⏱ 2 min read
The Short Version
An American entrepreneur turned tea enthusiast transformed a Tang Dynasty poem into a global tea business, building relationships with farmers and crafting a cultural experience that transcends mere product.
In This Article
When Derek Poskin first arrived in Yangzhou, he wasn’t chasing a tourist trail—he was chasing a poem. A Tang Dynasty verse by Li Bai had lured him to the city’s canals, but what began as a literary pilgrimage evolved into a lifelong obsession with Chinese tea. A decade later, the American entrepreneur has turned that passion into a global business, sourcing rare leaves from Yunnan’s ancient forests to Fujian’s oolong gardens. “Tea is the rhythm of daily life,” he says, his tea house in Yangzhou’s old quarter now a space where travelers engage with the craft, not just the cup.
Chinese tea culture is fluid, more Taoist. Every place has its own style, and any way you drink tea is the right way.
Tea as a Bridge, Not a Product
Poskin’s journey started with a simple question: How do you share a culture without reducing it to a commodity? The answer lay in direct engagement. Rather than relying on middlemen, he travels to tea-growing regions, hiking through remote mountains to meet farmers like Zhao Xiaoyun in Yiwu. “You don’t just sell tea—you build relationships,” he explains. His early years were slow—only family bought his products until a stranger’s first order felt like a breakthrough. Today, his business thrives on authenticity, not just ingredients.
The Magic of the Mountain
In Guafengzhai, a Yao village near the Laos border, Poskin’s expedition became a lesson in immersion. For four days, he picked leaves, learned fixation techniques, and tasted spicy herbs that numbed his mouth like Sichuan peppercorns. “We’ve hosted foreign merchants before, but Derek stands out,” Zhao notes. “He grasped the leaf fixation process immediately.” The primeval forests, with tea trees older than dynasties, left him breathless. “Walking through those groves felt like stepping into another world,” he says. The experience wasn’t just about tea—it was about understanding the land through the people who’ve lived there for centuries.
Chinese tea culture is fluid, more Taoist. Every place has its own style, and any way you drink tea is the right way.
Poskin’s travels have reshaped his view of tea itself. What once felt like a search for correctness now feels like an embrace of diversity. In Yangzhou, green tea is sipped straight from jars; in Chaozhou, gongfu cha rituals unfold with precision. His business model also supports local farmers, ensuring traditional practices are preserved and livelihoods sustained. “The leaves are just a piece of the puzzle,” he insists. So what does it mean to truly drink tea? Maybe it’s not about the cup at all. What’s your favorite way to experience tea culture?
Questions & Answers
How did Derek Poskin start his tea business?
Derek Poskin began his tea business by following a Tang Dynasty poem that led him to Yangzhou's canals. His literary interest evolved into a lifelong passion for Chinese tea. He later sourced rare leaves from Yunnan and Fujian, turning his passion into a global business.
Why is direct engagement important in Poskin's tea business?
Direct engagement is important because Poskin believes in building relationships with tea farmers rather than relying on middlemen. He travels to tea-growing regions to meet farmers like Zhao Xiaoyun in Yiwu, ensuring authenticity and cultural connection in his business.
What did Derek Poskin experience in Guafengzhai?
In Guafengzhai, Poskin immersed himself in tea-making by picking leaves, learning fixation techniques, and tasting spicy herbs. He gained a deep understanding of the local tea culture and impressed villagers with his quick grasp of the leaf fixation process.
How does Chinese tea culture differ according to Derek Poskin?
According to Poskin, Chinese tea culture is fluid and more Taoist, with each place having its own unique style. He believes any way of drinking tea is acceptable, emphasizing personal connection and local tradition over rigid rules.
Originally reported by China Daily.
