Afternoon Tea on Wuyi Mountain and Drawing Divination Sticks
One of my favorite afternoons on Wuyi Mountain was spent at Huiyuan Temple, a quiet Buddhist temple first built in the Song Dynasty. I drew a divination stick before Guanyin, found an answer that seemed to read my mind, and then brewed tea at a table in the courtyard, sharing cups with strangers who soon felt like friends.
What is Huiyuan Temple on Wuyi Mountain?
While trekking on Wuyi Mountain, I came across Huiyuan Temple (慧苑寺, Huìyuàn Sì). It was built during the Song Dynasty (960–1279) and rebuilt in the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644). When I walked in, there was nobody there. I paid my respects to the Buddha and wandered into the backyard, where a hall was dedicated to Guanyin Bodhisattva.
How do you draw divination sticks at a Chinese temple?
In front of the hall, I found a pot of divination sticks. Drawing them is called qiú qiān (求签). Here is how it works:
- Make an offering to support the temple, in cash or by electronic payment.
- Kneel before the bodhisattva and silently ask your question.
- Shake the container of sticks until one falls to the ground.
- Read the number on the stick and find the matching answer, usually posted on the wall.
My number was 76. When I read the answer, I was amazed. It felt as if Guanyin knew exactly what I was thinking and asking, and she gave me a very clear answer. Learn more about the bond between tea and Buddhism in tea and Buddhism.
What was afternoon tea like at the temple?
I moved to the yard and found a tea table with a full set of teaware. I took out my own tea and brewed a cup for myself. Soon, other visitors passed by and joined the table. I served them tea, and some of them shared their teas with me too. We didn’t know each other, but we had a wonderful teatime together that afternoon. That is the spirit of Wuyi: tea brings people together.
Planning a trip? Read three tea destinations in China and our trip to Wuyi Mountain.
How do you brew Da Hong Pao?
Brew Da Hong Pao with water at 100°C (212°F). For the Chinese gongfu method, use 5 g of leaf per 100 ml of water: the first infusion is 5 seconds, add 5 seconds for each infusion after that, and enjoy up to 8 infusions. For the western cup method, use 0.8 g per 100 ml: the first infusion is 120 seconds, each infusion after that is 30 seconds longer, for 3 infusions in total. These are the same steps as the Brewing Method tab on the product page.
FAQ
When was Huiyuan Temple built?
In the Song Dynasty (960–1279); it was rebuilt in the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644).
Do you have to pay to draw divination sticks?
It’s customary to make an offering to support the temple, in cash or by electronic payment.
What tea is Wuyi Mountain famous for?
Wuyi rock teas (oolongs) such as Da Hong Pao, Rou Gui and Shui Xian.