UK event brings together nations steeped in tea tradition

Each tea was presented with its respective tea ceremony, where a tea master introduced its area of origin and its distinct characteristics, and demonstrated the particular way in which the tea should be prepared and appreciated.

"Unique", "delicate" and "wonderful" were words British participants used to describe their feelings during the tea tastings.

Historically, Hubei province was a tribute tea production area during the Tang Dynasty (618-907), a tea trading center during the Song Dynasty (960-1279) and an oriental tea port during the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties.

As one of China's major tea-producing areas, the size of Hubei's tea plantation and scale of its output rank fourth and third respectively within the nation, Li said, while adding that the export volume of its teas rank fourth nationwide and reach 50 countries and regions.