"The Kunming tea market..." "is a mosaic of tea colors..." "and a cornucopia of herbals." "tea is everywhere..." "in every type of vessel imagined..." "ranging from clay..." "to stainless steel..." "to ceramics..." "lots and lots of canvas..." "and even woven hemp." "packaged teas are also plentiful..." "in plain paper wrappers..." "or packaging more exquisite" "or simply more economical" "yet the highlight of any visit here..." "are the shop owners, with a ready cup in hand." "the tea you are likely to be served is pu erh" "an earthen tea that is a local specialty." "similar to wine, pu erhs are valued for their age..." "with older pieces costing thousands of dollars." "these are very popular with Hong Kong buyers." "the market is also a great place for ceramics..." "with rows and rows of yixing teapots..." "as well as decoration pieces." "but the highlight remain the warmth of its vendors" "and the overwhelming varieties of tea."
