More tea history in China May 25 2017

Between 1101 and 1125, the Chinese Emperor developed an obsession with tea. He wrote frequently about the best practices of tea, including whisking. He often held tea-tasting tournaments in his royal court. 

Emperor Hui Tsung ignored the Mongol threat to the region as they took over the entire empire.

Garden settings became very popular for tea ceremonies around China, a tradition which continues to this day.