Chinese culture

"Burning incense, preparing tea, hanging paintings, arranging flowers— these four leisurely pursuits should not burden one's home." —Wu Zimu, Dream of the Liang Dynasty Readers who have watched the TV series Dreamy Song Dynasty will surely remember the scene where the main character Zhao Pan'er prepares tea with skillful and graceful movements, a sight that is pleasing to the eye. Tea became popular in the Tang Dynasty but flourished in the Song Dynasty. The custom of drinking tea was widespread in Song society, enjoyed by everyone from nobles and literati to merchants, gentry, and common folk, all of whom found pleasure in it, leading to the emergence of various tea-related activities. The method of drinking tea in the Song Dynasty differed from today's practice of steeping tea leaves in boiling water. In the Song Dynasty, tea was made from compressed cakes, which were ground into a fine powder before being mixed with boiling water. This process, known as "crushing the tea into powder, pouring hot water over it, and using a whisk to froth it," is referred to as "pointing tea." Song Dynasty people poured their hearts, filled with mountains and rivers, into their paintings and also into their tea.…

Abstract: Longjing tea stands out among green teas because it draws the essence of heaven and earth and integrates harmony between humanity and nature. This article analyzes its historical origins, cultural connotations, characteristics and identification, production techniques and features, applications and influences, inheritance, and prospects, to expound on the history, culture, and modern value of West Lake Longjing tea from China. Please bear with any limitations or errors (one person's view; 2024.04). Keywords: China; tea culture; West Lake Longjing; historical culture; modern value I. Historical Origins of West Lake Longjing Tea 1.1 Origin and Legends West Lake Longjing tea, as a gem of Chinese green teas, is steeped in mystery and romance through its origin and legends. According to historical records, the birthplace of Longjing tea is located by the West Lake in Hangzhou, near the village of Longjing, where mountains and waters converge, the climate is pleasant, providing ideal conditions for tea plants. There is a widely circulated legend about the origin of Longjing tea. Long ago, there lived a kind old woman in Longjing Village who worked hard every day, tending to her family’s tea garden. One day, while working in the mountains, she met an elderly man…

 Banuo Village is a representative of the eastern mountains of Mengku and is also one of the settlements with the most existing ancient tea trees. Historically, Banuo thrived along the ancient trade routes and due to the outstanding quality of its tea, it developed into the wealthiest village in the Shuangjiang area during the Republican era, despite the turmoil in central China at the time. It became a hub for prominent figures and was unparalleled in its prosperity. Just before the founding of the People's Republic of China, many wealthy families from Banuo left their homeland, migrating to Hong Kong, Taiwan, or even overseas, which led to a decline in the village’s prominence for nearly half a century.  The ancient tea trees in Banuo grow differently from those in other villages, with strong, coiled branches resembling vines, hence they are called Tengtiao tea, or "Banuo Tengtiao tea." Historically, "Banuo Tengtiao tea" was reserved for tribal leaders, local lords, and nobility and was often selected as tribute tea. Although it has a unique appearance, Tengtiao tea still belongs to the large-leaf species of Mengku. Its development is the result of tea farmers' long-term experience in cultivation and management, adapting the characteristics…

Every time I passed by the Merlion Park and looked up at the world-famous statue of the Merlion spouting water, something always felt amiss. One day, while idly watching the flow of passersby at an Orchard Road MRT station entrance, it struck me like a bolt of lightning: the Merlion statue has a stern expression without a hint of a smile. Just like the endless stream of pedestrians before my eyes, colorful as they were, their expressions were uniform: hurried, with serious faces. The constant spray of water, day and night, seemed to represent the relentless pressure that Singaporeans carry throughout their lives, unceasing and inexhaustible. I knew before arriving in Singapore that Singaporeans weren't particularly happy. On the world map, this tiny country is sandwiched between two large nations, Malaysia and Indonesia, with whom relations aren't entirely friendly. Lacking internal resources and facing external pressures, the nation struggles to find room to maneuver, constantly pushing itself to strive for excellence and work hard. During my stay in Singapore, I felt that the words "leisure" and "ease" were luxuries that were hard to come by. Even primary school students were competing over academic achievements, university professors were working tirelessly under…

Tea is an ancient and mysterious beverage that carries thousands of years of cultural heritage of the Chinese nation. For many, drinking tea is not just a daily habit but also a way to seek inner peace. In this fast-paced modern society, we are often preoccupied with the minutiae of work and life, leaving little time for a moment’s respite. However, when we lift a cup of tea and savor its flavors, we seem to transcend time and space, returning to a tranquil world. Drinking tea is a pleasure. The moment boiling water meets the leaves, the aroma fills the air, captivating us. The leaves tumble and unfurl in the water, as if narrating an ancient story. We can sense the nuances of the tea – its bitterness, sweetness, and richness – all unique tastes bestowed by nature. Each sip brings different sensations, offering a brief respite from our busy lives. Drinking tea doesn’t require expertise. For most people, the taste and fragrance of tea are paramount. There’s no need to be a tea connoisseur or understand every type’s characteristics and benefits. All one needs is to choose a tea that suits their preference and savor it with intention. The…

In recent years, more and more people have heard of Liubao tea, come to understand it, and started drinking or even collecting it. This is certainly related to the unique qualities of Liubao tea – its red, rich, aged, and mellow flavor, as well as its distinctive aroma and taste. It is also closely tied to Liubao tea's ability to improve over time. However, we cannot overlook the health benefits of Liubao tea. Many consumers feel refreshed after drinking Liubao tea. Some find themselves more energetic during the day, others find their digestion improved, and some even notice significant changes in their health check-up reports. The unique and remarkable health benefits of Liubao tea have made it a favorite among many people. As Liubao tea belongs to the category of dark teas, when discussing its health benefits, we often refer to the experiences with other dark teas or Pu'er ripe tea. Yet, what we fail to realize is that Liubao tea's unique processing techniques give it distinct health benefits not found in any other type of tea. Throughout history, there have been records of the health benefits of Liubao tea at different stages. Originating from Wuzhou, Guangxi, Liubao tea was…

Abstract: The origin and development of ancient tea culture is an integral part of Chinese tea culture, carrying rich historical connotations and cultural significance, adding a vibrant stroke to the spiritual homeland of the Chinese nation. At the same time, ancient tea culture provides valuable insights for the development of modern tea culture, allowing us to appreciate the profoundness of traditional Chinese culture while savoring the aroma of tea. This article analyzes the historical origins, characteristics of varieties, cultivation techniques, cultural aesthetics, application development, and communication of Chinese tea, illustrating its millennium heritage and contemporary appeal. (Note: Written from a personal perspective; April 2024.) Keywords: Chinese tea; heritage; charm I. Historical Origins of Chinese Tea 1.1 Origin and Development of Ancient Tea Culture The origins of Chinese tea culture can be traced back thousands of years, with its deep historical roots and unique cultural essence forming an important component of the Chinese national spirit. Historical records show that tea was used as a beverage as early as the era of Shen Nong, reaching its peak during the Tang Dynasty. Lu Yu's "Classic of Tea," written during the Tang Dynasty, is the earliest, most complete, and most comprehensive treatise on tea,…

White tea, a unique and precious type of tea, is beloved for its delicate taste and rich nutritional value. Originating from China, it carries a long history and cultural heritage. Let's embark on a journey to appreciate white tea and savor its charm and flavors. The history of white tea can be traced back hundreds of years, with a long-standing tradition in regions such as Fujian and Yunnan in China. Initially, white tea was presented as a tribute to royalty due to its rarity and unique quality. Over time, it gradually became part of everyday life, becoming a popular beverage. The production process of white tea is relatively simple yet requires meticulous skill and patience. After picking, the leaves are sun-dried and withered, preserving the natural aroma and nutritional components of the tea. Compared to other teas, the processing of white tea is more natural, without undergoing the steps of fixation or rolling, which allows it to retain higher levels of polyphenols and amino acids. When tasting white tea, one can experience its distinctive flavor and aroma. The infusion has a light yellow color, clear and bright, giving a refreshing feeling. In terms of taste, white tea is characterized by…

On August 16, the launch ceremony for the global communication initiative "Tea and the World" was held in Beijing. The event, themed around "Inheriting and Promoting Tea Culture, Exchanging and Learning to Benefit the World," focused on the global communication plan for Chinese tea. △Event scene (photos provided by the event organizers) Leaders and guests including Du Zhanyuan, Member of the Standing Committee of the 14th National Committee of the CPPCC and Director of the China International Publishing Administration; Liu Zhonghua, Alternate Member of the 20th Central Committee and Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, President of Hunan Normal University; Long Zhuangwei, Member of the Standing Committee of the 14th National Committee of the CPPCC and Deputy Director of the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Affairs; Guang Defu, Permanent Representative of China to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organizations and Ambassador; Punyama Gunasekara, Minister Counselor and Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Sri Lanka in China; Zhang Zhongcan, Vice President of the China International Tea Culture Research Association; Xu Shaogang, Dean of Academic Affairs at the Chinese Culture Academy, delivered speeches. △Du Zhanyuan, Member of the Standing Committee of the 14th National Committee of the CPPCC…

Basic Introduction to Wuyi Black TeaWuyi Black Tea is a specialty of Wuyishan City, Fujian Province, and is a product marked by China's national geographical indication. Wuyi Black Tea is a fully fermented tea that has a unique flavor, floral and fruity scents, or the aroma of dried longan. Throughout the year, Tongmu Pass in Wuyi is shrouded in mist and clouds, with abundant rainfall and a warm climate. During spring tea season, it often rains continuously, with very little sunshine, so most of the fresh leaves picked from this area need to be withered using artificial heating. Additionally, there are many pine trees in the area, and pine wood is used for fuel, so the fresh leaves absorb the scent of pine resin while withering. During the drying process, the fermented tea leaves are spread on bamboo trays and placed on racks to air-dry or bake, with pine wood still being used below for baking, allowing the tea leaves to absorb even more of the pine resin scent. The finished Zhengshan Xiaozhong tea has the characteristic appearance of thick, tightly bound, straight strands with a lustrous black color. The tea soup is reddish-brown and has a rich, mellow taste…

Tea, a treasure of Chinese culture, has captivated countless people with its unique charm since ancient times. Among them, floral teas and reprocessed teas stand out for their distinctive flavors and production processes, becoming shining gems in tea culture. Today, let's embark on a journey into the world of floral and reprocessed teas to experience their allure and essence.Floral tea is a specialty beverage made by blending tea leaves with aromatic flowers. Among various floral teas, jasmine tea is particularly beloved for its fresh and elegant fragrance. The production process of jasmine tea is meticulous and labor-intensive, with each step embodying the wisdom and dedication of skilled artisans. Firstly, high-quality green tea is selected as the base and undergoes precise processing to retain its original freshness and flavor. Fresh jasmine flowers are then picked and layered with the tea leaves, allowing the tea to absorb the aroma of the jasmine fully. This scenting process requires multiple repetitions, with strict control over time and temperature to ensure perfect fusion between the tea and the flower’s fragrance. Finally, after careful scenting and roasting, jasmine tea is born. The flavor of jasmine tea is unique, combining the freshness of green tea with the…

The Dragon Boat Festival, also known as the Duanwu Festival, is one of China's traditional festivals, held annually on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month. Alongside eating rice dumplings (zongzi) and dragon boat racing, tea tasting is an integral part of the festival. On this day filled with traditional culture, the fragrance of tea adds a unique charm to the festivities. On the day of the Dragon Boat Festival, households prepare tea to share with family and friends. People use exquisite tea sets to brew fine tea, savoring its flavors carefully. The aroma of the tea is soothing and refreshing, seemingly dispelling the heat and irritability of summer. Moreover, tea tasting is a social activity where people exchange feelings and share life experiences, strengthening friendships and bonds. In addition to family gatherings, various tea cultural activities are held during the Dragon Boat Festival period. These include tea art performances and tea ceremony demonstrations, showcasing the exquisite skills of tea art and spreading the essence of tea culture. Audiences can learn more about tea knowledge and cultural connotations while enjoying these performances. The relationship between the Dragon Boat Festival and tea goes beyond drinking; it's also about cultural heritage.…

Pu'er tea has a long history in Chinese culture, being a type of tea that stands the test of time or gains value with age. People believe in its excellence because it is considered "the most natural and ecological healthy drink of contemporary times," as well as "an antique tea that can be consumed."A typical cake of tea weighs 357 grams, so why are there cakes priced at over ten thousand that still find buyers! At this price, it's quite expensive. Many people ask, what justifies such high prices for Pu'er tea? When choosing Pu'er tea, should one opt for the right tea or the expensive one? Two common mistakes made by beginners when buying tea Mistake 1: Buying only the expensive, not the suitable The first extreme when buying tea is to purchase based solely on a high price, regardless of personal taste preferences. Buying Pu'er tea with the mindset of choosing only the expensive without considering your own palate is not ideal. While a 9.9 yuan per kilogram Laobanzhang is certainly fake, even teas bought at a high price may have a production cost of just dozens of yuan. Therefore, when purchasing and consuming tea, there's no need…

Tea ware is often referred to as the father of tea, for it carries the essence of a cup of tea. The word "China" itself also means porcelain, and the West came to know China through its porcelain. Early pottery, bronze wares, later porcelains, and teaware made from materials like purple clay and glass were all adapted to the social productivity levels and brewing methods of their times. The complete set of gold and silver tea ware unearthed from the Famen Temple’s underground palace from the Tang Dynasty is breathtaking (multiple types of tea ware can also be seen in the painting “Night Banquet in the Tang Palace”). During Emperor Huizong's reign, tea competitions included the use of tea ware as an essential element, and Jian bowls, necessary for the tea-whisking method, became popular. Three of the Jian bowls (also known as Tenmoku bowls) that were brought to Japan are now considered national treasures there. The five famous kilns that produced tea ware are also world-renowned. The evolution of tea ware is a vast topic, but at its core, it cannot be separated from three words: "ceramics, technology, culture." Today, we will explore the evolution of tea ware from two…

Abstract: The development journey of Puer tea is not only a history of the evolution of tea but also a testament to the inheritance of Chinese culture. It bears witness to the Chinese nation's pursuit of a better life and respect for the natural environment. At the same time, Puer tea has become an essential companion for healthy living due to its unique taste and nutritional value. This article analyzes its history and culture, varieties and classification, cultivation and processing, value and benefits, market and prospects, as well as tasting and selection, to explore the path to health through the millennia-old culture of Chinese Puer tea. Please note that this is one person's perspective; for issues regarding images, please contact us for removal (2024.04). I. Historical and Cultural Background of Puer Tea 1.1 Origin and Development of Puer Tea Puer tea, a treasure carrying a thousand years of culture, can trace its origins back to the Han Dynasty when the indigenous people of Yunnan began cultivating and consuming tea plants. However, it was during the Tang and Song dynasties that Puer tea truly gained fame worldwide. According to historical records, by the Tang Dynasty, Puer tea had become a precious…

Pu'er tea, a familiar name, the rich and mellow Pu'er tea is an indispensable beverage in the lives of Yunnan people. Pu'er tea has evolved from a local specialty in Yunnan to a widely sought-after drink by the nation, not only because of its unique effects and functions but also due to its taste, which leaves one unable to resist after just one sip. Do you know why Pu'er tea cakes are 357g? Yunnan Pu'er tea is a major specialty product of Yunnan, loved by many. Apart from its taste and effects, another distinctive feature is that almost every cake of Pu'er tea weighs 357g. Why is each Pu'er tea cake 357g? The origin of the 357g weight for Yunnan Pu'er tea cakes is likely unknown to many. If you are unfamiliar or have some understanding, read the following introduction about Pu'er tea. The 357g weight is specific to tea cakes; Pu'er loose tea and tuocha do not weigh this amount, nor do smaller tea cakes. Historically, Pu'er tea flourished among ancient people two thousand years ago and was popular among the nobility during the Qing dynasty. Pu'er tea cakes, also known as "seven-son" tea cakes, weigh 357g each. The…

Tea, as an integral part of traditional Chinese culture, has been endowed with rich cultural connotations and a variety of elegant names since ancient times. In ancient texts, there are numerous names for tea, but "tea" is the most formal term. Before the mid-Tang Dynasty, the character for "tea" was typically written as "tú," which had multiple meanings, one of which referred to tea leaves. With the flourishing of tea production and the popularization of tea-drinking habits, the frequency of using the name for tea gradually increased. To more clearly express the meaning of tea, folk writers simplified the character "tú," removing one stroke, forming the familiar "tea" character we know today. In the poetry and writings of ancient literati, tea has various nicknames, which not only reflect its diversity but also demonstrate the ancients' love and pursuit of tea culture. Here are some of the nicknames for tea found in ancient poetry: 1. Tú (Tear) "Tú" is the most commonly used character to represent tea in ancient times, first appearing in the Book of Songs. Scholars have differing opinions on whether "tú" refers specifically to tea. Xu Shen, in his "Etymological Dictionary" from the Eastern Han Dynasty, mentions: "Tú,…