With the advent of spring, the surroundings have turned lush and verdant. Along the Jin'an River, you'll see banyan trees, camphor trees, large-leaf linden trees, magnolias, and more. Their canopies are vast and dense, creating a panoramic view akin to a thousand peaks in competition. On sunny days, we set up our Tea stand along the wooden walkway by the river, lay out our tea mat, and wait quietly for the aroma of tea to spread, flowing gently…

1

Initiate an Urban Wanderlogue with a Tea Session

About a few hundred meters along Hualin Road toward Shoudou, if you take a left, you'll find Gongyi Road, a small path that runs alongside the Jin'an River.

The riverside has a boardwalk, which is far from the noisy traffic of the main roads and the bustling city sounds fade away here.

Along the way, you'll see people riding electric scooters, neighbors taking walks, and some uncles and aunts carrying their cats and dogs. It's peaceful yet filled with the authentic hustle and bustle of everyday life.

The urban wanderlogue initiated with a tea session was a spontaneous idea that popped into my head. Over the past three years, under the name “Go Wild Gather,” I've documented various outdoor tea-drinking experiences.

This year, my new wish is to be even more down-to-earth, exploring the casual tea-drinking experiences scattered throughout the city and discovering places within easy reach on foot.

Like the tea stand we set up by the Jin'an River, it integrates the modern city and natural vegetation through a tea session. As we wander about, there's also a wisp of tea smoke and fragrance…

Such a tea stand seems to exist outside of time, a cozy corner waiting for the right people to visit. We linger here, exploring the poetry of life, and many unexpected encounters occur.

The process of Drinking Tea brings back many memorable moments and endless surprises. When the light is good, we sit under the large banyan tree by the Jin'an River, dressed in nice clothes, drinking tea, taking photos, and chatting casually. Discussions range from work plans to daily life.

In short, “No tea session is wasted.” Even, “There's nothing a Cup of tea can't solve, and if not, then two cups.” Life's endeavors and daily affairs are all encapsulated in this tea session.

Later, I often conduct impromptu interviews during tea sessions. For example: “What is tea to you?” Most of the time, my fellow travelers speak at length, providing detailed descriptions to express their understanding and knowledge of tea.

However, the answer that resonates most with me is “Tea depends on who you drink it with.” This description imbues ordinary tea with warm affection.

2

Both Within and Without Tea, Traces of Life

Being amidst mountains and water brings freedom and comfort, making even mundane tasks seem less daunting. If the sun happens to shine brightly, our moods become even lighter. At such times, the tea mat is laid out in a carefree manner.

Mountains are mountains, waters are waters, and I am myself. Whatever the present moment is like reflects what it is. When happy, every second before us is a scene.

The key aspect of such tea gatherings is ensuring that every guest who comes to drink tea leaves with a sense of ease and joy, feeling that they can stay close to Gulou, ready to advance or retreat at will, always prepared to go wherever their feet take them.

In recent years, people increasingly lament the hardships of life, perhaps due to middle age or environmental influences. The changes within and without tea are simply the traces of adapting to life's transformations.

Sometimes, we are both tea drinkers and hosts of the tea session; directors and actors of the tea mat in the present moment. But regardless of our multifaceted roles, we are clear that purity and nature are the essence of tea.

I believe that the myriad forms on the tea mat are entirely spontaneous performances. I have never been fond of overly contrived planning. Occasional sentimentality is understandable, but excessive artificiality can be off-putting. I delight in such simple yet genuine daily tea lives.

At times, we unconsciously cross over our professional boundaries, attempting explorations in different fields. After all, “life is short, so do whatever comes to mind.” However, it's good that we face everything with sincerity. Sometimes, I prefer to call myself a creator.

Use tea to fill your days, allowing countless possibilities to emerge. Initially, tea was a seasoning for life, but I believe its ultimate form is a harbor and a homecoming.

3

Enjoy Life to the Fullest, Live It Flavorfully

Amid the pressures of life and work, as well as the noise of the city, lies a relatively tranquil side.

Between cities, by the Jin'an River, setting up a tea stand without concern for business, just for drinking tea and leisurely sitting, feels like a personal peach blossom source left in the world.

Su Shi once said in his “Superb Terrace Record”: “Everything has something worth observing.” Meaning that we can find joy in everything around us.

Drinking tea here, neither detached from the city nor secluded from the heavens; seeing mountains and waters,