Famous teas such as West Lake Longjing, Yellow Mountain Mao Feng, Xinyang Maojian, and Dongting Biluochun have always been precious teas on the Chinese mainland. Under the promotion of overseas Chinese, the fragrant tea from the East has reached distant Britain and beyond.
“From Art to Tea”
Mali is the head of Wen Shan Tea Hut in the UK. She grew up in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, and was immersed in a rich cultural environment due to her parents' involvement in the tea industry. After completing her undergraduate studies, Mali moved to University College London to study the art and culture of Asian countries.
During her study of Chinese art history, Mali rekindled her interest in Chinese Tea culture. She admits: “After delving into the history, art, and culture of China, I realized that I truly love our Chinese tea.”
“My parents used to promote Chinese tea, but now they are more interested in the artistic and cultural stories behind it – a transition from ‘tea to art.' For me, after studying abstract art, I became more interested in tangible tea – a journey from ‘art to tea,'” Mali says.
Apart from her studies, Mali works at an art auction house cataloging Asian artworks, which often includes antique Chinese tea ware. This long-term experience has given her new inspiration about Chinese tea. Mali says: “I particularly love the tea culture of the Song Dynasty in China. What we commonly refer to as Matcha was born through the technique of diancha. The Jian zhan used for diancha is a particularly exquisite utensil, and I sincerely hope that friends from abroad can experience it.”
Wen Shan Tea Hut launched in London in 2025, with Mali mainly managing various offline activities and promotions. The name Wen Shan Tea Hut is unique and evocative. Regarding the term “Wen Shan,” Mali explains: “‘Wen Shan' represents a contemplation of nature and life. It is a profoundly philosophical Chinese term. In today's fast-paced society, people can sometimes become restless. Sitting down to enjoy a pot of tea allows one to return to nature and authenticity along with ‘Wen Shan.'”
“Serving Authentic Chinese Tea”
The headquarters of Wen Shan Tea Hut is in Hangzhou, having been established for 12 years. Its predecessor was the Tea Friends Association of the Chinese National Tea Museum, with a long-standing and professional foundation in Chinese tea culture. The establishment of the London branch aimed to penetrate the overseas market and enhance the international influence of Chinese premium teas.
While the UK is welcoming and accommodating of tea culture, the quality of Chinese tea available locally remains concerning. Mali says: “I once tried to purchase West Lake Longjing in London's tea market but could only find tea from three years ago, and it was very expensive. However, Wen Shan Tea Hut collaborates with many tea farmers and mountains in China, hoping to bring these truly delicious teas to London for tea lovers from around the world to taste. We aim to serve authentic Chinese tea.”
“Japanese tea emphasizes tea ceremony and etiquette; Southeast Asian countries like Singapore integrate diverse cultures in their tea. But in Chinese tea, the focus is on the quality of the tea itself. China is vast, and its teas embody the essence of heaven and earth, which is quite remarkable,” Mali adds.
During the Mid-Autumn Festival in 2025, the tea hut hosted a String Resonance Tea Gathering, inviting guests to taste Chinese tea and experience traditional Chinese festivals. In the garden arcade of a London church, Mali set up Chinese lanterns and candles, laid out green tea, white tea, yellow tea, and other major types of Chinese tea, allowing everyone to enjoy the elegance of moon appreciation. During the gathering, Western instruments played alongside traditional Chinese music. The music was vibrant and resonant, providing a fitting accompaniment to the festival.
“I Have Two Dreams”
When discussing her future, Mali says: “I have two dreams. One is to create a Chinese premium tea brand with global influence, and the other is to write a book about international tea culture.”
The London branch of Wen Shan Tea Hut currently collaborates with a gallery to regularly host offline tea gatherings. A ceramic artist from Taiwan is very interested in Wen Shan Tea Hut and plans to help Mali establish a physical storefront to better spread Chinese culture.
On May 25, 2025, the Chinese Embassy in the UK hosted a “Tea and the World” cultural event, and Mali was invited to serve as the tea preparer. Facing guests from all walks of life, Mali demonstrated brewing techniques for various premium teas and provided detailed introductions to the historical anecdotes and crafting skills of Chinese premium teas.
“I was a bit nervous at first. But this was my first time participating in such an important event, and gradually, I calmed down and fully immersed myself in the activity,” Mali says.
Regarding her future plans, Mali intends to pursue a doctoral degree focusing on the exchange of tea culture between China and the world, continuing her deep exploration of the profound Chinese tea culture.