The Way to Practice Kung Fu Tea Ceremony

Fall in love with Chinese tea, as well as its fascinating tea culture.

In china, tea enthusiasts do not only pay great attention to the quality of tea leaves, the material of tea set, but also the way to brew tea and drink it. As a tea master, you ought to therefore master the Chinese tea ceremony rituals, which represent the spirit of the “Way of Tea”(茶道) with four basic principles: thrifty, harmony, respect and aestheticism.

Kung fu tea or gongfu tea is a traditional tea drinking custom originally in Chaoshan area of China’s Guangdong and Fujian province, and has been the most famous and popular tea ceremony throughout China. People there practice kung fu tea every day and entertain friends and guests with it. Today, many overseas Chinese from Chaoshan area still keep this drinking custom.

To practice the ceremony, people need to prepare a whole set tea service, a table big enough to hold the tea-making utensils, fine spring water and high quality tea leaves. Ideally the surrounding should be tranquil, and you have the peace of mind. Thus it is called kung fu tea (making tea with effort).

Recommended China Tea Tours:

9-day China Tea Tour

12-day China Tea Culture Tour

Prepare the kung fu tea set

Being able to find the most adequate tea set is the first and foremost thing for kung fu tea ceremony. Purple clay tea set produced in Yixing, Jiangsu province is considered the best.

Here is a list of the main items used in a gongfu tea ceremony: 

*A small unglazed purple clay teapot

*Several tiny cups

* A brewing vessel

*Three tea basins or bowls for the used tea leaves and used water

* A tea tray – a deep, flat bottom porcelain plate to hold tiny cups

* A tea mat

*A tea bottle

*A water bowl

*A hot water kettle, e.g. an electric kettle

*A tea spoon (tea pick) to clear the teapot spout and a tea holder for weighing and dispensing tea leaves.

How to brew kung fu tea

1. Rinse all vessels with hot water. This can purify the vessels, and warms the pot and cups. The used water is then poured away into a water bowl.

2. Put the tea leaves into the tea pot. For a 150 ml tea pot at least 15 grams of tea leaves are used. However depending on the size of the pot and the strength of the tea the pot may be filled between 1/2 and 2/3 full.

3. Rinsed the tea leaves with hot water. This is to remove any dust from the leaves. Pour out the tea water.

4. Brew the tea. Heat the water to the appropriate temperature (different teas require different temperature). Wait for a few seconds, then pour it into the pot from some height until the pot is full. It helps to release the tea’s aroma.

5. Wait for 20 to 50 seconds, open the pot lid and remove the tea dust on the surface. Put on the lid again.

6. Pour the hot water on the tea pot. It allows the tea to be simultaneously heated from both inside and outside. When the pot body is drained of water, the tea is ready.

7. Pour the hot water into the cups to heat and rinse them with hands. This requires professional skill and gives a wonderful artistic performance.

8. Pour the tea water evenly into the tea cups, in a circular manner around the guests. Remember to keep the cups close to the pot, pouring slowly, so as not to disperse the flavor of the tea.

9. Finally, enjoy the aroma of the tea as well as its taste.

However, to bring out the best aroma, taste and after taste of each tea through kung fu tea ceremony, you will need an in depth knowledge of Chinese tea, and should keep practicing. You may join a China tea tour to marvel at the sophisticated kungfu tea ceremony served by tea expects.

Shaolin Temple Is to Develop Online kung Fu Games

The middle part of China in Dengfeng County of Henan province is a Kung fu lover’s dream. Impressively, it is home to various time-honored religious institutions and temples, of which, the Buddhist Shaolin Temple is absolutely a big draw for most travelers, and one of the most famous temples in China. A lot of people from home and abroad have come all the way to Shaolin Temple to join the excellent Kung Fu training taught by Shaolin masters.

Shaolin kung Fu

Built in 495, Shaolin Temple is the birthplace of Shaolin Kung Fu – an important branch of Chinese martial art, and one of the ways that the monks of the temple practice Zen Buddhism. For centuries, Shaolin Temple has become the cradle of Chinese martial arts and showed visitors power and grace Kung Fu demonstrations. Today the temple is devoted to expanding the Buddhist zen culture and the ancient martial art of kung fu by various ways, and especially with modern technology.  (Read more about Shaolin Temple onhttp://www.easytourchina.com/scene-v147-shaolin-temple)

Recently, according to Shaolin temple’s management company that the temple will develop a new series of kung fu themed video games to introduce itself and encourage more young people to take interest in the ancient Chinese culture.

The Henan Shaolin Intangible Assets Management Co., LTD, owned by the temple, has signed a cooperation agreement with China Mobile Games and Entertainment Group (CMGE) allowing the latter to use the brand of Shaolin to create Kung fu games for both mobile devices and television. In this way, all people can learn Chinese Kung Fu through the games. And Shaolin will further expand its influence, especially among younger audiences. (Learning Kung Fu in China: http://www.easytourchina.com/tour-c11-china-kung-fu-tour)

Actually, Shaolin Temple was the first temple in China to digitalize its business and now has nine subsidiary companies, including martial arts studies, calligraphy, medicine, food and movies. It was in 1996 that the temple first owned its internet domain name, and in 2001 had its own website, publishing Shaolin kung fu secrets to the public for the first time.

Later in 2008, it started its e-commerce business on Taobao, the most popular online retail platform in China, selling Kung Fu costumes, T-shirts, candles, the controversial Shaolin Medical Book and martial arts books. Then in 2012, it opened accounts on social media website Weibo (similar to Twitter), with 70,000 followers so far.

China’s Rainbow Mountain: Zhangye Danxia Landform Geological Park

Zhangye city in northwestern China’s Gansu Province is a photographer’s dream, by boasting the spectacle of Danxia landforms extending for 410 square kilometers in Linze and Sunan counties. With its majestic table mountain terrain, odd-shaped Danxia cliffs, and dynamic, dramatic colors, Zhangye Danxia Landform Geological Park is one of the most beautiful corner on earth and displays an unique type of petrographic geomorphology found in China.

The formation

Zhangye Danxia Landform is a masterpiece of great nature’s design, with the erosion of red sandstone, and was shaped 6 million years ago. Influenced by its special geologic framework, together with thousands of years of freeze-thaw peeling, wind and rain, isolated peaks and steep stone walls formed, and differed in color, texture, shape, size and pattern, then giving rise to its present appearance.

Zhangye Danxia landform on Qianlian Mountain is mainly composed of red gravel, sandstone and mudstone. It is typical of an arid or semi-arid climate and stands out with the cross layers, eroded caves, vertical joints, and multi-colored slopes.

The multi-colored range

It is hard to believe this insane mountain formation is real, but it do exists! Many visitors call the mountains here “the rainbow mountains” for the layers of different colored sandstone, ranging from red, orange, green, yellow, blue, white, etc being extremely stunning when the sun shines again after rain.

The three scenic spots

Zhangye Danxia Landform Geological Park is divided into three scenic spots: Linze Danxia Scenic Area, Sunan Danxia Scenic Area and Binggou Danxia Scenic Area. The first area has four viewing platforms for catching wonderful pictures. The second area is much bigger and offers more beautiful scenery with less crowds. And the third area is known as “window lattice and palace-shaped Danxia topography”.

Recommended China tours to Zhangye Danxia Landform Geological Park: 

6-day Wonders of Badain Jaran Desert & Danxia Landform

10-day Gansu Highlights plus Desert Exploration

Travel in China with Your Dog: Tips for Flying with Pets

or many of us, travelling without a pet runs the risk of being nervous throughout the journey. We can’t just separate from our beloved companions, especially when travelling abroad. Our dogs are spoiled at home. But when it comes to taking an air travel in China, there are many restrictions and requirements you’ll need to consider.

Here are some suggestions for taking your pet on a plane in China, making the journey easier and more safety for both you and the pet.

 

1. Consult with your airline. Make sure there is an aerobic cabin (the cargo hold exclusively for pets) available to transport your pet on the flight before booking the ticket. it’s best to fly in the morning or evening during the summer, and midday during the winter to avoid extremely hot or cold temperatures.

2. Call the airport to get to know the restrictions for your pet boarding. it is suggested that you arrive at the airport three hours before the department time. Consider booking a direct flight to help ease stress and anxiety for your pet and avoid the wrong transporting.

3. Carry the health certificate of your pet issued by a vet. This is the first and foremost thing to keep in mind.

4. Prepare a pet travel carrier with drinking bowl. Consult with your airline about the size and the specifications.

5. Affix a travel label to the carrier with your pet’s name and your contact information, in case that your pet get strayed .

6. Consider giving your pet tranquilizer. Generally, sedation is not advised. But talk with your veterinarian whether or not to prescribe a tranquilizer for your pet prior to flying.

7. Feed the pet at least 3 hours before the flight. Pee before boarding to avoid stomach upset and discomfort caused by the high-altitude flight.

8. Upon Arrival: when arrive at the destination, wait for about 1 hour to get your pet on the local cargo terminal.

Familiarize yourself with the additional pet policies of different airlines in China

China Airlines (Taiwan) – Passengers with pet should contact with the reservation department in advance, and arrive at the airport two hours before the departure time. The disability assistance dogs, including guide dog, hearing dog are allowed to accompany the master on the plane without paying additional transportation fee.

Air China – This airline may refuse the pregnant pets, and those who have given birth within 48 hours.

China Southern Airline – Each passenger can transport only one pet, weighing no more than 32kg. Each pet should be put into a separate cage or travel carrier. However, a pair of birds can be put in the same cage. Moreover, passengers travelling with pet should apply for the pet transportation at least 72 hours before flying. Make sure to arrive at the airport no less than 1.5 hours prior to the scheduled departure time.

Top-selling China tours by Easy Tour China:

8-day China Golden Triangle Tour 

11-day Golden Triangle with Yangtze Cruise

15-day China Impression with Yangtze Cruise

Easy Tour China Team’s 2-day Trip in Xingping & Yangshuo 2014

(Have a group photo in Beautiful Xingping town)

After months of hard working in the office, the whole team of Easy Tour China were rewarded with a delightful trip to Xingping, Yangshuo on August 22-23. During these two days, we had the peaceful and relaxing hours with our lovely colleagues on the most beautiful island of Li River while at the same time enjoying various fun activities to energize the body and mind.

 

(The old streets and houses in Xingping town)

Approximately 90km away from downtown Guilin, the 1300-year-old Xingping town is home to the epitome of sceneries along the Li River, with limestone Karst mountains and cliffs, still waters, and old villages on the lively countryside with backroads and paths. Xingping is therefore ideal for sightseeing, hiking, biking, camping and bamboo-rafting. We stayed overnight in the riverside guesthouse “Our Inn” on a tranquil island of Li River (can be accessed by ferryboat). Here, we had exciting eating watermelon contest, which offered so much joy and attracted everyone of us to participate in. When night fell, The dazzling stars filling the sky were all our eyes, and totally enchanted us all.

(The watermelon is ready! )

The next morning, we headed for another destination – the world-famous Yangshuo (25 km away). It is, despite the huge popularity of a visit, one of the most worthwhile places China has to offer. It would be so delightful to drench ourselves completely to the natural beauty of Yangshuo, but we had to finish a task first, the orienteering. This fashionable outdoor sport tested both our physical ability and intelligence.

(Yummy, yummy)

(The stunning scenery along Li River)

(Feel great among the limestone Karst mountains)

Top 5 Autumn Destinations in China

When autumn comes knocking, most travelers in China tend to flee to the outdoor world for the pleasant autumn color. China is full of fantastic autumn experience, with places to go to enjoy the stunning fall foliage with genial sunshine and clear sky, and to immerse in the most tranquil yet romantic atmosphere without having to follow the crowds. Here are 5 beautiful destinations to celebrate the autumn season in China.

Jiuzhaigou Valley in China

Jiuzhaigou Valley

Deep in the heart of the 4500-meter-high perpetually snow-clad Min Shan Range, Sichuan province, Jiuzhaigou Valley ushered in its autumn season in the late August, with an amazing masterpiece of almost all colors displaying, from green to yellow, orange to deep red reflecting in the clear lakes, ponds and waterfalls, making it the heaven on earth.See:Jiuzhaigou Valley in Sichuan

Longji Rice Terraces

Guilin in Southern China is not only world famous for its Karst landscape, but also the Longji Rice Terraces. The terraced fields is a farm engineering wonder created by local the ethnic Zhuang in the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368). Autumn is the best time to visit the terraced fields for the bright color. The entire mountain is covered by the golden color, extending to as far as your eyes can reach, offering a breathtaking view. See: Longji Rice Terraces in Guilin

Beijing Great Wall

Great Wall is a must-visit sight in China, and offers different yet majestic views all year round. October 15 till November 15 Is the best time to experience the autumn scenery of Beijing and Great Wall, when the autumn leaves are at their best – yellow, orange, pink, and red. Mutianyu Great Wall, approximately 70km north of Beijing is considered the best part of Great wall for autumn sightseeing tour, for its densely vegetation and being free of crowds and noise.

Pinjin Red Beach

There are a lot of opportunities to enjoy the autumn foliage, but how about the red waters? Make time to Panjin, China’s Liaoning Province in early October for this amazing red beach, which is formed by countless alkaline grasses standing one by one stretching to the horizon. Bring your camera to shot some fantastic photos from the wooden pier.

Kanas (Hanas) Lake in Xinjiang

Kanas Lake in autumn reminds us the heaven on earth, and is widely favored by photographers, with picturesque wild landscape dyed with vivid, dramatic colors. Late September to early October is best time for an enchanted autumn scenery of Kanas Lake, when visitors will see the leaves in various colors, peaceful green water, untouched plants and lovely animals embraced by snow-capped mountains…

The Most Beautiful Historical Streets in China

The romantic atmosphere of China’s historical streets, imposing ancient buildings in an elegant layout, friendly people with soft smile, dozens of small stores and markets selling all sorts of odd or unfamiliar items and mouth-watering local food, bustling or quite, all recalls the old China, and the time which has been forgotten…

Beijing Guozijian Street

This east-west street was initially built during the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), where the Temple of Confucius and the Imperial College (Pinyin: guo zi jian) are located, thus the name Guozijian Street. By connecting Beijing’s several well-preserved hutongs, visitors can expect the original ancient Beijing street style here with the old dwellings, Pailou (an old Chinese gate) and temples.

Pingyao South Avenue

Also named Ming Qing Street, it was known as the “Wall Street of China” in history, for its prosperous past of being the financial center of China. Allow yourself some time to visit a few exchange shops to discover China’s first banks and those souvenir shops all built with bricks and stones completely in the Ming and Qing architecture style.

Tunxi Old Street

The maroon-flagstone street, 2 or 3-story shops of elegant Huizhou architecture style, enchanted teahouses offering famous Qimen Black Tea and Tunxi Green Tea, all promise to offer visitors a stress-free trip to China. The nearby Yellow Mountain is also an unmissable sight in Huangshan.

Suzhou Pingjiang Road

Pingjiang Road can be found on Suzhou’s oldest map drawn in Song Dynasty (960-1279), when it was the main avenue of the eastern city. It will be so relaxed to have a stroll on this old riverside street, passing the narrow lanes, private gardens, museums with red lanterns, and obsessed by the traditional Chinese string music.

Lhasa Barkhor Street

The 1300-year-old Barkhor Street in Lhasa used to a pilgrim circuit around the sacred Jokhang Temple, and today has extends to the entire old Tibetan district of Jokhang Temple. The streets are lined with hundreds of shops, stalls, teahouses selling all manner of Tibetan handicrafts, religious articles, and local snacks.

Shanghai Old Street

Originally named Fangbing Middle Road, the street extends for 825 meters, and showcases the dramatic changes from Ming and Qing dynasties till the modern times when Western culture flooded into Shanghai. When walking on the Shanghai Old Street, you are likely to feel that you are back to a bustling open-air market of 1900s.

Beihai Zhuhai Road

First built in 1883, Beihai’s old street Zhuhai Road is 1.44 kilometers long and is 9 meters wide, and was the most bustling commercial street in Beihai city (it used to be one of the ports of Maritime Silk Road). Along the street were housed consulates, churches post offices, banks, chambers of commerce belonging to 13 different countries, and also unique overhang-style buildings, which combine both Western and Chinese elements.

Yangzhou Dongguan Street

The 1122-meter-long DongGuan Street is an ancient avenue in the city center of Yangzhou, with two majestic gates standing in the two ends, connecting the Grand Canal on the east and the National Road on the west. In the past, it was not only the water and land transportation route in Yangzhou, but also a commercial and cultural centre. There are many old shops here, some are established in 1800s.

Qingdao Badaguan

Badaguan is comprised of 8 tranquil streets (now has been increased to ten) near the coastline, named after eight great strategic passes of the ancient times. It used to be home to the US, Britain, Germany, Russia, Japan and many other countries’ embassies. The historical mansions along the streets are in a in a variety of architectural styles. Each street is lined with a single species of tree, like plane tree for the Shanhaiguan Street, and crape myrtle for the Zhengyangguan Street.