Diplomats wade into nation's tea culture

Diplomats and their wives learned how to prepare green tea, distinguish between different teas, and make tea cakes at the Beijing Lao She Teahouse on Sept 22. The teahouse arranged stands on the third floor to showcase Beijing folk arts such as paper cutting, grass knitting, and flour figurines.

The diplomats also watched a demonstration of today's tea ceremonies and during the Tang (AD 618-907), and Ming, and Qing (1368-1911) dynasties. Artists from the Northern Kunqu Opera Theater performed an excerpt from the Peony Pavilion.

The event was part of 2011 Beijing Maliandao International Tea Culture Festival. It was sponsored by China Tea Marketing Association, and Xicheng district government.