CAI GUO-QIANG
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Tea Pavilion
2013 5
Throughout history, various cultures have embraced tea; however, as both a leading producer and
consumer, China is often referred to as the homeland of tea.
Tie Guan Yin is produced in Anxi County of Fujian province, in southern China. Anxi locals proudly
claim to live in the ‘tea capital’ of China; a plethora of tea businesses may be found in the area.
Legendary among tea lovers, Tie Guan Yin tea is a variety of oolong tea. Oolong tea is said to be
a cross between green and black tea, with the clean flavour of green tea and the strong fragrance
of black tea.
Although common processes are involved in the production of tea, it is the level of oxidation that
differentiates tea varieties from place to place. For example, a light green tea has a zero oxidation
level, while black tea has a significantly high level of oxidation. The oxidation of Tie Guan Yin tea is
created by leaving the tea leaves the sun; this process is repeated twice and encourages the leaves
to darken and develop flavour.
Tie Guan Yin leaves are rolled into tight buds. They are green and crinkly in appearance, and
when brewed unravel into a large leaf. Tie Guan Yin tea has a refreshingly sweet taste, lacks any
astringency, and features more than 30 mineral elements, which help to stimulate the immune
system and relax the body and heart.
Dried Tie Guan Yin Tea /
Image courtesy: shutterstock /
Photograph: © SiuWing
Chinese tea and Tie Guan Yin
