One of these visits took our tea buyer, Henry Dusch, to the tea regions of China - on an impressive journey full of encounters, artisanal craftsmanship and rare discoveries. Here he reports on his impressions:
What began as a classic shopping trip developed into an impressive journey of discovery through some of China's most important tea regions. Together with Ying, our tea expert from the China office, I visited producers in Zhejiang, Hunan (Anxi, Changsha), Hubei (Enshi, Wuhan) and Yunnan. Everywhere we went, we met passionate people who practise their craft with remarkable dedication - between centuries-old tradition and modern processing techniques.
The magic of Pu Erh tea - craftsmanship at the highest level
In the province of Yunnan, I was able to witness the production of the famous Pu Erh tea. Particularly impressive: the fermentation process of Sheng Cha (raw Pu Erh). The elaborately layered piles of tea are regularly moistened, turned and left to rest for weeks - a craft that requires precision, patience and many years of experience. The result is a tea that is unparalleled in terms of taste and culture. The Sheng Cha develops a remarkable depth of flavor with age, ranging from fresh, grassy notes to subtle mineral and slightly sweet nuances - a reflection of its terroir and maturity. The tea culture surrounding Pu Erh is also unique: in China, it has been regarded for centuries not only as a stimulant but also as a symbol of status and well-being. 👉 You can find product details here
Tea culture with UNESCO seal of approval
A standout moment of the trip was visiting the ancient tea forests of the Jingmai Mountains near Pu'er. Recognized in September 2023 as the world’s first tea cultural landscape on the UNESCO World Heritage List, this region reflects the deep roots of traditional tea cultivation. More than a million tea trees grow here—some as old as 1,400 years, many several centuries old, with an average age of around 200 years. These trees are cultivated sustainably and remain central to the cultural identity of local ethnic groups.
UNESCO’s recognition highlights not only the ecological value of the region but, more importantly, the living cultural traditions and rituals passed down through generations.
Hand-picked rarity from the mountains
No less impressive was the Beishan tea garden in Jinhua, Zhejiang.
At an altitude of 650 meters - surrounded by dense fog, fresh mountain air and mineral-rich soil - the traditional Wuzhou Juyan tea thrives there under ideal climatic conditions. The garden is nestled in the gentle slopes of the Beishan Mountains near the famous Shuanglong Cave - a setting that not only radiates tranquillity, but also has a special, almost meditative energy. Wuzhou Juyan is a high-quality green tea with jade-green, flat-pressed leaves. Its infusion has a clear golden glow and a full-bodied, delicately sweet aroma with a long-lasting aftertaste. The tea is produced in the traditional way - entirely by hand, from careful plucking to final roasting over an open fire.
So it's no wonder that this tea has also been part of the intangible UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2022. It exemplifies the region's tea culture, which has been passed down through generations - and the harmonious interplay between man, nature and craftsmanship.
New discoveries for our range
In addition to the classic green teas, we always discover unusual specialties on our travels - such as our China jasmine black tea (Art. 0045642). This rare combination combines the elegant depth of a Chinese black tea with the fine, floral fragrance of real jasmine blossoms. The tea is traditionally flavored by layering it several times with fresh jasmine flowers - a process that gives the tea a gentle, natural aroma without any artificial additives.
The result is a tea with a fascinating balance: full-bodied, smooth and with a delicate, floral aftertaste. Especially recommended for upmarket restaurants or specialist stores with a sophisticated range. We would be happy to send you a free sample for tasting or advise you individually on how to integrate it into your range. 👉 You can find product details here
My conclusion
The trip showed me once again how important personal contact with our partners is. It is the stories, the hands and the dedication on site that give a tea its soul.
Stay curious - the world of tea still has many discoveries in store for us.
Henry Dusch / Purchase Department