In an exclusive interview, we sit down with Liu Yuejuan, a talented tea maker from Guangxi born in the 2000s, who is passionately upholding the tea-making traditions of her hometown.

“To produce just one pound of tea, I have to fry the leaves in a pot at temperatures between 250 to 300 degrees Celsius more than 2,000 times, which takes over three hours,” Liu shared, holding fresh tea buds in her hands. As she gently tosses them in the pot, the air becomes fragrant with the alluring aroma of tea.

Reflecting on her journey into the world of tea, Liu explained that her family suggested she study tea processing after her college entrance examinations. Initially resistant to pursuing a field that didn’t spark her interest, she soon found herself captivated by the beauty of tea as she immersed herself in tasting, appreciating, and eventually making it.

After graduating from Guangxi Vocational Technical College with a degree in tea processing and tea tree cultivation in August 2022, she embarked on an internship at the state-run Fuhu Overseas Chinese Farm Tea Factory in Liucheng County, a place renowned for its rich tea-making heritage and the first in Guangxi to win the “China Tea Cup” gold award.

At the factory, Liu was surrounded by master tea makers and had the privilege of studying under He Haihua, the factory’s manager and a recognized artisan in Guangxi. Under his mentorship, she gradually learned the intricate processes of tea-making, including withering and twisting the leaves.

“Hand-frying tea is an art form,” she emphasized. “The process of fixing the tea, known as ‘kill green,’ is the most critical step. Everything—timing, temperature, and technique—can greatly affect the tea’s quality. I had to adjust the pot’s temperature based on the moisture of the leaves. I remember the pot was above 200 degrees Celsius, and my hands were blistering.” It’s a rite of passage for every aspiring tea maker, she remarked with a smile.

In addition to her training with He Haihua, Liu dedicated her free time to honing her skills through professional books and online tutorials, steadily improving her technique.

Her hard work paid off when she won first place in the tea processing category at the “Skills Strength Liu, Craftsman Spirit, Dream Forged” 2024 Liuzhou Employee Vocational Skills Competition. He Haihua praised her dedication and skill, stating, “She is meticulous and has a natural aptitude for tea-making; her diligence shows in her practice.”

Now a senior tea taster, Liu Yuejuan not only crafts tea but also monitors the quality of finished products. By identifying shortcomings in the tea, she continuously seeks to enhance and improve the processing techniques, knowing that familiarity with each step is crucial for accurate quality assessment. “Understanding the entire tea-making process allows me to identify any flaws in the final product,” she noted.

In just two years, Liu has transformed from a novice to an accomplished tea maker. She actively engages with visitors, showcasing her tea-frying and brewing techniques, and sharing the rich culture of Fuhu tea.

As of the end of 2013, the Fuhu Tea Factory had a cultivation area of 3,000 acres and positively impacted over 1,800 returnees’ incomes. Looking to the future, Liu expressed her aspirations: “I want to leverage my tea-making experience to elevate our tea quality and contribute to the rural revitalization of our expatriate hometown.”