Tea master steeps young apprentice in ancient tradition

[Photo by Wu Yuanfeng/Shi Xiaofeng/China Daily]

The 19-year-old from a nearby village is a student from West Lake Vocational High School.

"I learned about the tea culture when Master Fan came to give classes in my school. I found I was quite interested in it, so I enrolled as an apprentice. I think I can bear all the hardships," Zhou said.

According to his master, Zhou was talented. "He has bigger palms that can hold more leaves and more sensitive hands. I'm confident of teaching him all my skills," said Fan.

The average price of Fan's handmade tea is double or triple what is charged for machine made tea, reaching 6,000 yuan ($898) per kilogram. "He can make a good living if he can stick to it."

Fan's son, who majored in tourism, will graduate from university this year. He taught him the skill and hopes it will become his career.

"He must produce tea. It's tradition. We need to pass it along. Still, young people have their own ideas," said the father.