Tea and teapots are an interesting part of China's history and culture. And they're now the subject of a new TV series set to air late this year.

Shooting for The Purple Sand Teapot wrapped up at the opening of the Shanghai International Tea Festival. The director and major cast members of the 30-part TV series all showed up for the press conference.

As its name suggests, the real stars of the series are tea and teapots. Set in the late Qing Dynasty, the story centers around the ups and downs of two generations of teapot-lovers. They are trying to protect a priceless teapot made of purple sand, a type of clay favored for bringing out the aroma of tea. As the story unfolds, it reveals a treasure trove of knowledge about Chinese tea culture.

Taiwan actor Chin Han plays the tea-crazy hero. Best known for his portrayal of infatuated charmers in romantic plays, Chin Han found the role challenging. But Chinese mainland actress He Saifei, Qin's co-star, had an easier time. She's a tea-lover in real life too.

Chin Han, lead actor of The Purple Sand Teapot, said, "My character has very little interest in women. All he likes are teapots. He holds a teapot even when he's sleeping. It's quite funny. He's such an attractive eccentric."

He Saifei, lead actress said, "I didn't go out of my way to learn about tea culture to play the role. I've liked tea from an early age. I also like teapots. There are lots of them in my house."

The series is now in post-production and is set to air on the small screen by the end of the year.

(CCTV.com April 26, 2004)