What I learned… buying Tea in China

I love buying souvenirs while I travel. However, my suitcase or backpack does not love when I buy things while I travel. It has been known for me to buy an extra bag while overseas, or enlist others to help me sit on and close my bags when the shopping gets a little out of control!

But who can resist taking back home a piece of the country you have visited? An item you look at that evokes fond memories of your time there. A souvenir story to tell when someone asks about those earrings, or scarf, or kitchen item.

When I was in Shanghai we attended a tea ceremony and learnt about the types of teas, how they are prepared and some of the rituals of the tea ceremony in China.

Souvenir Stories - China Tea - A story of buying traditional tea in Shanghai http://www.travelspotter.org/uncategorized/souvenir-stories-china-tea/

The smoggy skyline of Shanghai at sunset… what a city, certainly a feast for the senses!

 

Souvenir Stories - China Tea - A story of buying traditional tea in Shanghai http://www.travelspotter.org/uncategorized/souvenir-stories-china-tea/

We visited the Yu Garden complex in the old city of Shanghai. The gardens sit within a tourist shopping area and have many gardens, fountains and restaurants. We had lunch before attending a tea ceremony.

 

Souvenir Stories - China Tea - A story of buying traditional tea in Shanghai http://www.travelspotter.org/uncategorized/souvenir-stories-china-tea/

Old Shanghai in the foreground, with New Shanghai in the background. What a contrast.

 

Souvenir Stories - China Tea - A story of buying traditional tea in Shanghai http://www.travelspotter.org/uncategorized/souvenir-stories-china-tea/

This was my favourite tea, a fruit infusion that you can see here, with our knowledgeable tea lady straining it into our cups for tasting after letting it infuse.

 

Souvenir Stories - China Tea - A story of buying traditional tea in Shanghai http://www.travelspotter.org/uncategorized/souvenir-stories-china-tea/

After sampling so many teas with so many weird ingredients and flowers, I opted to buy a canister of the fruit tea. Instead of tea leaves, it was a combination of dried fruit and flowers that you infuse in hot water for a sweet warm taste.

 

Souvenir Stories - China Tea - A story of buying traditional tea in Shanghai http://www.travelspotter.org/uncategorized/souvenir-stories-china-tea/

Everyone that purchased some tea got a free ‘little boy peeing’ statue.  Our tea lady demonstrated how to make him pee by pouring hot water in a certain spot. I can’t find my peeing boy anywhere in my kitchen! Clearly I am devastated.

 

Souvenir Stories - China Tea - A story of buying traditional tea in Shanghai http://www.travelspotter.org/uncategorized/souvenir-stories-china-tea/

Along with my canister of tea, I bought a special hand painted tea cup, blue with white and red flowers.

 

It’s perfect for fresh tea leaves and fruit infusions as it has a built in strainer and a lid for maximum infusion!

 

Maximum infusion sounds like a great travel motto…

 

Leave a comment to tell me about your most favourite souvenir. What is the story that goes with it from your travels?



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