Tea, Trees and Temple Set the Scene for Spring

The fragrant backdrop of yulan trees set within a beautiful Beijing temple form the irresistible backdrop for a traditional Chinese tea ceremony this spring.

The large, white cup-shaped flowers of the yulan tree, a species of magnolia, is far from the only attraction at the seventh Yulan and Tea Festival being hosted by Minghui Teahouse at Dajue Temple from April 1-18.

The temple, located in northwest Beijing, will also vibrate to the gentle music of 25-stringed zithers played by elegant musicians dressed in traditional wear.

Guests will be offered a variety of fragrant teas served in exquisite teapots from South China. Graceful ladies expert in the art will reveal the secrets of a 21-step ceremony that precedes your first taste of the tea.

Dajue Temple at the foot of Mount Miaofeng was built in 1068 and later rebuilt in 1428. It was used as a retreat by Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) when he wished to avoid earthly chores in favour of studying Buddhism. It was designed to offer a serene getaway with a leisurely environment.

It is widely acknowledged as the best place in Beijing to appreciate yulan, a species of magnolia unique to China. In this temple, a yulan tree with a history of more than 300 years grown by a famous monk called Jialing during the Qing Dynasty is claimed as the oldest one in Beijing.

It is claimed that one can smell the fragrance of this yulan tree immediately on entering the temple. Marshal Zhu De often came here to enjoy the fragrance of yulan.

Visitors can also watch workers from East Chinas Zhejiang Province fry well-known Chinese tea such as Longjing on the spot.

Exquisite tea sets, detailed explanations of the tea ceremony, a folk music performance and a free talk about Chinese tea culture are major attractions of the event.

Visitors can also browse different tea sets for sale.

Adding to the enticing atmosphere, visitors can also savour the water from the natural spring running through the temple. The water from this is used for making the tea.

The whole event aims to provide a relaxing, intriguing spring diversion for those with an interest in Chinese culture.