Zhou Yu was born in Chungking in 1945. He majored in foreign languages and economics. In 1981, he rebuilt his family home and created the Zhi Teng Lu Cottage, Inn and Teahouse, which he still cares for today. He has devoted himself to a life of tea, with emphasis on the way of Cha Dao. Tea to Zhou Yu is enlightening— a way of self-examination and exploration.

Master Ling Ping Xang has been such an important part of the tea world for so long that it’s difficult to describe his contribution concisely. He has studied tea art, culture and ware for more than thirty years and has graciously taught students for twenty. He also travels to China regularly to supervise the production of various kinds of tea, ranging from his amazing hand-processed rock teas to high-quality cakes of Puerh tea from Yiwu and other regions.

Chen Zhi Tong is one of the leading experts on Puerh tea in the world today. He is a renowned speaker and the author of several prominent books and hundreds of published articles. His latest book “The Profound World of Chi-Tse” has become the academic and market standard for identifying state produced vintage Puerh. It would be difficult to find a Puerh shop in Asia without a Chen Zhi Tong book, magazine or poster somewhere amongst the tea. 

Huang Chan Fang is a leading expert on all things tea. He has been in the tea business for decades. He started out as a master roaster and oolong tea expert. In later years, he devoted more of his time to Puerh tea. He is the author of numerous articles and books as well as one of the world’s most renowned blenders of Puerh tea. He lives in Yunnan, where he operates a Puerh shop selling his own brand and also working on his beautiful art and calligraphy. 

James Norwood Pratt published his first book on tea in 1982. He is widely recognized as one of today’s leading authorities on tea and tealore. His most recent book is the New Tea Lover’s Treasury.

Aaron Fisher graduated with a Bachelors degree in anthropology and philosophy. He then spent the next decade traveling through more than forty countries, primarily in Asia—living for some time in India, Japan, and China before finally settling in Taiwan where he currently resides. Mr. Fisher will also be publishing two books this year, and translating several other important tea works in the coming years. He is the founder of a school for English, Music and Art, spending his free time there, working on his own paintings, or drinking tea.

Scott Wilson is an American from the west coast. After some traveling he settled in Kunming, China and founded the tea export company Yunnan Sourcing. He has long had a passion for Puerh tea that translates well to his business. He spends most days working in the Kunming tea market with an ear to the floor of one of the largest Puerh trade centers in the world.

Mary Lou Heiss has worked with specialty tea for 34 years. She is the co-author of: The Story of Tea: A Cultural History and Drinking Guide and Hot Drinks: Cider, Coffee, Tea, Hot Chocolate, Spiced Punch, Spirits and the solo author of: Green Tea: 50 Hot Drinks, Cool Quenchers and Sweet and Savory Treats.

Nora Gubins is a member of the Tea Association of Canada, a private lecturer and writer on tea, its history, culture and equipage and offers tutored tastings on a variety of teas. Through her company, TeaQueen, she offers tea talks, tastings, product consultations and access to specialty tea markets. Fueled by world travels, cultural studies and the pursuit of a decent cup of tea, Nora enjoys sharing tea tales and facts. She may be reached at info@teaqueen.ca