One Cup, A Thousand Stories

For many, tea is sustenance for mind, body and soul, the very lifeblood of humanity. This innovative documentary looks at the connection between tea, health and well-being. The tribal De'ang people believe themselves to be literally made of tea, whilst in the shadow of the beautiful Mount Emei a martial artist finesses his strikes and punches, strengthened by Snowbud Tea.

Tea ceremonies of the past inform present day rituals including breathtaking outdoor events for 100 people on the banks of a Taiwanese river. The artistic attributes of tea are explored in this illuminating documentary. International teapot artist Mr Gao explains the energy flow of his creations, while in London's oldest hotel, Brown's, the strange ritual of Afternoon Tea is raised to a new level.

For many, tea has a spiritual dimension and can be seen as a portal to other worlds. This engrossing documentary witnesses a lone monk on his life's mission to recreate the tea cakes of a famous sage from the early Tang Dynasty. In an austere nunnery near Wuhan, the nuns experience every stage of tea-making, from picking all the way through to drinking, as an act of prayerful meditation.

Tea traveled from China and soon conquered every corner of the world. This remarkable documentary looks at tea’s global domination. Starting on the treacherous Tea Horse Road stretching from southern China into Tibet, India and beyond, the healing wonder of matcha tea in an ancient Japanese temple is explored. In Darjeeling, the power of the British Empire tea trade is revealed.

Far from being viewed as an old-fashioned drink with ancient origins, the modern tea trade is vast and innovative. This intriguing documentary looks at the current business globally. In Dubai, a massive hub sells millions of tons of tea, traded from east to west. In Fujian Province, the beautiful withering process of White Tea, increasing in popularity in China and around the world, is seen.

What is the future for tea? Will tastes change drastically? This exciting documentary looks at the possible path that tea might take. In the stunning highlands of Malawi, the Rare Tea Lady tries to wean African producers away from cheap teas to aromatic high-end blends. In Shanghai, one restaurant pairs seasonal teas and gourmet food. And the global youth fad of Bubble Tea is explored.