Bai Sandao tea is a traditional tea custom of the Bai people in Dali, Yunnan Province, with unique cultural connotation and etiquette. The three tea courses represent the warmest, grandest and most polite hospitality of the Bai people to the guests.
The first tea is called "broken tea", which is a "kung fu tea" roasted by the Bai people in small clay pots. When roasting tea, put the small sand pot on the fire, wait for the pot to be hot, put in a little tea leaves, and gently turn the sand pot while baking to make the tea evenly heated. When the tea leaves are white and fragrant, they can be washed into boiling water, and after a while, they can be scooped out with a spoon for people to taste.
The second tea is "Tan Tea", which is usually brewed in the same way as "Kung Fu Tea". When brewing the second course of tea, the Bai people will take out their treasures - a tea tray carved with the pattern of landscapes, flowers and birds, on which are placed exquisite tea utensils: a teacup painted with flower and grass patterns, a teapot inlaid with silver ornaments, and a white tea tray. The host will respectfully pour a cup of tea and bring it to the guest, who will take the cup, take a sip, and savor it.
The third tea is "aftertaste tea", which is usually made with high-quality green teas such as "Cangshan Snow Green Tea" and "Yunkang No. 14". Blanch the tea with boiling water first, then pour it into a clay pot and add an appropriate amount of water to boil, and then pour it into a teacup to drink. At this time, the host will sing beautiful folk songs and dance beautiful dances to add to the fun.
Bai Sandao tea is not only a drink, but also a unique cultural phenomenon and social activity. In the daily life of the Bai people, the three-course tea is not only a way to quench thirst, but also a courtesy to express respect and friendship. By tasting the three courses of tea, one can feel the hospitality and cultural heritage of the Bai people.