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One Cup, A Thousand Stories

Season 1
Tea is so much more than a refreshing, delicious drink. It has had a significant impact on art, culture, religion, and well-being. Journeying across the beautiful and varied landscapes of China to explore its many teas, this fascinating documentary visits the people who have built a life around tea and explores the culture it has created.
20216 episodesTV-G
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Episodes

  1. S1 E1 - For the Love of Tea
    October 14, 2021
    51min
    TV-G
    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.
    Free trial of BBC Select
  2. S1 E2 - The Art of Tea
    October 14, 2021
    52min
    TV-G
    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.
    Free trial of BBC Select
  3. S1 E3 - Tea for the Soul
    October 14, 2021
    51min
    TV-G
    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.
    Free trial of BBC Select
  4. S1 E4 - To the Ends of the Earth
    October 14, 2021
    51min
    TV-G
    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.
    Free trial of BBC Select
  5. S1 E5 - The Tastes of the Tea Trade
    October 14, 2021
    51min
    TV-G
    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.
    Free trial of BBC Select
  6. S1 E6 - Tea Without Limits
    October 14, 2021
    51min
    TV-G
    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.
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Details

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Subtitles
None available
Producers
Matthew Springford
Studio
BBC Studios Productions
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