"The Story of a Tea Leaf: Episode 1 Premieres with Fuding White Tea"

　　Ningde Net reported (by Lei Shunhao) on November 6 that the expert preview screening for the six-part documentary "Tea: A Leaf's Story" (hereafter referred to as "Tea"), produced by CCTV Documentary Channel, took place in Xiamen. Over 300 tea professionals from Fujian's leading tea-producing regions—including Fuding white tea, Wuyi rock tea, oolong tea, and Fuzhou jasmine tea—gathered to be among the first to watch riveting excerpts from the series' inaugural episode and its five companion installments. As a quintessential representative of China's six major tea categories, Fuding white tea takes center stage in the film, spotlighting its origins, unique production techniques, and remarkable health benefits, while subtly weaving together the serene tale of Fuding's breathtaking landscapes and the exceptional quality of China's finest white teas.

　　It is reported that "Tea" will premiere today on CCTV's Comprehensive Channel as part of the "Charm of Documentary" series, with a rebroadcast scheduled on CCTV Documentary Channel. The documentary series consists of six 50-minute episodes in total, with the segment dedicated to Fuding white tea lasting 12 minutes—making it the second-longest focus among China's six major tea categories, behind only Pu'er tea. This episode vividly captures tea enthusiasts' relentless pursuit of the ultimate "tea flavor." Chief Director Wang Chongxiao remarked: "Only by embracing a life attitude as serene and steady as tea itself can one truly craft exceptional tea. The meticulous care tea artisans devote to each leaf perfectly embodies the essence of a 'tea-like life.'"

　　"Tea" Unveils the Art of Tea-Making

　　One leaf, one stream—just like that, a cup of tea is brewed. But behind this seemingly simple cup lies the hard work and sweat of countless laborers. Tea farmers rise early to handpick the leaves, which then undergo a meticulous process involving withering, fermentation, fixing, rolling, and drying—steps that transform raw materials into the delicate, finished product we enjoy.

　　Tracing the history of tea drinking among Chinese people, some believe it originated with the ancient Shennong, while others attribute its beginnings to the Zhou Dynasty—and there’s also a theory that it dates back to the Qin and Han dynasties or even the Three Kingdoms period. As the world’s leading non-alcoholic beverage alongside coffee and cocoa, tea boasts a rich and time-honored history. With just a single leaf, a splash of water, and a bit of patience, a perfect cup of tea is brewed. Yet behind this seemingly simple ritual lies the hard work and dedication of countless laborers. "Good tea comes from good people"—this is the heartwarming message conveyed in the documentary *Tea*, set to premiere in mid-November on CCTV's Comprehensive Channel as part of the popular series *Charm of Documentary*. For the first time, the film offers an intimate look at the meticulous processes involved in harvesting and crafting various renowned teas, showcasing tea artisans’ relentless pursuit of the ultimate "tea experience."

　　Many times, people enjoy tea simply for its taste—yet they often fail to understand *why* it tastes the way it does. A single tea leaf begins its journey as a farmer carefully picks it early in the morning, then undergoes a meticulous process involving withering, fermentation, fixing (or "killing the green"), rolling, and drying—steps that ultimately shape it into a preliminary finished product. The documentary *Tea* unveils the magic behind each type of tea by weaving together the personal stories of tea artisans, revealing how these leaves are plucked from the tea trees and transformed into vessels that carry the "soul of tea," ready to captivate and delight those who savor them. For instance, the Bulang people of Jingmai Mountain have a unique tradition: they prefer drinking loose-leaf tea that’s been aged for more than a year. To prepare it, they place fresh tea leaves into earthenware pots fired using traditional methods, then vigorously shake the vessel repeatedly. This technique ensures the leaves make full contact with the hot charcoal, effectively removing impurities and cooling energy while coaxing out an intense floral aroma, resulting in a rich, roasted-flavor tea. Moreover, the film will also showcase the intricate craftsmanship behind renowned teas such as West Lake Longjing, Mengding Huangya, and Da Hong Pao, offering viewers an intimate look at the artistry and dedication that go into creating these celebrated varieties.

　　An attitude called "tea"

　　The plant world is vast and intricate, occupying the majority of the biosphere’s surface area. Many plants suffer from pest infestations—tea leaves are no exception—and this is precisely why pesticides were developed in the first place. Yet, despite occasional insect problems, the Zhuyeqing tea grown on Mount Emei never requires chemical pesticides. Instead, local tea farmers rely on a secret, time-honored remedy: they mix specially crafted herbal concoctions—passed down through generations—with water and spray the mixture directly onto the tea leaves. Not only does this method effectively eliminate pests, but it also ensures the tea remains completely safe and free from harmful residues. Through this touching story, chief director Wang Chongxiao candidly shares: "I believe this perfectly embodies our theme this time—'Good People Make Great Tea.' If we hadn’t filmed this, no one would have ever known about these practices, or that tea farmers there actually grow their crops without using any pesticides."

　　Additionally, the film also highlights the cultural fusion of tea and Zen—after all, crafting a perfect cup of tea requires a tea artisan’s heartfelt dedication. Chief Director Wang Chongxiao remarks: "Only by embracing a life attitude as serene and deliberate as tea itself can one truly produce exceptional brews. The meticulous care that tea artisans lavish on each leaf is, in fact, a tangible expression of what we might call a 'tea-inspired way of living.'" He further emphasizes that "Tea" is not merely a documentary—it’s a unique lens through which the film captures the profound transformations sweeping across the globe, offering a fresh perspective that invites viewers to rediscover countries like Japan, India, and the UK, all through the universal language of tea.