Imagine strolling through misty hills where ancient tea gardens stretch as far as the eye can see… 🍃🍵 The story of the Blang people and their sacred tea has been whispered for over a thousand years.
For centuries, a powerful teaching resonated in the hearts of Blang elders: “Leave them tea gardens, so your descendants may harvest from them forever.” But this wisdom remained alive only in memories—until a determined man stepped up to write it all down.
Meet Su Guowen, the 82-year-old son of the last headman of the Blang people and the man known as the last Blang prince. Driven by a passion to preserve his people’s culture, Su turned oral histories into written records, capturing stories of ancient rituals, tea ceremonies, and the deep bond between his community and the land.
His painstaking work proved crucial in securing Jingmai Mountain’s place on the World Heritage list. Thanks to Su’s archival treasures, UNESCO experts had the evidence they needed to recognize the mountain’s living tea culture and protect it for generations to come.
For Su, this milestone is just the beginning. “As long as we pass the baton well, the younger generation will surely surpass us,” he says with a hopeful smile. And indeed, local youth are already learning from his writings, blending tradition with modern creativity to keep the Blang story alive.
This tale shows how one person’s dedication can turn fading memories into a global legacy. Next time you sip a cup of tea, remember the stewards behind each leaf—and maybe start writing down your own family’s stories! ✍️✨
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
