Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –
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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News
Kunming, Dec. 4 (Xinhua) — Boiling water in a kettle, adding tea leaves… the entire process of a tea ceremony has long been part of the morning routine of Anton Bessonov, who has lived in Menghai County, China, for seven years.
This place in Yunnan Province (Southwest China) is considered the birthplace of pu-erh. Anton first tried this tea 25 years ago in Moscow. Back then, he was fascinated by the Chinese tea master's technique, sparking his interest in this ancient Chinese drink, a reflection of the culture of the Middle Kingdom. It was in Menghai that tea changed the Muscovite's life.
In 2017, Anton decided to first spend a year in Xiamen to learn Chinese, and then head to Yunnan Province to search for the origins of pu'er tea. He eventually made it to Menghai County, where he wandered through tea plantations, searching for delicious tea, and studying the tea production process—from bud picking to heat treatment of the leaves.
Then Anton met Yu Guan, who became his Chinese partner. She said, "The way Anton completely immerses himself in the study of pu'er is truly admirable. He respects this land and truly wants to preserve its traditions." Noticing this, workers in the local tea industry gradually accepted Anton into their ranks.
In March 2024, Anton founded his own tea trading company. He personally selects tea leaves, participates in tea processing, and designs packaging. On the social network Telegram, he frequently shares content about his daily tea preparation in Menghai, hoping to bring authentic pu-erh tea to Russia and introduce as many people as possible to the origins of this variety.
Under Anton's influence, many Russians traveled to Menghai to witness the pu-erh tea making process firsthand and to experience the local lifestyle.
Anton added that he also wants to develop a special type of tea and hopes that thanks to it, more Russians will come to China not only to drink tea, but also to better understand Chinese culture. -0-
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