Master Chen

Master’s family's influential history traces back to 1886 during the Qing Dynasty. They emerged as being some of the first vendors introducing the nuances of puerh tea to Guang Dong. Master Chen's personal journey in tea began at the age of 17, evolving into a remarkable career as the youngest tea buyer at CNNP. Post-retirement, his dedication continued, illuminating the path for others like me. His collaborations with tea figures drew interest from across China Mainland, Hong Kong, Japan, and Taiwan, making him a sought-after expert in the realm of puerh tea.

His extensive personal collection of puerh and other tea, cultivated throughout his career, transforms his library of tea knowledge into an academic treasure trove and its family tea shops in Hong Kong, the oldest in the city, still stand as a living testament to their enduring commitment to the tea tradition.

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.

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