The ancients said: "Tasting Anxi Tieguanyin is about savoring its unique Guanyin韵 (charm)!" Modern people say: "Because I have always pursued charm, I have chased tea for decades." However, how many truly understand what this charm refers to and can fully articulate it? Today, after extensive research, Xiangnan has found the interpretations of several renowned individuals from the Third Minnan Tea Industry Summit Forum held on November 10, 2008, regarding the distinctive Guanyin韵 of Anxi Tieguanyin.
Chen Zhixiong (Secretary-General of the Xiamen Tea Association): What is Guanyin韵? It's something that can only be intuitively felt, not easily expressed in words. For example, the floral and fruity fragrance of清香-type teas, the orchid aroma of aged teas, or the rock charm of Wuyi teas—these all require frequent tasting to reveal their nuances. The charm in Xiping and Gande teas may be more pronounced, while Zhangzhou and Longyan have also started cultivating Tieguanyin. But do these teas possess charm? Hua'an teas also carry an orchid fragrance, yet their charm is distinctly different.
Lin Wei (Tea Enthusiast): Because I have always pursued charm, I have been chasing tea for decades. Charm is like a magnet, drawing us with its allure; without charm, it holds little meaning. The cultural attraction lies in the charm of tea. Even among a hundred experts, there will be a hundred different interpretations of charm. In my view, there are two basic points: the distinct characteristics of the tea and the pleasure it brings to the drinker.
Linzong (General Manager of Sanguo Tea Art): Charm is a feeling—one shouldn't dwell too much on explaining it to customers because no matter how much you describe it, the customer won't be satisfied. Nowadays, whether it's well-known brands or small family-run shops, product homogenization is severe. When facing customers, we often talk about things unrelated to product quality. More time should be spent providing added value to customers. During the procurement process, quality must be emphasized, and during sales, avoid unnecessary arguments.
Representative of Anxi Tieguanyin Group: The charm of Tieguanyin is akin to tasting an apple—if asked about the taste of an apple, it might be hard to clearly define. When discussing charm with customers, one should emphasize traditional authentic flavors. Authentic Tieguanyin carries a strong charm, and allowing customers to taste frequently will help them appreciate it better.
Renyu (Tea Consultant at Pinzhen Tea): Charm is something that can only be intuitively felt but must eventually be articulated. Charm builds upon flavor—good Tieguanyin must be pure and processed traditionally. A truly excellent Tieguanyin, when brewed, reveals a unique aroma immediately, recognizable even before drinking. From the nose through the entire sensory network, everything feels refreshed. The tea liquid appears yellow with a hint of white, and charm is something rare and unpredictable.
Shen Mo (Editor-in-Chief of *Xiping Tea*): Charm is intangible yet omnipresent. Many tea merchants feel that business has become increasingly difficult in recent years. Minnan leads the nation in tea consumption, drinking three servings daily, and as a traditional beverage, tea consumption is growing rapidly, though it still lags behind global per capita levels, offering vast potential and a promising future if properly developed.
In Xiangnan's view, the unique Guanyin韵 of Anxi Tieguanyin isn’t just about drinking its charm but rather experiencing one’s own personal insight at the moment. To put it precisely, it really is something that can only be intuitively felt and not easily expressed in words—like how a hundred people reading *Hamlet* might envision a hundred different Hamlets.