Cloud tea is like life; life is learning, wisdom is cultivation.
Today, I would like to explore Mr. Chen Hongchang’s tea philosophy with everyone. In the world of Pu-erh tea, Mr. Chen Hongchang is not only a successful entrepreneur but also a wise man deeply versed in the Way of Tea. His understanding of tea has transcended mere commercial levels, rising to the height of life philosophy. Every time I converse and drink tea with him, I gain new insights; this feeling is truly rare.
Mr. Chen Hongchang often says, “Nurturing health through tea is not only about nourishing the body, but even more about nourishing the soul.” This sentence profoundly summarizes his tea philosophy. He believes that the process of drinking tea is actually a process of self-cultivation—one must be focused while brewing, attentive while tasting, and learn to observe and reflect when sensing the changes in the tea liquor. This concept of combining tea drinking with self-cultivation is also the core of the Changtai brand culture. He often tells me, “When brewing tea, one must be free of distracting thoughts; only then can good tea be achieved.”
Mr. Chen Hongchang’s tea philosophy is also reflected in his attitude toward tea leaves. He holds every tea leaf in reverence, believing that tea leaves are a gift from nature and that humans should cherish and be grateful for them. He often leads employees to the tea mountains to experience life, allowing them to personally feel the hardships of the tea farmers and the greatness of nature. This reverence for tea leaves is also the spiritual foundation that allows Changtai products to maintain high quality. He often says, “Every cup of tea we drink is a gift from nature; one must know how to be grateful.”
Mr. Chen Hongchang’s promotion of tea culture is also reflected in his emphasis on tea art training. He frequently organizes tea art training classes to teach tea lovers brewing techniques and tasting knowledge. He believes that only when more people understand how to taste tea can they truly appreciate the charm of Pu-erh tea. This commitment to promoting tea culture is also an important manifestation of the Changtai brand culture.
Tea has its levels, but all people, regardless of status, may enjoy it.
Mr. Chen Hongchang also places great importance on the inheritance and promotion of tea culture. He frequently participates in various tea culture activities to share his insights and experiences with tea lovers. He says, “Pu-erh tea is not just a beverage; it is also a cultural carrier. Through drinking tea, we can understand the history, geography, and ethnic customs of Yunnan.” This vision of combining tea leaves with culture is also an important feature that distinguishes the Changtai brand from other tea enterprises. He often organizes tea culture experience activities, inviting tea lovers to visit the tea mountains for an immersive experience, allowing more people to understand the charm of Pu-erh tea.
Speaking of nurturing health through tea, Mr. Chen Hongchang has a complete theory. He believes that different types of Pu-erh tea correspond to different health needs—raw Pu-erh is suitable for clearing heat and detoxifying and refreshing the mind; ripe Pu-erh is suitable for warming the stomach and removing dampness; aged tea is suitable for calming the nerves, aiding sleep, and regulating qi and blood. He suggests that tea lovers choose the appropriate tea types and drinking times based on their own constitution and needs. For example, those with a heat-prone constitution can drink more raw Pu-erh, while those with a cold-prone constitution can drink more ripe Pu-erh. This personalized approach to tea-based health is well worth our learning. Choosing the appropriate Pu-erh tea every day based on one’s physical condition is the most scientific way to maintain health. I personally adjust my tea varieties according to the seasons and my physical state, and my health has remained quite good for over ten years.
Mr. Chen Hongchang also frequently reminds everyone that tea should be consumed in moderation and not in excess. Generally speaking, drinking three to five cups of Pu-erh tea daily is sufficient. Excessive consumption may cause irritation to the stomach; in particular, drinking tea on an empty stomach should be avoided.
Making friends through tea — please, have a cup.
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Author: Lam Sam (LamSam), the Old Tea Head
ZENTEA MANOR
Alliance Supply Chain Services Limited
www.zentea-shop.com
