A little bit more about my tea mentor

By chance, I came across an old street photograph taken in Guangzhou during the Republican era. As a native Cantonese, born and raised in Guangzhou, such images feel immediately recognizable. In the background stands a tea shop of remarkable historical significance — Ying Kee Tea House, in fact its original mainland establishment that was created in the late 1880's.

Shortly thereafter, with the outbreak of the Sino-Japanese War and the profound social upheavals following the founding of the People’s Republic of China, members of the Chen family gradually relocated parts of the business to Hong Kong, where new branches were established. Regrettably, the Guangzhou shop, which continued to operate, could not escape the turmoil of the Cultural Revolution. The premises were ransacked, assets confiscated, and the shop was forced to close, marking the end of an era.

My own tea mentor is among the younger generation of the family who witnessed firsthand the family business through its peak years and eventual decline. Even today, recalling this chapter of history evokes deep reflection and quiet sorrow.

From the shop advertisements visible in the photograph, the star products of the time can be identified as: Wuyi Da Hong Pao, Anxi Tieguanyin, Lychee Black Tea, Ying Kee Shoumei King, and “Nü’er Xiang”. An English name can also be faintly discerned on the signage, suggesting that the shop conducted business with Western clientele as well.

Notably, displayed prominently above the storefront is the phrase “Bu Er Jia” — meaning a fixed price, no bargaining. This principle was not merely a pricing strategy, but a statement of integrity and a forward-looking business philosophy for its time.