Getting Our Feet Wet in China: A Beijing Adventure

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One of the most memorable experiences during our Beijing visit wasn't the Great Wall or the Forbidden City. It was a traditional Chinese tea ceremony and tasting.

Like many tourists, we sampled a variety of teas while learning about their preparation, history, and significance in Chinese culture. The experience was fascinating, and before long we found ourselves browsing the adjoining tea shop.

Several of the teas were exceptional, particularly one compressed tea cake that came with an interesting explanation. We were told that portions could be broken off over time and that, much like fine wine, certain teas can improve with age. The staff repeatedly reminded us that this was considered a premium tea.

At the time, we nodded politely and carried on shopping.

It wasn't until we returned home and the credit card statement arrived that we realized just how "premium" some of those teas really were. Our tea purchases exceeded $1,000.

Curious whether we had made a terrible mistake or stumbled onto something special, I later contacted our Beijing guide. I provided the names of the teas we had purchased, and she researched them for us. Her response confirmed that several were indeed highly regarded teas, including one particularly sought-after variety that explained much of the sticker shock.

It's not something we drink every day. Instead, it comes out on special occasions. Every time we brew a pot, we're reminded of that trip to Beijing, the tea ceremony, the excitement of exploring China for the first time, and the moment we discovered that tea can be a lot more expensive than we ever imagined.

Looking back, it may have been an expensive lesson, but it also became one of our favourite travel stories.