Imagine swapping your Earl Grey for dragon well tea while exploring Shanghai’s bustling streets – that’s exactly what British PhD student Luke Johnston did during CGTN’s ‘Cup of Tea’ challenge! 🫖 As a self-proclaimed tea enthusiast studying at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Luke took us on a 24-hour caffeine-powered journey blending ancient traditions and modern vibes.
Starting his day at a 200-year-old tea house, Luke learned the art of kung fu tea ceremonies (spoiler: it involves WAY more wrist action than your average tea bag dunk). ☯️ Later, he navigated trendy ‘milk tea alleys’ where bubble tea shops glowed like K-pop concert stages, quipping: ‘This is what happens when British colonialism meets Gen-Z aesthetics!’ 😂
The real showstopper? A matcha-making workshop where Luke ground vibrant green powder like a Tang Dynasty barista, later admitting: ‘I’ll never complain about English breakfast tea prep again!’ 🍵
From Ming Dynasty porcelain displays to robot-made oolong cocktails, Luke’s adventure proves Shanghai’s tea scene is steeped in history yet brewing with innovation. As he says: ‘Every cup here tells a story – and I’m here for all 5,000 years of tea gossip!’ 💬
