(CARTOON BY LI SHIGONG)

The Fifth China International Tea Expo, an annual event that gathered exhibitors from tea industries around the world, kicked off in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, on May 20. Besides traditional teas, this year's event presented a vast assortment of interesting products, such as tea latte, tea-flavored ice cream and sparkling tea. With artistically designed packaging and ever more creative sales strategies, these products reflect the increasing popularity of tea among young Chinese consumers. 

China is considered the first country to cultivate tea. Throughout history, the beverage, seen both as a drink that reflects the refined tastes of the elite and an everyday refreshment to be enjoyed by everyone, has retained an enduring appeal to all ages and across all social groups. The beverage can also be blended with milk, juice, spices, sugar and alcohol, thereby allowing a continuous generation of new flavors. 

The country has a huge market for the consumption of tea. However, there is also a great divide between the older generations' preference for traditional teas and Chinese youths' inclination toward new varieties. This is not a problem to be corrected, as many would think. Instead, the division showcases the inclusive spirit of the tea culture and the beverage's incredible ability to evolve with time.

(Guangming Daily, May 29)