Chinese Tea Ceremony

Thanks to my friend, Ann Lee, in NY, who stayed with me for a few days when I first arrived in China in September, I was able to take part in a tea ceremony at one of the most famous tea houses in Beijing, Laoshe Chaguan. This was an event in conjunction with Johanna & Rich's wedding (Johanna was a Harvard MBA classmate of Ann's, who just moved back to Beijing, her hometown).

Tea house culture means - above all - escaping the rat-race of modern society and relaxing with family or friends for some quality time together...chatting, playing games, reading, and, of course, sipping perfectly brewed, exclusive teas. Tea ceremony is a very elaborate process that has the effect of calming and slowing down your body and brain. The tea hostess' movements are deliberate, slow and beautiful, the surroundings, noble and serene, and the little tea cookies, dainty and elaborate.

The "leisure class" used to spend hours in tea houses, killing their idle time. Now families visit tea houses on the weekend to relax and enjoy time together.

That having been said, it is really hard to describe - you'll have to experience it yourself sometime (just don't bring your mobile phone)!

The Laoshe Tea House has an elaborate website, although I am not sure the English version exists (http://www.laosheteahouse.com/)