Who would have imagined experiencing an authentic Song‑dynasty intangible heritage tea‑whisking ritual(Dian Cha 点茶) in such an elegant setting?
To those who don't know about this, Dian Cha is a traditional Chinese method of tea preparation. It originated in the Tang Dynasty and flourished during the Song Dynasty.
The Song Dynasty was a period known for its relatively relaxed cultural atmosphere and open-minded thinking. People placed great value on an elegant and refined lifestyle. It is said that Song scholars pursued four elegant arts: flower arranging, tea whisking, painting appreciation, and incense appreciation.
Today, we have the luck to try this process in a tea room called Yi Min An Shi Tea House(亦岷安石茶室)
📍 Location: 2nd Floor, Yimin Ping’an Hotel🚇 Metro: 450 m from Gangxia North Station Exit 18⏰ Opening Hours: Monday–Sunday, 11:00–19:00
🌲 Environment
The setting is truly stunning.A massive stone gate marks the entrance, creating an impressive first impression. Inside, tall glass cabinets display refined teaware and premium tea leaves. The space is divided into several semi‑private seating areas, each with its own character. The overall atmosphere is elegant, serene, and beautifully curated.
💁 Service
The staff are polite, well‑dressed, and attentive. Every guest receives one‑on‑one guidance(only when they are not too busy), making the entire experience smooth, welcoming, and easy to follow.
✨ Tea‑Whisking Experience
Upon arrival, two full sets of Song‑style tea‑whisking tools are already arranged on the table.You’ll begin with a short five‑minute video introducing the steps of the ritual.
The process includes:
Warming the tea bowl
Rinsing the bamboo whisk
Adding white tea powder
Pouring warm water in stages
Whisking until a layer of fine, creamy white foam forms
Creating your own characters or patterns on the foam using tea powder(mu husband drew our cat 🤣)
The finished foam is then scooped into a flower‑shaped glass cup. The taste is smooth, fresh, and aromatic — a delightful and memorable experience.
📚Overall Impression
This is a wonderful cultural activity that allows you to personally recreate a thousand‑year‑old tea ritual. It’s fun, calming, and offers a deeper appreciation of traditional Chinese tea culture.
The full session lasts two hours. The tea‑whisking portion takes about 15 minutes, while the remaining 1 hour 45 minutes is free time for relaxation. Complimentary cookies and snacks are also provided.
There is also an in‑house restroom, clean and tidy, equipped with a smart toilet. The environment is genuinely exceptional.
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