Life is like tea, and tea is a spiritual practice. Just as Xuanzang endured 81 hardships to retrieve the Buddhist scriptures on his westward journey, a cup of fine tea—from taking root in the deep valleys to blooming in the cup—also requires the nourishment of nature and the refinement of a tea master's craftsmanship to conceal its edge with humility and reveal its true essence. Today, Tongxin She Teahouse is honored to recommend Kuanlu's "Xuanzang's Journey to the West · Cyan-Blue Edition" Cliff Cinnamon, a masterpiece crafted by Wang Guoxing, a national-level intangible cultural heritage inheritor of Wuyi Rock Tea (Big Red Robe) production techniques. Let every tea lover perceive the true meaning of spiritual practice through the flow of tea soup.
Fine tea is born of extraordinary surroundings. This cinnamon tea originates from the core cliff valleys of Wuyi's Zhengyan (True Cliff) region, nestled in the deep, secluded valleys between towering peaks and steep cliffs. With towering cliffs lining the canyon, gurgling streams winding through, short daylight hours, and a cool, humid climate year-round, the unique microenvironment allows tea trees to grow slowly amid wind, frost, rain, and dew, accumulating rich internal qualities. The weathered gravel soil, abundant in minerals and highly permeable, provides an ideal foundation for the deep rooting of tea tree roots, ultimately forging the distinctive "rock rhyme" characterized by "rock bones and floral fragrance." Every leaf carries the freshness of mountain streams and the depth of Danxia landforms. As an inheritor of the national intangible cultural heritage of Wuyi Rock Tea production, Master Wang Guoxing has adhered to traditional craftsmanship with decades of dedication. From withering and leaf-tossing to charcoal roasting, every process is manually controlled. He insists on using pure cliff valley ingredients, rejecting blending to present the authentic flavor of the terroir. The slow charcoal roasting process, unhurried and deliberate, awakens the deep aromas of the tea leaves, endowing the tea soup with rich layers. After numerous processes of tempering and transformation, the tea finally develops a character of "gentleness with inner strength, youthfulness with vitality"—mellow and powerful on the palate, leaving the body and mind refreshed after drinking, fully embodying the rarity and preciousness of a master's handiwork.
The gift box design inherits Kuanlu's philosophy of "integrating culture into tea," exuding profound heritage through simplicity and antiquity. The box artwork is personally painted by Mr. Lin Haizhong, a renowned contemporary Chinese painter and professor at the China Academy of Art. His portrayal of Xuanzang is vivid and lifelike, with brushstrokes that convey the Zen and perseverance of the westward journey, echoing the core theme of "spiritual practice." The color selection draws on traditional Chinese cyan-blue, symbolizing youth and vitality while subtly embodying the philosophical thought of "blue surpassing cyan"—on the path of spiritual practice, only through constant refinement can one's inner self grow more abundant. The fusion of tea, vessel, color, and charm makes it not only a fine tea for tasting but also a cultural artifact worthy of collection. The gift box specifications are 36g/box, and to allow tea lovers to experience this fine tea without pressure, Tongxin She Teahouse specially launches the "single-brew tasting service"—no need to purchase the entire box; one brew is enough to unlock the pure rock rhyme of cliff cinnamon and embark on this tea-inspired spiritual practice effortlessly.
This medium-roasted cliff cinnamon "embodies the essence of mountains and rivers, nurtured by cliffs and valleys," offering three layers of true flavor to savor: the dry tea features tight, uniform strips with a dark brown, glossy hue; after brewing, the tea soup presents a bright orange-red color, with plump, soft leaves that reflect the superior quality of the raw materials. The dry tea exudes a sweet, delicate fragrance, while the lid of the teacup releases a prominent milk aroma; after brewing, the tea soup delivers an intoxicating sweet fruit fragrance, complemented by the distinct, rich cinnamon bark aroma that lingers long. On the palate, it is like biting into a juicy peach, with sweet fruit notes instantly filling the mouth; the second sip reveals the characteristic spicy edge of cinnamon intertwined with creamy sweetness, offering a silky, textured soup that feels substantial and chewy. With careful tasting, a subtle coolness persists throughout, accompanied by rapid sweetness and fluid production. The rock rhyme remains consistent from the first brew to the last, leaving a lingering fragrance on the teeth and cheeks that is truly unforgettable.
Those who attain the realm of tea can truly appreciate its temperament. Kuanlu's "Xuanzang's Journey to the West · Cyan-Blue Edition" is not only a fine tea embodying terroir, craftsmanship, and philosophy but also a gustatory metaphor for life's spiritual practice. Whether you are a novice to rock tea or a seasoned enthusiast, you can discover the power of perseverance and the beauty of accumulation in this cup of tea. Reserve your order now by visiting the teahouse or sending a private message—either for single-brew tasting or full-box collection. Let us take tea as a medium and embark on this "westward pilgrimage" together.