Written by Yew Ying Jie, Y1 Economics and Data Science

I still vividly remember the buzz of excitement and nervousness when we were assigned our TOPS groupings and attended our first TOPS lesson together. These initial lessons were filled with brainstorming and discussions over our research topic but at that time, it felt distant and somewhat abstract. Yet, before I knew it, the few months of preparation flew by and we were already boarding the plane to Kunming ready to embark on our research journey.

One thing that truly stood out to me in Kunming was how deeply tea culture was intertwined with the lives of its people. As the focus of my group’s research project was on how traditional tea houses are adapting to Gen Z’s growing preference for modern tea shops in Kunming, we visited several local tea houses offering a variety of teas, from traditional kinds to more modern blends. Many locals shared that they grew up learning to prepare and serve tea as a way of welcoming guests into their homes, making it a natural part of their daily lives. This practice goes beyond mere tradition but also reflects a shared value of hospitality within their community. It was heartening to learn about the deep appreciation locals have for their tea culture and the persistence and pride they take in preserving it despite the rapid changes in recent years.

One unforgettable experience was at a tea shop, Huo Tang Kao Cha, where we sat in a circle around real charcoal fire with other customers, enjoying freshly brewed roasted tea while soaking in the cozy atmosphere. During the interview with the store owner, he shared how, after years as a professional street dancer, he decided to switch careers as he realized he was becoming increasingly restless and easily frustrated. As a result, he turned to the mindful practice of tea-making as it provided him the sense of calm needed. What struck me was how many tea entrepreneurs, like him, spoke not only of their business ambitions but also their desire to perfect the craft of tea making as an art form. Their personal stories offered me invaluable insights into the motivations behind the persistence of Kunming’s traditional tea scene. These conversations significantly broadened my perspective on how the cultural practice of tea drinking could shape a community.

Apart from the fragrant teas we tasted throughout our fieldwork, another highlight of the trip was the food in Kunming. The autonomy we had in planning our itinerary meant that we could head down to the food street next to our hotel for supper every night. Needless to say, we enjoyed the countless number of tanghulu and skewers we bought (and probably gained a few kgs along the way but we figured out the walking made up for it!). These food adventures brought us even closer as a group and it is these small moments that made the trip special for me.

Looking back, it is hard to believe how something that initially seemed abstract to me has transformed into a meaningful journey. The conversations, shared experiences and even the quiet moments over tea in Kunming gave me a deeper sense of what it truly means to immerse myself in a new culture. From the warm hospitality of the tea houses we visited to the personal stories generously shared by the locals, this trip has given me a collection of vivid experiences memories I know I will carry with me for a long time!