewing and serving. Staff have been well trained to help customers select tea varieties they will most likely enjoy.
Lin also opens the teahouse for local charity events and volunteer projects.
For senior citizens, the teahouse is a meeting place to reminisce about the past and share experiences of life and family. For students from Shanghai University and Shanghai Normal University, it's a popular spot for meeting new people and catching up on the latest scene.
"The teahouse has become a place for people from all walks of life - business or university, young or old," Lin said. "It's because of the relaxed ambience."
Lin's teahouse is a subsidiary of Shanghai Linzhi Tea Industry Co., which owns a 400-hectare tea farm and processing factory in Fujian Province. It provides quality teas to teahouses and tea retailers across the country..
"Promoting Chinese tea culture is my mission," Lin said. "I believe tea is an important part of our heritage."
Perhaps that is why teahouses have endured in popularity into the modern age. There, people can enjoy a hot cup of tea and experience what has come to be known as China's "tea culture."
Lin Zhiwang, who has been in the tea trade since 1992, took over You Yuan Cha Ren teahouse on Gulong Road in the Minhang District in 2009.
It is a quiet setting perfect for a teahouse. The building itself is simple but elegant in design, featuring 28 private rooms, including one that can accommodate up to 80 guests.
Lin is not only a proprietor but also a tea master. He personally vets the tea varieties before they are served to customers.
"To me, drinking tea is an essential part of every day routine," he said. "It sets a mood, a feeling, and reminds me of our heritage. It's a culture I want to promote."
Lin said his teahouse attempts to do that by providing a perfect atmosphere and professional service.
The interior of the teahouse is special. It features natural elements such as small bridge, and décor and furniture in ancient styles. There's the lulling sound of water and a tranquil sense of beauty.
Lin's hobby is collecting woodcarvings, stone sculpture and other artworks, which he displays to great effect in the teahouse.
Small wonder that it has become such a popular spot, particularly among expats. VIP visitors from abroad are often taken there by hosts.
"Expats prefer green tea, oolong and scented teas," Lin said. "Most of them enjoy the ambience of Chinese tea culture. Despite the popularity of coffee drinking, tea always holds its own."
The teahouse is a cultural landmark in the Gumei area.
Tea drinkers are entertained by music and by strolling tea experts happy to explain the fine art of tea brewing and serving. Staff have been well trained to help customers select tea varieties they will most likely enjoy.
Lin also opens the teahouse for local charity events and volunteer projects.
For senior citizens, the teahouse is a meeting place to reminisce about the past and share experiences of life and family. For students from Shanghai University and Shanghai Normal University, it's a popular spot for meeting new people and catching up on the latest scene.
"The teahouse has become a place for people from all walks of life - business or university, young or old," Lin said. "It's because of the relaxed ambience."
Lin's teahouse is a subsidiary of Shanghai Linzhi Tea Industry Co., which owns a 400-hectare tea farm and processing factory in Fujian Province. It provides quality teas to teahouses and tea retailers across the country..
"Promoting Chinese tea culture is my mission," Lin said. "I believe tea is an important part of our heritage."
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