When we drink Tea, it's not about the leaves themselves, but rather the holistic ecology of the broader environment where the tea trees grow.

I've been striving to document the stories behind our teas, but last time I encountered a guest who caught me off guard. I told him that I personally select the teas, and then he asked if they were named after the place they come from. I was at a loss for words, unsure how to respond—it was quite awkward.

I explained that Dingshajie is where our teas are produced, a mountain and a place name. I had assumed that our teas were named based on their place of origin, but the guest's question made me realize that the naming of Pu'er teas is more complex than I had imagined.

A Mountain, A Flavor: My Understanding

I told the guest that Pu'er teas emphasize the mountainous regions where they're grown, much like how wines emphasize the vineyards. A good Pu'er tea is often named after the village, tribe, or mountain where it originates. I realized that this is not just about the taste of the tea, but also about the environment in which it grows.

What Am I Drinking When I drink tea?

I explained to the guest that when we drink tea, we're drinking more than just the leaves; we're drinking the intrinsic substances contained within them. These substances become nourishment for our bodies through the infusion with water. What I'm drinking is the entire ecological environment in which the tea trees grow, the very essence of the land.

Good Tea Comes from Good Ecology

I emphasized that good ecology is what breeds good tea. The better the environment in which the tea trees grow, the richer the nutrients and qi in the leaves. I imagine these tea trees quietly growing in their natural environment, distinct from those planted haphazardly.

The Deeper Meaning of Drinking Tea: My Personal Reflections

I shared my reflections: drinking tea is not just about quenching thirst, but also about caring for one's health. But even deeper, it's about experiencing the ecology and nature of where the tea trees grow through the tea itself. This is why seasoned tea enthusiasts are so enamored with ancient tree teas.

Drinking Tea Is an Attitude Toward Life

I told the guest that once I became accustomed to this experience and embraced the taste of the tea, I developed a sense of reverence for the process of brewing tea. Every day, I set aside everything else and quietly Brew a pot of tea, savoring the state of mind it brings me.

Drinking Tea Is a Holistic Experience

I concluded by sharing Brother Qin's words: drinking tea is a full sensory experience involving sight, hearing, smell, taste, touch, and thought. When I truly immerse myself in it, I experience the true charm of tea.