Source: CCTV.com

03-02-2007 08:42

The Island of Sri Lanka is famous for its high quality teas. For the local people, tea isn't just a valuable commercial crop, it's a whole lifestyle. Wan Chunning was there to experience the world of special teas.

Since the British sailor James Taylor planted the first 19 acres of tea in Sri Lanka in 1867, plantation has flourished in the country.

With the unique advantage of tropical conditions and varied altitudes, Sri Lanka produces tea that has its own unique aroma and flavors. And the finest leaves from the central highlands in Nuwara Eliya described as Champagne, because of their excellent quality and delicate perfume.

Mr. Muthu works in a tea plantation in the region. He's been growing and processing tea 32 years. Muthu said, "Tea is very important for Sri Lanka's 20 million people, whose lives are closely linked to planting and drinking tea. Tea is also one of the most important industries in Sri Lanka."

Some 300 thousand workers in Sri Lanka pluck millions of tea leaves by hand every day.