Back to Beijing - Maliandao Tea Street

In Beijing mum and I went on a guided tour around the famous tea markets of Maliandao Street. It was a great educational experience for a self-confessed tea lover, and we had a lovely time. Although by the afternoon we had severe cases of 'the shakes' from so much caffeine... a lot of little cups of tea were consumed!

There is, as you probably know, a massive (read: gigantic/enormous/superbig) tea culture in China that dates back to the beginnings of the country itself. Tea is an intrinsic part of life for Chinese people, and I'm happy to say that it's something I've adopted after living here for so long.

 

There are so many different kinds of teas and ways to prepare it before it even reaches your cup, letalone the fancy ways you're supposed to brew it depending on the kind... One thing I know for sure is that it makes for a wonderful and artistic ceremony when it's done properly. An entirely special experience.

The last time I was in China I actually went up into the tea plantations and saw the picking and the preparing of the teas from the beginning. It was not only beautiful, but also really enriching to see the whole process. It kind of made me realise that tea truly is a spiritual thing in this country. That sounds cliche, but I'm gonna say it's pretty much true. There is certainly some kind of deep connection between the beverage and the people. 

The other fun thing about tea is what a great collection of equipment you can get! The little cups and the teapots and the saucers and everything are just too adorable, and they make me feel like I'm doing it all properly. I can't wait to get home and have real Chinese tea on the other side of the world...

Needless to say, we bought plenty of tea. Mum took some home with her and I have a lot here with me too (read: 5 different kinds) and I drink at least a cup every day. 

Don't get me wrong, I'm also an intense lover of coffee, but loving coffee and living in China aren't two things that go together... Shanghai wasn't too bad at all, but it's impossible to get good coffee here in Jinan (I get some fancy yummy coffee posted to me in lovely care packs from home to satiate the cravings). But the tea is super super good, so it almost makes up for it. Don't get me started on the wine though...