Tea
An ancient Chinese proverb says, "It is better to be deprived of food for three days, than tea for one." Tea has long been perceived by the Chinese as a mysterious but harmonious combination of spiritual and material worlds.
Because of this, tea may be the least-rare collectable on our list. And just as tea-drinking habits vary in different parts of China, there are also many different tea-collection standards as well.
While most people enter into a rivalry over fresh green tea picked in early spring, know as Chun Cha (the tea of Spring), some love to collect aged Pu'er tea, a post-fermented variety produced in the southwestern province of Yunnan.
Experienced tea collector Mr. Chen often serves house guests Pu'er that has been stored for three to four years. He says the tea is worth more as time passes.
"One liang (50 grams) of 2006 Pu'er is only worth 5 yuan (US$0.7)," Chen said, "while 1985's is worth 560 yuan (US$86) per liang."
