Welcome to our annual educational program, which will give you a unique experience and deep immersion into the world of Gongfu Cha – Highest Mastery Tea – with its old traditions and innovations, and tea-related topics that form a high tea culture. We have been improving our program for over 8 years to fit in as much necessary information as possible, offering our students extensive tea knowledge. By studying the scientific and cultural sides of this subject, we explore tea as a cultural phenomenon that has captured the hearts of millions and become the most popular drink in the world.

TEA LIKE ART is a four-level tea journey ideal for beginners and advanced tea lovers. It expands the boundaries of understanding and improves mindfulness of tea consumption. Upon completion of the course, you will receive a certificate of completion and can join further classes to study various specific topics.

Check out the Schedule to join us during the Autumn Season
and Learn More about the Upcoming Express Course!

The upcoming Tea Educational Program starts
28.09.2025

Address: Krāsotāju iela 5, Riga, Latvia
Phone: +371 25652525

The LEVEL I "FOUNDATION" course is the quintessence of knowledge necessary for a deep understanding of the basics and professional development. In each lesson, we speak about the history, philosophy, and main principles, analyze the features of brewing and evaluating tea drinks, and learn how to correctly brew different types of tea. We cover both the traditional tea ceremony and a more modern approach for a better understanding of the principles and possibilities of this product. We go through various teas to develop a palette of flavors and our ability to recognize the subtle nuances of tea aroma and taste.

Classes are held in small groups in our showroom in the center of Riga, Latvia, a bright room equipped with everything necessary for a deep immersion in tea culture. Our place allows you to completely distance yourself from the bustle of the city and immerse yourself in a world of peace and harmony. Classes are held in three languages: Russian (primary language), Latvian, and English. The approach is always individual, and all participants receive the necessary knowledge equally. Each lesson lasts about 2-3 hours, where the first half is the theory, and the second half is practice. MORE DETAILS

28.09.2025 - RIGA/LATVIA - 12:00 - "Tea Like Art" INTRODUCTION – History and Philosophy
30.09.2025 - RIGA/LATVIA - 18:00 - "Tea Like Art" WHITE TEA – Harvesting and Processing
02.10.2025 - RIGA/LATVIA - 18:00 - "Tea Like Art" GREEN TEA – Beneficial Properties and Varieties
07.10.2025 - RIGA/LATVIA - 18:00 - "Tea Like Art" WULONG TEA – The Art of Tea
09.10.2025 - RIGA/LATVIA - 18:00 - "Tea Like Art" WULONG TEA – Gongfu Cha
14.10.2025 - RIGA/LATVIA - 18:00 - "Tea Like Art" RED TEA – The Art of Tea Tasting
16.10.2025 - RIGA/LATVIA - 18:00 - "Tea Like Art" PU’ER TEA (SHENG) - History and Philosophy
21.10.2025 - RIGA/LATVIA - 18:00 - "Tea Like Art" PU’ER TEA (SHU) + HEI CHA – Fermented Tea
23.10.2025 - RIGA/LATVIA - 18:00 - "Tea Like Art" TEA GASTRONOMY – Tea and Food Pairing Basics
28.10.2025 - RIGA/LATVIA - 18:00 - "Tea Like Art" RARE TEA

!!! Dates and times may vary based on participants' preferences and can be adjusted during the first session.
Please don't hesitate to reach out for more information. !!!

This course is the basis of tea knowledge to lay a high-quality foundation for future studies!
You may visit individual classes or attend the whole course, which will give you a:

● 10-30% discount during subsequent programs
● AN SHIM TEA MEMBERSHIP with even more unique opportunities
MORE DETAILS

The second level offers an in-depth journey through the major tea-producing regions of Asia and beyond. Over eight comprehensive lessons, participants explore the history, culture, and distinctive tea traditions of diverse countries, while gaining practical experience in brewing and tasting their finest teas. We begin in Japan, studying its rich heritage of tea cultivation and preparation, from centuries-old practices to modern innovations that have shaped the country’s unique tea identity. In Taiwan, we examine the island’s dynamic tea culture, renowned for its high-mountain wulongs and artisanal craftsmanship. Vietnam reveals a deep and ancient tea tradition, where indigenous varieties and regional methods create teas of remarkable character.

Our journey continues to Korea, with its harmonious blend of Seon (Zen) philosophy and tea aesthetics, and Thailand, where high-altitude plantations and innovative processing have brought new dimensions to Asian tea. In India and Nepal, we study the world-famous terroirs of Darjeeling, Assam, and Himalayan regions, each producing teas with distinct styles and reputations. Finally, we explore Sri Lanka and Africa, discovering the history and diversity of teas from Ceylon’s highlands to the plantations of Kenya and Malawi, regions that play a vital role in the global tea trade. Level II expands both cultural understanding and sensory skill, offering participants the opportunity to experience a curated selection of high-quality, rare, and representative teas from across the tea-producing world.

02.11.2025 - RIGA/LATVIA - 12:00 - "Tea Like Art" - JAPAN – CHANOYU (MATCHA MASTERCLASS) SOLD OUT
04.11.2025 - RIGA/LATVIA - 18:00 - "Tea Like Art" - JAPAN – SENCHA-DO (LOOSE TEA) REGISTRATION
07.11.2025 - RIGA/LATVIA - 18:00 - "Tea Like Art" - JAPAN – CHANOYU (MATCHA MASTERCLASS) REGISTRATION
YOU CAN VISIT TWO JAPANESE TEA EVENTS WITH 30% DISCOUNT REGISTRATION
14.11.2025 - RIGA/LATVIA - 18:30 - HIGH FRAGRANCES (Author's KODO Ceremony) REGISTRATION
16.11.2025 - RIGA/LATVIA - 12:00 - "Tea Like Art" - KOREA – History and Culture REGISTRATION
22.11.2025 - RIGA/LATVIA - 17:00 - "Tea Like Art" TAIWAN COMPETITION REGISTRATION
30.11.2025 - RIGA/LATVIA - 12:00 - "Tea Like Art" - TEA BLENDING MASTERCLASS REGISTRATION

The third level is devoted to advanced themes that lie at the heart of high tea culture. This stage offers a deeper exploration into the traditions, artistry, and philosophy that define tea at its highest level. We begin with The Rock Rhyme, an introduction to the mineral-rich terroir and centuries-old craftsmanship of Wuyishan, home to China’s world-famous cliff teas. From there, we move to Chaozhou Cha, uncovering the refined brewing methods and cultural heritage of Guangdong’s traditional tea practice. Participants will experience Competition Teas from Taiwan — exceptional high-mountain wulongs produced in limited quantities and representing the pinnacle of quality and craftsmanship. We will also study the fundamentals of tea blending, focusing on red/black teas, learning how to balance aroma, body, and aftertaste to create harmonious compositions.

Beyond the sensory dimension, this level explores tea’s deeper cultural and spiritual aspects. Tea Meditation introduces the principles of Cha Dao, cultivating mindfulness and presence through tea. The concept of Wabi-Sabi will open a window into Japanese aesthetics, teaching an appreciation for simplicity, imperfection, and natural beauty. Finally, The Way of Fragrance offers an introduction to Kōdō, the Japanese incense ceremony, where participants will discover how aroma becomes a form of art and meditation. Through these interconnected topics, Level III provides an immersive experience that expands both technical mastery and cultural understanding, guiding participants toward the essence of tea as a way of life.

● THE ROCK RHYME – Wuyishan Tea Culture
● CHAOZHOU CHA – Guangzhou Tea Culture
● COMPETITION TEA – Taiwanese High-mountain Wulongs
● TEA BLENDING BASICS (RED/BLACK TEA)

The fourth level is dedicated to the spiritual, aesthetic, and philosophical dimensions of tea. This stage is designed to lead participants beyond technical skill into the deeper essence of tea as a path of self-cultivation. We begin with Tea Meditation, exploring the principles of Cha Dao — “The Way of Tea” — where every movement, breath, and gesture becomes part of a mindful practice. This approach transforms tea preparation and drinking into a form of meditation, fostering inner peace, clarity, and presence.

The journey continues with Wabi-Sabi, the Japanese aesthetic philosophy that embraces imperfection, impermanence, and the natural passage of time. Through this lens, participants learn to appreciate the quiet beauty in simplicity, asymmetry, and the marks left by time — values that deeply resonate with the spirit of tea. Finally, The Way of Fragrance introduces Kōdō, the traditional Japanese incense ceremony. Participants will discover how the art of incense parallels the art of tea: both are intimate, sensory experiences that connect the practitioner to the moment and awaken a refined awareness of subtleties in aroma and atmosphere. Level IV is an intimate and transformative conclusion to the TEA LIKE ART program, guiding participants toward a profound, holistic understanding of tea as more than a drink — as a way of life.

● TEA MEDITATION - Cha Dao Principles
● WABI SABI – Japanese aesthetics
● THE WAY OF FRAGRANCE – Introduction and Kodo Ceremony

The fifth level is dedicated entirely to the vast and intricate world of Pu’Er tea. This level combines historical insight, technical expertise, and sensory experience to give participants a complete understanding of one of the most complex tea categories in existence. We begin with Natural Storage, exploring the history, philosophy, and environmental conditions that allow Pu’Er to mature gracefully over decades. From there, we examine Traditional Hong Kong Storage, a method that shaped the global perception of aged Pu’Er, known for its deep, rich flavor profile. We also study Artificial Aging techniques, understanding both their benefits and limitations, and conclude with an exploration of Old Tea, tasting rare and valuable vintages that showcase the pinnacle of Pu’Er evolution.

The program then shifts focus to four of the most influential producers in Pu’Er history: Mengku Rongshi Tea Factory, renowned for its high-mountain raw material and distinctive flavor style; Xishuangbanna Menghai Tea Factory, one of the oldest and most respected producers of both raw (Sheng) and ripe (Shu) Pu’Er; Xiaguan Tea Factory, famous for its tightly compressed “tuocha” and strong, lasting teas; and China Tea Factory (CNNP), the state-owned pioneer whose iconic recipes have defined Pu’Er standards for decades. Level V offers a rare opportunity to taste, compare, and study Pu’Er teas across different storage methods, aging processes, and legendary producers, giving participants both technical mastery and a deep appreciation for this timeless tea tradition.

● NATURAL STORAGE (History and Philosophy)
● TRADITIONAL HONG KONG STORAGE
● ARTIFICIAL AGING
● OLD TEA
● Mengku Rongshi Tea Factory
● Xishuangbanna Menghai Tea Factory
● Xiaguan Tea Factory
● China Tea Factory (CNNP)

AN SHIM TEA is one of the pioneers of tea travel organizers, holding tea tours for different tea-producing countries since 2018. We welcome everyone to join our author programs focused on tea production, culture, and aesthetics. These programs are ideally suited for both beginners and professionals and give a unique insight into the tea industry.

AN SHIM TEA EXPERIENCE MEMBERS have a unique opportunity to join our master during his annual tea travels and participate in private tea expeditions organized to immerse themselves deeper in the tea cultures of different countries. This is a deep-inside experience and contact with tea producers worldwide to gain a deeper understanding of tea and become a high-level professional in this field.

Learn more about AN SHIM TEA EXPERIENCE

Questions: anshim.tea.collection@gmail.com

By purchasing the complete TEA LIKE ART program for yourself or as a gift, you will receive a 10% discount, saving you nearly €70. The electronic gift card will be sent directly to your email address and is not assigned to a specific person, making it suitable for gifting. This gift card is valid for the specific year of purchase and expires upon the completion of that year’s tea education program.

*This amount is NON-REFUNDABLE
But can be exchanged for any products or services for an equal price offered by AN SHIM TEA!

CONTACT FOR PRECISE OPPORTUNITY!

You can have a PRIVATE TEA COURSE one-on-one with the tea master! It allows you to attend tea lessons at a time convenient for you, which needs to be arranged in advance with the master. This card is valid for one year from the date of purchase.

*This amount is NON-REFUNDABLE
But it can be exchanged for any products or services for the same price offered by AN SHIM TEA!

CONTACT FOR PRECISE OPPORTUNITY!

• HISTORY AND PHILOSOPHY OF TEA
The study of tea as a cultural phenomenon should begin with the history and geography as well as the main reasons why this drink spread throughout the world. In our classes, we explore how tea became the number-one drink in the world, as well as what were the main ideas that follow the product made from the leaves of the Camellia Sinensis plant. This is an amazing journey from ancient traditions to modern trends that will make you look at tea from a completely new angle.

• TEA CULTURE OF CHINA AND OTHER COUNTRIES
In our classes, we analyze China as the birthplace of this drink and culture which influenced so much on its development. We also discover Japanese, Taiwanese, Vietnamese, and Korean tea traditions, as well as tea industries like India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Turkey, etc. We cover topics such as growing conditions, harvesting, and processing, as well as consumption of tea in different countries to have a deeper understanding of this topic.

• CLASSIFICATION
Depending on the processing methods, there are seven main types of tea - green, white, yellow, wulong, red, dark (fermented), and Pu'Er. In our classes, we dive into each of these topics as deeply as possible and analyze all the features and nuances of each type. Every lesson is accompanied by tea tastings of different teas to give a wider understanding.

• QUALITY ASSESSMENT
Our goal is to show people a noble product and educate the consumers who will understand high-quality tea grown in a pesticide-free environment, harvested and produced handmade. Natural product with no additives or scents! We try competition and collection teas from different countries, as well as aged tea, which is more than 10-20-30 and even 40 years old!

• BREWING METHODS
We analyze all sorts of brewing techniques, from the traditional Chinese tea ceremony to the modern restaurant serving. Our goal is to teach participants to feel tea and understand the mechanism of the brewing process. All this will help you to understand the main principles and teach you how to prepare an exquisite drink in any condition.

• ARTISAN TEAWARE
In every lesson, participants interact with professional teaware, which allows them to understand the processes of brewing and serving tea. We focus on tactile sensations, accuracy, and attentiveness to develop tea brewing mastery.

• TEA TASTING BASICS
Tea tasting is a process where a trained ‘tea taster’ determines the quality of a particular tea. Due to climatic conditions, topography, the manufacturing process, as well as different varieties of the Camellia Sinensis plant, the end product can have vastly different tastes and appearances. We will dedicate a whole lesson to developing tea taster skills and teach you how to analyze the taste and aroma in detail.

• TEA GASTRONOMY BASICS
Tea gastronomy is a relatively young but very promising direction in the tea industry. It is aimed at popularising high-quality tea in the restaurant industry, where tea goes well with various kinds of dishes and drinks. We will cover the basics and main principles that will allow you to create interesting combinations of tea and food.

We are pleased to introduce you to our tea master ANDREI IVANOV

· AN SHIM TEA creator
· award-winning tea producer
· award-winning tea blender
· a member of the International Tea School Chaism.Pro
· a three-time participant in a Tea Masters Cup International
· TMC 2017 International "Gold medalist" in Enshi, China
· TMC 2017 International 2x "Silver medalist" in Enshi, China
· a certified international judge of the Tea Masters Cup since 2018
· an official representative of Vietnamese tea culture in Europe
· main tea taster and co-founder of IZPODNEBESNOJ
· tea taster and co-creator of AN TRA
· a consultant for Minh Lam Tea Company

The main occupation is tea education and the promotion of high tea culture principles. For 10+ years, Andrei traveled to tea places, explored tea production, discovered new teas, and educated people about the behind-the-scenes of the tea industry.

"By getting so far you prove that you are interested in tea education and have enough will to learn hard to achieve all your goals on the way to becoming a better version of yourself! Let me share a little bit deeper about the type of work I do and how our tea experience program can be useful to you and/or your loved ones.

AN SHIM TEA is the place where knowledge and practice coexist in harmony and peace and lead us forward to become better, bigger, and deeper. Since 2016 we've been organizing collective educational meetings to explore the depths of tea culture as well as different tea-related topics, such as tea growing, harvesting, processing, and ways to consume, appreciate, represent, and use in your daily life. During this long way, this job took me to different countries where we explored the beauty of culture and people whose everyday practices make them peaceful human beings. During all these years we had an opportunity to grow and improve ourselves and the services we provide. Every time we learn something new we share it with everyone who follows our passion. We discover new horizons that help our practice become more useful and effective.

Our community grows and some of AN SHIM TEA students already have their tea path which helps them to achieve their goals with the help of knowledge they've gained during our tea educational programs. At the same moment, AN SHIM TEA project became a high-class tea brand with international awards and recognition from the tea community all over the world. We source one of the best teas, produce our tea in Vietnam, make unique high-quality blended teas in Europe, and provide a wide spectrum of services focused on tea education. We are looking forward to growing our business and finding new motivated people to join our team. There are a lot of directions for the development of our project and we need devoted people with whom we can share everything we have!"

Andrei 안심 Ivanov

AN SHIM TEA EXPERIENCE is a complex and deep tea educational program focused on a professional approach and high-end standards of nowadays tea industry. We start from the very basics and continue to explore more deeply to become a professional in this field. It is not about the tea, it's about the art of life, how you can appreciate things and cultivate yourself and your life. We have been improving our program for more than 8 years to fit in the maximum of the most necessary information, offering our students extensive tea knowledge.

By joining our LEVEL I program you become a part of our community and have the privilege to join special events and get discounts on every service we provide. We deeply value each interested person and invest in their education, making the experience more deep and accessible.

We provide:
20% discount during subsequent educational programs
10% discount for all the tea in AN SHIM TEA Collection

Welcome to AN SHIM TEA EXPERIENCE!

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