Tea roots run deep beneath Mount Wuyi

Upright and Steadfast, Harmonious and Boundless, an exhibition now on at the Chinese Traditional Culture Museum in Beijing, explores tea's diverse role in the social and economic development of Nanping, the city at the foot of Mount Wuyi, where rich tea traditions have flourished for generations.

Nanping is the birthplace of both oolong and white tea. Since ancient times, its prized tea has been exported to tea lovers around the world. The exhibition traces how a gift of nature turned into an essential part of Chinese daily life.

On display are ancient tea sets and exquisite ceramics celebrated for their craftsmanship and artistry, including jianzhan wares distinguished by striking patterns that resemble meteor showers. The exhibition also highlights Nanping's growing tea tourism industry, where thriving tea gardens attract visitors seeking mountain scenery, fragrant tea and local cuisine.