Laoshan Village has remained a clean and pure environment for tea growing largerly thanks to the reverence for the environment inspired by the Taoist temples on the mountain. Indeed, the Taoist monks were the first to grow Laoshan green tea. During our last trip to Laoshan, Mr and Mrs He insisted that we go pay our respects at Taiqing Temple, and a small back-alley temple to the local god of the sea.

Mr. He opens the gate to their family’s temple to the local ocean god.

 

The inner courtyard of the He Family Temple

 

He family incense urn, smashed in the Cultural Revolution

 

Decorative roof ornaments at He Family Taoist Temple

 

Mr. He climbs Laoshan Mountain to the main temple

 

Ritual Bell at Laoshan Taoist Temple

 

Mr and Mrs He leave an offering at Laoshan Temple

 

Roof ornaments at Laoshan Temple