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The party of American students from the Alliance for Global Education, a non-profit partnership of Arcadia University and Butler University’s study abroad colleges, took part in a Chinese tea and jade appreciation activity on 20th May, again organized by DDA, at the Hetian Jade Emporium and Culture Centre in Liu Jia Zui’s Zhang Yang Rd.
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The activity which followed on from the group’s previous introduction to Traditional Chinese Medicine earlier in May, this time focused on an introduction to the history and background of Chinese Jade, particularly Xinjiang Hetian Jade and its association with Chinese imperial life, mythology and everyday society; followed by an introduction to Chinese tea culture, with Ms. Xue Wei?from Tian Yuan Ji Tea Trading Company,?and the chance to taste and enjoy a variety of delicious Chinese teas, ranging from Long Jing green tea, Oolong, Pu Er to black tea.
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Mr. Ma Zi Xiong,?general manager of the Hetian Jade Emporium and Culture Centre, first treated the guests to an introduction to Chinese jade and Hetian jade, letting them handle and feel for themselves the different qualities and characteristics of genuine, high-quality jade, including several pieces which were exhibited at the 2010 Shanghai Expo’s Xinjiang Pavilion, as part of the Chinese pavilion’s exhibition.
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Later Ms. Xue introduced the American students to the history of tea drinking in China and its place in Chinese culture and society, going back to its trade along the Silk Road, as well as its current place in social life and business negotiations.
During the talk and throughout the event, Mr. Liu Jian of BHB Systems brewed and prepared various teas for the delectation of the American party of students and teachers, all accompanied by an array of Xinjiang snacks and fruit, which also went down very well with the guests.
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During the event, translation was provided by Emma, one of DDA’s assistants and a student from Shanghai University, with assistance from DDA president Rose Oliver.
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The guests finished the activity with a short tour of the Hetian Jade Emporium’s selection of prize pieces of white and mutton-fat jades, ranging from those worth around one thousand Rmb to stones worth several million, including some exquisitely carved art wares and large uncut stones, examples of Chinese jade at its finest.
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Thank you very much to Mr. Ma Zi Xiong and Ms. Xue for their hospitality and fascinating insights into these aspects of Chinese culture and to Emma and all the DDA assistants for their hard work.
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?For anyone wishing to visit Hetian Jade Emporium, or Tian Yuan Ji Pu Er Tea Trading Company, their premises are located at:
Hetian Jade Emporium and Culture Centre, Sheng Ming Ren Si Tower, 707 Zhang Yang Rd, Liu Jia Zui, Pu Dong. Around 10 minutes walk from metro line 2/4/6/9 Century Avenue Station, exit 12.
www.shiyuwenhua.com
Tian Yuan Ji Tea Trading Company, Lane 2199 Gu Dai Rd, Min Hang District.
www.tianyuanji.net
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