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Teaware Also Has the “Five Elements,” Many People Place Them Incorrectly!
Tea is a combination of metal, wood, water, fire, and earth. Why so? The TV series "Chicken Feathers to the Sky" features a classic scene: "Tea, a fine tree of the south." The opening words of Lu Yu's "The Classic of Tea" are telling, indicating that tea belongs to wood. Here, when we refer to tea, we mean the tea plant, not the finished product. So, what is the relationship between tea and the five elements? How can the five elements achieve yin-yang harmony? What considerations should be given to how teaware is placed? 01 Tea has the Five Elements, the Way of Nourishing with Tea Metal: "Pan-fried to halt oxidation," it belongs to "metal." Fire: Tea is pan-fried using fire, which defines its character. Water: Tea is brewed with water, which unfolds its leaves and reveals its aroma. Earth: Brewing requires vessels, typically made of clay or porcelain teaware. "Harmony" is the soul of Chinese tea culture. Harmony adjusts yin and yang, harmony generates the five elements, harmony is the middle path, and harmony embodies "unity of heaven and humanity." According to traditional Chinese medicine, if a person's five elements are balanced and their generation and control are appropriate,…- 0
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Dobe Tea
Basic Introduction to Dobe Tea Dobe Tea, a local specialty and precious tribute sent to the imperial court since the Chongzhen era, is a fine product for the emperor's tasting. The original place of origin of Dobe Tea is in Dobe, Huachu Town, Puding County today. Dobe does not refer to the current village but is a region that produces coal, has less annual sunshine, and is often foggy, making it most suitable for tea growth. Although Lu Yu’s "Classic of Tea" does not record our Dobe Tea, the saying "In the South there are fine trees," and this Dobe Tea should be one of them. Nutritional Value Tests conducted by the Guizhou Tea Science Research Institute have shown that Dobe Tea is rich in polyphenols, amino acids, catechins, and other substances. Regular consumption has excellent health-preserving, anti-cancer, anti-aging, and blood sugar-lowering effects. Product Characteristics The product is characterized by its emerald green color, bright yellow-green infusion, rich aroma, and the absence of tea scale. Historical Folklore The history of Dobe Tea is indeed long. In the Dobe area of Huachu Town today, many ancient tea trees still survive. There is still a cluster on the Tribute Tea Slope behind… -
Guipa Tea, a Characteristic Agricultural Product of Guangxi
Guipa Tea is a specialty product of Xiangzhou County, Laibin City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, and is a Chinese National Geographical Indication product. The name “Guipa Tea” comes from Guipa Village nearby, where it is produced, and it is renowned for its sweet taste, beautiful shape, and fresh color. Name: Guipa Tea Year of Registration: 2020 Place of Origin: Xiangzhou County, Laibin City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Quality Characteristics: tight and twisted with green color and downy appearance, strong aroma with floral notes, bright yellow-green infusion, sweet and mellow flavor, and light green leaf base. Product Introduction Guipa Tea has tight and twisted leaves with a green color and downy appearance, a strong aroma with floral notes, a bright yellow-green infusion, a sweet and mellow flavor, and a light green leaf base. Sensory Characteristics Guipa Tea has tight and twisted leaves with a green color and downy appearance, a strong aroma with floral notes, a bright yellow-green infusion, a sweet and mellow flavor, and a light green leaf base. Intrinsic Quality Indicators The main quality indicators of Guipa Tea are controlled within the following ranges: caffeine ≥2%, tea polyphenols ≥20%, water-soluble extracts ≥40%, total free amino acids ≥4%. Safety Requirements:… -
What Kind of Tea Can Be Called Good Hubei Tea?
What is good Hubei tea? A seemingly simple question, but it's hard to sum up in a single phrase. Is expensive tea necessarily good tea? Is scarce tea necessarily good tea? Is tea that boasts ancient trees or master craftsmanship necessarily good tea? The answer to all these is “not necessarily.” Image | Hubei tea mountains shrouded in mist and clouds 01 Hubei’s Good Tea: The Three Essential Elements at the Source Must Not Be Missing For truly good tea, the three essential elements at the source must be right. What are the three essential elements at the source of tea? They are: region, variety, and processing method. Region More than a thousand years ago, Lu Yu, the Sage of Tea, wrote in Chapter One of "The Classic of Tea," about "the origin of tea"; then, in another chapter titled "where tea comes from," he detailed the various sources of tea production in the Tang Empire that he had researched and that were recorded in historical documents. This shows the importance of the origin of tea, that is, "region." Image | "The Classic of Tea" by Lu Yu Currently, 21 provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions in our country produce tea,… -
China’s Tea and Its Culture IX: “West Lake Longjing Tea of China: History, Culture, and Modern Value”
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… -
What is Shiting Green Tea?
Shiting Green Tea is produced in the town of Fengzhou, Nanshi City, Fujian Province, at Lotus Peak on Jiuri Mountain. The tea at Lotus Peak is not only a beverage but also a scenic feature. On the rocks of Lotus Peak are inscribed the words “Lotus Tea (i.e., tea) bosom,” which means: standing on Lotus Peak and looking down, one sees an expanse of green tea fields. The inscription of “Lotus Tea Bosom” dates to Taiyuan Bingzi (376 AD). This is the earliest known record of tea in Fujian Province, predating Lu Yu's Tcha: A Treatise on Tea by more than 300 years. This suggests that tea production at Lotus Peak dates back to the Jin Dynasty, attesting to the long history of Shiting Green Tea. From the Jin Dynasty through the Sui and Tang Dynasties, the development of Lotus Peak tea was rapid. In a poem by the Tang Dynasty poet Han Wu, he writes: "Seeking the old man among the cliffs for immortality herbs, the local custom is to gather tea songs," indicating that tea picking was already a common practice. By the Northern Song Dynasty, the development of Lotus tea reached unprecedented heights, with scholars visiting the… -
“Only This Green and Lustrous” Yunnan Green Tea
"Only This Green and Lustrous" Yunnan Green Tea, Oolong Tea Yunnan is the source of world tea, particularly the birthplace of large-leaf tea trees. Many people came to know Yunnan through Pu'er tea made from large-leaf varieties. In Yunnan, the history of ethnic minorities growing, processing, and drinking tea has a unique style that dates back a long way. However, before Pu'er tea became well-known, Yunnan tea had for a considerable period of time been outside the mainstream of Chinese tea. It has already been confirmed that large-leaf varieties in Yunnan are suitable not only for making Pu'er tea but also green tea, black tea, and white tea with remarkable taste. Due to the special nature of the large-leaf tea trees and the plateau terrain, especially for ancient tree teas, the sprouting is always later than small-leaf varieties. Pu'er tea only mentions "first spring," not "pre-Ming." When the first spring tea has yet to be picked and the spring scenery outside the window is at its best, everywhere is a scene of lush greenery – it is the perfect time to savor the "Only This Green and Lustrous" of Yunnan – green tea and oolong tea. Green - The Unique… -
China’s Douyun Maojian Tea: History, Culture, and Modern Value
## Abstract: China's Douyun Maojian tea is a high-quality green tea from Douyun City, Guizhou Province, with a widespread origin story. This article analyzes the historical background, cultural connotations, production techniques, taste characteristics, value and benefits, and market development of Douyun Maojian tea to illustrate its history, culture, and modern value. Please bear with any limitations or errors (personal views; April 2024). **Keywords:** China; Tea culture; Douyun Maojian; Historical and cultural aspects; Modern value ![](https://oss.puercn.com/fit/800/800/we/0/chayou/entry_photos/001/103/018/1.jpg) *Image source: Network* ### I. Historical Background of Douyun Maojian Tea #### 1.1 Origin and Legends China's Douyun Maojian tea is a high-quality green tea from Douyun City, Guizhou Province, with widely circulated origins and legends. It is said that the legend of Douyun Maojian tea can be traced back to the Tang Dynasty. According to legend, there was a master of tea studies named Lu Yu who discovered a type of tea tree in the Douyun area during his travels in Guizhou. This tea tree grew at higher altitudes, with thick, tender buds that were fine, uniform, and covered in prominent downy hairs. Lu Yu praised this tea highly, considering it of excellent quality. He made tea from these leaves, finding the taste exceptional.… -
The Evolution of Chinese Tea Customs
China is the birthplace and cradle of tea culture and the world's largest tea-producing country. A series of customs, manners, and habits, known as tea customs, have formed during the processes of growing, processing, brewing, tasting, and drinking tea. The period of the Three Kingdoms, Jin Dynasty, and the Southern and Northern Dynasties was the nascent stage of tea customs. At that time, the main functions of drinking tea were limited to quenching thirst, sobering up, aiding meals, medicinal use, sacrificial offerings, and health preservation. There was also a preliminary tendency to view tea drinking as a spiritual pursuit. The popularity of tea-drinking began in the Tang Dynasty. At the beginning of the Tang Dynasty, although some people in the north drank tea, the custom of drinking tea was mainly confined to the southeast and southwest regions, hence the saying that "the southerners are fond of drinking tea, while northerners do not drink much." In the early 8th century, Emperor Suzong of Tang ordered an alcohol ban, so the people replaced wine with tea, and the custom of drinking tea began to spread in the north. After the Kaiyuan era, tea-drinking became widespread. Feng Yan’s "Fengshi Wenjian Ji" vividly depicted… -
A Hundred Ways to Use Tea Utensils in the Tang Dynasty
Tang Dynasty tea utensils During the Kaiyuan period of Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty, people across the country, regardless of their religious beliefs, made drinking tea a part of daily life. It was during this time that tea culture developed and the production of tea utensils entered an upward trajectory. This stimulated the production of Tang Dynasty ceramics, and places that produced tea also promoted the development of local kilns. Yuezhou, Shouzhou, Wuzhou, and Qiongzhou were all known for both abundant tea and ceramic production. Due to differences in social status, people's pursuit of the use value and cultural value of tea utensils varied. The imperial court favored luxurious utensils made of gold, silver, jade, and other precious materials. Commoners, on the other hand, preferred utensils that were economical, practical, and aesthetically pleasing, mainly using ceramic tea sets. Tea Bowls According to archaeological records, Tang Dynasty porcelain bowls have been unearthed in many regions across the country. Although these bowls from different kilns had distinct regional characteristics, they shared one common feature: they all produced wide-mouthed bowls with slim bases and a flat bottom resembling a jade disc. In "The Classic of Tea – Chapter Four: Utensils," Lu Yu…- 1
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Types of Metal Tea Ware: Which One to Use?
Metal utensils are among the oldest in China, made from materials such as gold, silver, copper, iron, and tin. Before Qin Shi Huang unified China, bronze vessels were already widely used, both for alcohol and for holding tea or water. As tea became a beverage, tea ware gradually separated from other types of utensils. Around the Northern and Southern Dynasties, China saw the emergence of silver and gold tea ware. During the Sui and Tang dynasties, the production of silver and gold utensils reached its peak. From the Song Dynasty onwards, opinions on metal tea ware were mixed. After the Yuan Dynasty, especially starting from the Ming Dynasty, with innovations in tea varieties, changes in tea-drinking methods, and the rise of ceramic tea ware, metal tea ware, including those made of silver, gradually disappeared. Particularly, tea ware made of tin, iron, and lead was believed to alter the taste of tea, leading to their rare usage. Silver and gold tea ware can be classified by material: those made of silver are called silver tea ware, while those made of gold are called gold tea ware. Silverware decorated with gold foil or gilded is referred to as gilded tea ware. Due…- 1
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Chinese Tea and Its Culture Part III: “Chinese Black Tea: History, Techniques, Charm, and Future Prospects”
Abstract: The origins and legends of Chinese black tea are deeply rooted in the history and culture of China. This article analyzes its origins and history, techniques and processes, quality and characteristics, distribution and production areas, brands and markets, issues and challenges, development and trends, to expound on the history, techniques, charm, and future prospects of Chinese black tea. Due to the limitations of the author, errors are inevitable, so please bear with them (the views expressed herein are those of the author; April 2024). Keywords: China; tea culture; black tea techniques; historical charm; outlook I. Origins and History of Chinese Black Tea 1.1 Origins and Legends of Ancient Black Tea The origins and legends of Chinese black tea are deeply rooted in the history and culture of China. According to historical records, the rudimentary form of black tea can be traced back to the Tang Dynasty, when there were sporadic records about black tea. However, it was during the Song Dynasty that black tea became widely known due to the praise and advocacy of literati. The great Song writer Su Dongpo praised the aroma and flavor of black tea in his poetry, which gradually spread among the literati. There… -
Taihu Emerald Bamboo Tea
Basic Introduction to Taihu Emerald Bamboo TeaTaihu Emerald Bamboo Tea is mainly produced in the mountainous areas of Bashi Town, Xuelang Town's Xiaoyang Forest Farm, Outang Town's July First Forest Farm, Zhangjing Tea and Forest Farm, Chajiao Dongjiao Forest Farm, and Hu Dai Liu Tang Tea Farm in Wuxi City. This region is located in the famous Dou Mountain area, which is said to be the birthplace of Emperor Shun’s advocacy for "harmony between heaven and earth, co-prosperity of all things." It was also an ancient ecological protection area during the Qing Dynasty in the 18th century when "fishing and hunting were banned, and mountain development prohibited." Here, Mount Dou stands majestically, extending for several miles, with a humid climate and a tranquil environment far from towns and cities. It is a natural ecological reserve in Jiangsu Province, an excellent place for tea production, and the birthplace of the famous "Taihu Emerald Bamboo" tea, possessing ecological advantages. Product CharacteristicsThe unique style of this tea has a flat shape resembling bamboo leaves, with a lustrous emerald green color. Its inner quality features a fresh and mellow taste, a clear and lasting fragrance, a clear and bright infusion, and evenly tender green… -
“When guests come on a cold night, tea serves as wine” – The etiquette of winter tea drinking
In China's culinary culture, the phrase "eat seasonally" holds great significance. These four words succinctly capture the close relationship between food and seasons. For tea culture, there are also many considerations when drinking in accordance with the time of year. According to traditional Chinese medicine: "In the midst of winter, when all life is dormant, the physiological activities of the human body are in a state of inhibition, the key to health preservation lies in keeping warm." Therefore, winter tea drinking emphasizes the concept of "warmth." Not only should the tea focus on warmth and nourishment, but the tea-drinking ritual itself should also strive to create a warm atmosphere. Snow Melting and Tea Boiling: The Poetic Warm Winter of the Ancients "The tea kettle startles at its boiling in the midnight hours, just as the snow on the bamboo outside the frosty window shines brightly." This line captures the elegant scene of the Tang Dynasty poet Sikong Tu boiling tea during winter. However, tea boiling did not begin in the Tang Dynasty; it started during the Western Han Dynasty. During the Han, Wei, and Six Dynasties periods, tea was "cooked together," resulting in a thick soup that was then consumed.…- 2
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Accompany Life with a Cup of Warm Tea
Hunan native Ye Dehui (1864-1927) wrote a poem about tea titled "A Poetic Response to Elder Wuyuan Ming's Sitting Session, in the Same Rhyme, Dedicated to Wei Zhai." From the title, we can infer that this poem was inspired by a tea session and chat with Elder Guyi. "Elder Guyi" refers to Li Guyi. Wei Zhai is Fei Shun, who comes from a prominent Suzhou family; his father-in-law is Wu Dajin, and his cousin-in-law is Liu Yazhi. His circle of friends includes Yunnan native Li Genyuan. "Who will drive away the demon of sleep? The tea god Lu Yu sends two mandarin ducks flying." These lines refer to using tea to stay alert and dispel drowsiness. "Two mandarin ducks" refer to a pair of waterfowl. "Flying mandarin ducks" alludes to Wang Qiao of the Han dynasty, who served as a county magistrate and was known for his magical abilities, including the ability to ride a pair of mandarin ducks to meet the emperor regularly. The phrase "flying mandarin ducks" is often used to describe a county magistrate taking office or leaving it. Mentioning the tea deity Lu Yu indicates the use of tea to ward off the demon of sleep.… -
Enduring Charm of Tea: Finding Inner Peace in Its Aroma
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… -
Lushan Cloud and Mist Tea of China: Savoring the Beauty of Nature and Exploring the Source of Culture
Abstract: Lushan Cloud and Mist Tea, a treasure of Chinese tea culture, is steeped in mystery and romance in its origins and legends. This article analyzes its historical roots, environment and characteristics, production methods and identification, cultural significance and symbolism, market status and development, as well as personal experiences and reflections, to illustrate the natural beauty and cultural heritage embodied in Lushan Cloud and Mist Tea. Please bear with any limitations or errors (personal views; April 2024). Keywords: China; tea culture; Lushan Cloud and Mist; historical and cultural significance; value I. Historical Origins of Lushan Cloud and Mist Tea 1.1 Origins and Legends Lushan Cloud and Mist Tea, a gem of Chinese tea culture, has origins and legends filled with mystery and romance. According to historical records, the history of Lushan Cloud and Mist Tea can be traced back to the Han Dynasty, when tea farmers were already picking tea leaves amidst the misty mountains of Lushan. The legends surrounding its origin are widely circulated, adding an aura of legend to Lushan Cloud and Mist Tea. According to legend, Lushan Cloud and Mist Tea was created by a monk named Huiyuan. While practicing in Lushan, Monk Huiyuan discovered that the… -
Is the foam on tea related to the quality of the tea?
When brewing tea, a layer of foam may appear on the surface of the tea liquor, known as tea foam. Opinions about this foam have been divided throughout history. Tea sage Lu Yu believed that this layer of foam contained the essence of the tea, but not everyone appreciates this layer of foam. There is even a saying that "foam indicates high levels of pesticide residues." So what causes the foam? Is there any relationship between the foam in the tea and the quality of the tea? Image What is tea foam? The formation of foam in tea liquor is mainly due to the presence of a substance called tea saponin. Tea saponin, also known as tea sapogenin, is a fine columnar crystal found in the roots, stems, leaves, and seeds of tea plants. Its aqueous solution can produce persistent, soap-like foam when shaken. Tea saponins are a class of structurally complex glycoside compounds with a bitter and pungent taste. They have strong foaming properties and are not affected by the hardness of the water, so teas with abundant foam tend to have a relatively rich flavor. In the Wei-Jin era, Du Yu wrote in a poem: "The foam forms… -
The Characteristics of Zhoushan Tea Gardens
According to Lu Yu’s “Tea Classic,” the source of tea is described in terms of sunny cliffs and shaded forests, and it has long been said that high mountains and famous lakes produce fine teas. The fresh leaves produced by a tea garden are the most crucial foundation for a good cup of tea. For the Zhoushan tea industry, our tea gardens are a source of pride. Just the poetic scenery of spring warmth and blossoms facing the sea allows one to feel the spirit of the ocean and the blessings of spring. In addition to this, Zhoushan's tea gardens that face the sea have unique natural endowments.Characteristic One Located at 30 degrees north latitude, some say this line of latitude is mysterious; however, for Zhoushan's tea gardens, there is not only a mysterious aura but also numerous characteristics. Firstly, it forms a climate with distinct seasons, possessing all the attributes of this region in southern China. Here, tea gardens sprout in spring, grow in summer, harvest in autumn, and rest in winter, giving the tea plants an almost complete growth cycle. It is warm in winter and cool in summer, yet cold air and sea breezes still bring a… -
China’s Tea and Its Culture Part XII: “The History, Culture, and Modern Value of Xinyang Maojian Tea”
Abstract: Through a long historical development, Xinyang Maojian Tea has become a brilliant highlight in Chinese tea culture due to its unique origin and exquisite production techniques. This article analyzes the historical origins, cultural connotations, quality characteristics, production processes, market trends, inheritance, and innovation of Xinyang Maojian Tea, thereby elucidating its history, culture, and modern value. Please note that this is one author's perspective, and errors are inevitable; your indulgence is kindly requested (one person's opinion; April 2024). Keywords: China; Tea Culture; Xinyang Maojian; Historical and Cultural; Modern Value I. Historical Origins of Xinyang Maojian Tea 1.1 Origin and Legends Xinyang Maojian Tea is a type of green tea produced in the Xinyang region of Henan Province, China. There are several stories about the origin and legends of Xinyang Maojian Tea: 1. Legend One: It is said that during the reign of Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty, a tea farmer accidentally fell into a pile of tea leaves while picking them. When he climbed up in fright, he found that his sweat had covered the tea leaves. After roasting these leaves, he discovered that they were bright green in color and delicious, becoming the prototype of Xinyang Maojian Tea.… -
Chinese Tea and Its Culture Part I: “Chinese Tea – Millennium Heritage and Contemporary Charm”
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,… -
The Origin of Dark Tea: The Legendary Encounter Between Glacial Conglomerate and Anhua Dark Tea
In the vast world of tea, dark tea stands out with its unique charm. Anhua dark tea, in particular, is a shining gem within the dark tea category, and at the heart of what makes this tea exceptional is the mysterious and unique Glacial Conglomerate. A specific land produces a distinctive tea. The unshakable status of Anhua dark tea in the tea world owes much to the environment shaped by Glacial Conglomerate. But what exactly is this remarkable geological formation? Glacial Conglomerate, or Glacial Pebble Mudstone, is one of the rarest types of rock on Earth. Its color ranges from gray-brown to dark brown, and it is dense, hard, and brittle. It contains sandstone and fossils of small organisms, making it seem like a mysterious ancient tome recording the history of the distant past. The formation of Glacial Conglomerate is steeped in legend. About 600-700 million years ago, Earth experienced a global “ice cap climate” known as the “snowball event,” followed by a “greenhouse climate” event. This extreme alternation between cold and heat resulted in the creation of this extremely rare Glacial Conglomerate. Anhua is home to a concentration of Glacial Conglomerate, accounting for over 85% of the world's total.… -
Historical Inquiry: The Craft and Function of “Gao You Shou Mian” in Song Dynasty Brick Tea
The Song Dynasty was a time of abundant brick tea (also known as "tuán chá" or "piàn chá"). Regarding the production techniques of this period's brick teas, apart from the main processes recorded in "Beiyuan Bielu" for tribute teas (picking, sorting, steaming, pressing, grinding, shaping, drying), there was also the "gao you shou mian" technique, which involved adding a paste-like substance to the surface of the brick tea. Although this technique has been widely discussed by Song literati, detailed records of its specific operations are scarce, leading to a lack of systematic research on it within academia. Academic interpretations of "gao you shou mian" have largely focused on Su Shi's poem, "To know the purity of heart is good, not new with paste on the surface," interpreting it primarily as the act of applying paste to the surface of brick tea, with some suggesting it was a method of tea fraud. There are few discussions in academia about the formation of "gao you shou mian," though some trace it back to the Tang Dynasty, but their arguments are not particularly persuasive. The selection of materials for the paste is widely mentioned to include fragrant pastes, rice paste, and occasionally tea… -
Discovering Yunnan Tea: Bingdao Xigui – The Rock-Age Old Tree Tea of Yunnan
"Yunnan Rock Tea" is a precious variety that has recently emerged in the world of Pu'er tea in the 21st century. "Yunnan Rock Tea" refers to tea produced from tea plantations and tea trees located in the core area of Bangdong Township and Matai Township in the Linxiang District, as well as Dazhaoxi Town in Yun County (formerly Dashixiang). These areas are at an altitude ranging from about 800 to 2,000 meters and radiate outwards to surrounding regions. It is well known that the renowned Wuyi Rock Tea is highly valued for its irreplicable growing environment. Wuyi Rock Tea is a small-leaf variety; can we find rock tea in the large-leaf tea region of Yunnan? After extensive searches by tea enthusiasts, large-leaf "Yunnan Rock Tea" was found in the middle and lower reaches of the Lancang River, in Bangdong Township and Matai Township of the Linxiang District, as well as Dazhaoxi Town in Yun County. In fact, for thousands of years, locals have coexisted with tea and rocks, with tea sprouting between the crevices of stones. Upon being "rediscovered," "Yunnan Rock Tea" immediately garnered widespread attention and became popular among tea lovers. What makes "Yunnan Rock Tea" especially precious is…
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