Economist Tea House (Issue 16)

Author: Jin Mingshan, Editor-in-Chief
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-06-01
Features: The tea house in China is similar to cafes or bars in Europe. Therefore, when mentioning tea houses, people often associate them with European cafes or bars that are frequented by writers and artists. Among the most famous European cafes I have visited, I would have to say the "Four Cats Cafe" (Els Quartre Gats) in Barcelona. It is not very large and is located in the center of Barcelona, quite a distance from where I lived at the time, but I still went there frequently to enjoy its ambiance. The reason is simple: apart from retaining the charm it had since its establishment in 1897, it was also a place where famous artists like Picasso, Ramon Casas, and Santiago Rusino often gathered to discuss art and exhibit their works. Sitting there, lost in thought, one can feel the passage of time and its enduring essence. Among the most famous European bars I have visited is the "Lapin Agile" in Montmartre, Paris. This bar originally had a very terrifying name—The Assassin's Bar—but it was renamed after the painter A. Jill painted a picture of a rabbit holding a bottle jumping out of a pot on the wall. The atmosphere of the bar is very infectious. It is said that once you step inside, no matter who you are, you will feel as if you have smoked opium in terms of your spirit. The reason for this effect is, of course, the excellent management, but more importantly, it was a place where artists like Picasso and Derain often stayed up all night when they were not yet famous.
In recent years, tea houses, or tea art studios, have sprung up like mushrooms in China. There are at least dozens around the university where I work, and I occasionally visit them as well. However, I believe the best one, and the one I visit most often, is the "Economist Tea House." The tea house opens its doors infrequently, only four times a year, and the seating is also very limited. Yet, despite this, it is always crowded with tea enthusiasts, both within and outside the economics circle, including seasoned economists and students. Here, they discuss national affairs, exchange academic insights, and share updates on scholarly trends, making it a place where people linger and become captivated, forming a beautiful sight. Truly, the "tea house" holds great depth, and the pursuit of knowledge is endless.