Tea culture

In June this year, at the 12th "Qian Tea Cup" competition for high-quality teas, Lei Junzhen's carefully selected Tangyue Hong brand Shanshui Yuzhen won first prize with its unparalleled quality and taste. This good news quickly swept through the Pingba tea industry, earning enthusiastic praise from many industry insiders. "This tea perfectly blends the taste of Maojian tea with the appearance of Cuiya tea. It is precisely this unique charm that made it stand out among the competitors." When asked how Tangyue Hong brand Shanshui Yuzhen emerged as the best among 162 entries, Lei Junzhen explained from a professional perspective. Lei Junzhen's hometown is located in the picturesque Xiaoyun Farm area of Pingba District, where the land filled with the aroma of tea has witnessed her growth. Influenced by her grandfather and father, both tea field technicians, she developed a strong interest in tea-making techniques from a young age. In her childhood memories, the unique fragrance during tea frying always lingered in her heart. She would often stand by her father's side, carefully observing every movement in the tea-frying process and listening to his instructions on technique. Staying true to Pingba tea and pursuing purity. This is not just a…

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…

In the busy modern society, the fast-paced lifestyle has made us miss out on many beauties and joys. The emergence of tea spaces with a focus on aesthetics provides us with an opportunity to slow down and explore and enjoy another way of life. Located in the Yun Valley Innovation Park in Baohe District, Eleven Tea House is such a tea space that combines tea and aesthetic living. It presents a natural setting amidst very modern architecture, integrating culture, refined gatherings, and tea events in one place. It infuses traditional culture and the concept of tea plus aesthetics into modern life, allowing more people to discover the beauty of life. The founder of the tea house, Guan Xiaobao, was once a landscape designer. He became involved with tea by chance. "Drinking tea is a way to enjoy life and should not be constrained by the environment. I hope to create a space where everyone interested in tea can brew tea in their own preferred way. Ten signifies completeness, from the very beginning." Speaking about the origin of Eleven Tea House, founder Guan Xiaobao said this. Upon entering Eleven Tea House, the words “Luzhou Light” illuminated by the lights catch your…

In Chinese culture, tea has always held a high status, being not only an indispensable drink in people's daily lives but also rich in cultural connotations. Among the many customs and etiquettes of tea culture, one includes not pouring tea full to the brim. At first glance, this may seem puzzling. Pouring tea is simply pouring tea into a cup, so why not fill it up? In fact, behind the custom of not pouring tea full to the brim, there lies profound cultural significance and practical reasons. "Seven-Tenths Full" in Tea Ceremonies In traditional Chinese tea ceremonies, tea is usually poured to seven-tenths full. This practice embodies the Confucian doctrine of the mean, which advocates not striving for excess and leaving room for more. Pouring tea to seven-tenths full not only prevents spillage that could scald guests or soil the tea table but also shows respect and consideration for guests. Leaving "Three-Tenths for Sentiment" The saying "Pour tea to seven-tenths full, leaving three-tenths for sentiment" reveals another reason for leaving some space when pouring tea. The remaining part symbolizes the host's care and expectations for their guests, hoping they will engage in more communication and sharing while enjoying the tea.…

Jeoncha, as the name suggests, refers to tea cakes shaped like copper coins. According to Korean records, Jeoncha originated from Boreumsa Temple in Changseong County, Jeollanam-do, South Korea. The temple's founder, Seon Master Daoui, traveled to Tang Dynasty China in 784 AD and during his 37 years there learning Buddhist teachings, he developed a habit of tea production and consumption. Upon his return, he planted tea trees around Boreumsa and taught others how to make a solid, coin-shaped tea using techniques from the Tang Dynasty. Jeoncha produced in Changseong County is known for its color, similar to seaweed and green moss, which is why Koreans also refer to it as Moss Jeoncha. Moss Jeoncha has won awards at various tea evaluations in Japan and Korea and has been featured at major tea expos in South Korea, enjoying great popularity among Korean tea enthusiasts. The traditional production technique of Jeoncha remains preserved in Changseong County, Jeollanam-do, which is quite similar to the tea-making methods described in the Chinese Tang Dynasty's "The Classic of Tea." Following the seven steps from "from picking to sealing," the process of making Jeoncha is as follows: (1) Picking: Fresh leaves for Korean Jeoncha are typically harvested…

A gentle breeze sweeps over the central-western part of Raoping County in Chaozhou City, where the vast sea of tea plants in Fubin Town stretches as far as the eye can see, undulating along the mountainside, and the tea fields are filled with a fresh aroma. Following winding mountain roads, the verdant tea trees gradually merge with the blue sky and white clouds, painting a beautiful summer landscape. Recently, relevant leaders of the Chaozhou Municipal People's Congress Standing Committee led a group of deputies to the people's congress and representatives from related departments to conduct the "Green and Beautiful Chaozhou - Deputies in Action" themed activity in Fubin Town, Raoping County, and Fenghuang Town, Guilu Town in Chao'an District. The focus was on a special investigation into the handling of key proposals concerning "Cultivating Tax Sources in the Tea Industry to Promote Fiscal Revenue Growth." During the event, the deputies were constantly on the move, gaining a comprehensive understanding of tea production and sales, tea tax revenue, quality control, brand promotion, and tea plant protection through site visits, listening to reports, and holding symposiums. They actively collected public opinions and fully leveraged their roles as people's congress deputies to empower…

"Traditional Chinese tea processing techniques and associated customs" have made a splash in the industry and academia since being listed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List. In the past month, numerous reports have appeared in the media, and there have also been many posts and videos in new media. As China's southernmost tea-producing area and the only tropical island tea region, Hainan possesses a unique native tea variety – the Hainan Large-leaf tea. With the boost from its 'World Heritage' status, Hainan has every chance to reach the pinnacle of its tea products. Experts believe that for a good cup of tea, the processing technique is as important as the tea leaves themselves. Let us first review the development of tea processing in Hainan. Many Li tea farmers in Shuiman Town, Wuzhishan City still insist on handcrafting tea. (Photo by Li Tianping) From historical records, we can see that tea activities began in Hainan as early as the Song Dynasty. Su Dongpo's poem line "After burning the tea spear, there is some left" could very well describe the tender shoots of wild tea trees in Hainan. However, Hainan's tea processing technology was relatively backward historically. Records show that tea…

Pu'er tea is a fermented tea, a representative type in Chinese tea culture. It offers various benefits, such as lowering blood lipids and pressure, aiding weight loss, and providing antioxidants. However, there are certain techniques and tips to consider when brewing and drinking Pu'er tea. Here are some recommended methods. Cleaning Tea Ware: Pu'er tea often has surface oils and dust, so it's important to clean the tea ware before brewing. Rinse the teapot or cup with boiling water once, then discard the water, rinse again with hot water, and finally, empty the pot or cup. Brewing Time: As a fermented tea, Pu'er generally requires longer brewing times. For the first infusion, aim for about 10 seconds, and increase by 5 seconds for each subsequent infusion. The tea is usually richest in flavor around the 5th to 6th infusions. Amount of Tea: The amount of tea used for brewing Pu'er differs from other teas. Typically, use 3 grams of tea per 100 milliliters of water. For a stronger flavor, you can adjust the amount accordingly. Water Temperature: Controlling the water temperature is crucial for Pu'er tea. A temperature of around 100°C is recommended for most Pu'ers, but for aged Pu'er,…

Menghai, recognized internationally as the center of the world's original tea tree habitat and a main production area for Pu'er tea that enjoys worldwide fame, as well as being the only "Famous Brand Creation Demonstration Zone for the Pu'er Tea Industry" in the country, has given birth to numerous famous ancient tea mountains such as Laobanzhang, He Kai, Nannuoshan, Naka, and Zhanglang. These areas are renowned for their "Menghai flavor," characterized by rich taste and strong tea aroma. The Menghai County People's Procuratorate closely follows the work layout of the county Party committee and government aimed at strengthening and improving the tea industry. It carries out its duties according to law in protecting ancient tea trees and promoting the tea industry, continuously contributing procuratorial strength. Improving political orientation and defining directions around the overall situation. Focusing on the overall development of the county Party committee and government, we actively incorporate service and protection of ancient tea trees and the tea industry into the important content of procuratorial work. We have held multiple meetings to study this, proposing a working approach where public interest litigation prosecution is the lead and all four types of prosecution work together. Following the brand-building approach,…

North America Canada Canada is the northernmost country in North America, with a land area of 9.98 million square kilometers, ranking second in the world. Canada is known as the "Land of Maple Leaves," and its capital is Ottawa. Benefiting from abundant natural resources and highly advanced technology, Canada has become one of the countries in the world with the highest quality of life, most prosperous society, and most developed economy, and is also one of the largest and most important diamond-producing countries in the world. Canadian Tea Culture Tea Drinking in Canada (image for reference) The first country in the Americas to drink tea was the United States, which also has a high consumption volume; Canada follows closely behind, being a well-known tea-drinking country in the Western Hemisphere. In Canada, the primary type of tea consumed is traditional high-quality British-style hot black tea. However, as awareness of the health benefits of green tea has increased, the habit of drinking black tea is gradually being replaced by green tea, jasmine tea, oolong tea, and other specialty teas. With the development of society, a tea culture that reflects Canada's multicultural identity has also evolved. Maple Syrup Maple Syrup Tea Maple syrup,…

Spring is the season when nature awakens. It is also the most vibrant time for the ancient tea mountains of Yiwu. At this time, ascending the ancient tea mountains of Yiwu, you will be deeply captivated by the scenery before you. The mountains are layered with lush greenery, shrouded in mist and clouds, as if you have entered a fairyland. The tea plants, nourished by warm sunlight and gentle rain, produce tender new shoots that exude vitality. Spring Mountain Spring is the season for harvesting spring tea in the ancient town of Yiwu, where 100,000 mu (approximately 16,500 acres) of tea gardens are brimming with life, and the new growth on ancient tea trees flourishes rapidly. Spring Tea Picking Yiwu tea is an activity that requires both skill and ceremony. In the first rays of morning light, tea farmers begin their daily work, moving among the tea plants and carefully selecting the tenderest buds. When picking, the farmers usually take only the top one bud with one leaf or one bud with two leaves. These leaves are the freshest and best represent the unique flavor of Yiwu tea. The picked tea buds, after being carefully withered, pan-fried, rolled, and sun-dried,…

On July 31, Chairman Lu Pengfei of the District Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) visited Houping Township of the Miao and Tujia Ethnic Groups and Tongzi Town to conduct field research on the development of the tea industry and the operations of the CPPCC members' workstations. Vice Chairman Zhang Chunyu of the District CPPCC and relevant personnel accompanied him on this visit. During the day, Lu Pengfei and his entourage visited Wenfeng Village in Houping Township, as well as Tongzi Village and Shuangfeng Village in Tongzi Town. They inspected the progress made by companies such as Chongqing Mingzhen Agricultural Co., Ltd. and Chongqing Muchu Agricultural Development Co., Ltd. in base construction, production environment, and brand creation. They also inquired in detail about the types of tea planted, processing techniques, and the integration of tea culture with tourism. Additionally, they exchanged ideas with relevant officials regarding the current state of the tea industry. Lu Pengfei also reviewed the work procedures, methods, and inspection and visit systems of the CPPCC members' workstations in Houping Township and Tongzi Town, and asked detailed questions about their operations. Lu Pengfei emphasized that there should be clearer thinking on the direction of…

On August 14, the first “Cool Summer Retreat” media promotion conference was held on Mount Wugong. At the conference, the list of the first batch of “Climate-Friendly Products” for 2024, certified by the China Meteorological Service Association, was announced. Benefiting from its unique climate, Jingning Huiming Tea was selected as one of the first batch of “Climate-Friendly Products” for 2024. Jingning Huiming Tea Selected as One of the First Batch of “Climate-Friendly Products” for 2024 The “Climate-Friendly Products” certification is a joint effort by the China Meteorological Service Association and professional certification bodies to evaluate the climate quality of agricultural products. This work involves assessing factors such as climate, soil, and water quality in the agricultural environment to confirm the unique qualities of the product. The certification results are announced on the official websites of the State Administration for Market Regulation and the association. After the conference, a reporter from Beijing News Shell Finance conducted an exclusive interview with Yan Yihua, President of the Jingning She Autonomous County Tea Culture Research Association, regarding the process of creating Jingning Huiming Tea as a “Climate-Friendly Product” and future plans. Yan Yihua stated that the unique soil and climate conditions in the mountainous…

If the Yixing teapot is purely for daily use, it's generally appropriate to choose one priced between 500 to 1,000 yuan. If you seek both practicality and artistry in your teapot, you may opt for one costing between 1,000 to 10,000 yuan. If you also desire collectibility, you might consider teapots priced between 100,000 to 10 million yuan. The appropriate price for a personal-use Yixing teapot depends on your purpose for purchasing it. If it's just for everyday use and you don't care whether it was made by a renowned craftsman, a teapot priced between 600 to 1,000 yuan would be suitable. If you want a teapot that not only serves practical purposes but also meets artistic standards and exceeds basic models, you might choose one priced between 4,000 to 10,000 yuan. These teapots are typically made from precious clay and are mostly handcrafted. If you wish to use your teapot daily and also for collecting, you could consider teapots priced between 10,000 to 100,000 yuan. Such teapots are often crafted by renowned artisans and embody craftsmanship, artistry, and cultural value. A Yixing teapot is an essential piece of tea ware on any tea table and an important component of…

Basic Introduction to Jietan TeaJietan Tea is produced in Yuanling County, Hunan Province, mainly in the Jietan tea garden, which stands at an elevation of over 100 meters. To its south flows the mighty Yuan River, and to its north rise the Wuling Mountains. It lies within a subtropical monsoon humid climate zone, with abundant rainfall, an annual average temperature of 16.6 degrees Celsius, an annual precipitation of 1,440.9 millimeters, and a frost-free period of 272 days. The area is often shrouded in mist and clouds, with moderate sunlight, creating a unique environment described as "feeling like autumn during the hottest days of summer, with waves of mist all year round." The mild climate, ample light and heat, and high-quality water and soil resources are very suitable for growing tea. The tea produced here has deep roots and lush leaves, many buds, large leaves, and a soft texture, and it was already well-known as far back as the Han Dynasty. Product FeaturesThe quality of premium Jietan Tea is characterized by slender, tightly twisted, rounded, green and lustrous leaves that are evenly bright. Its aroma is fresh and long-lasting. The tea liquor is clear, green, and bright, with a pure, refreshing…

Tea does have an expiration date, which varies depending on the type of tea. If stored properly, tea not only remains fresh but can even improve in quality. Different types of tea require different storage methods. Green tea is best stored in cans with sealed refrigeration; black tea should be kept in airtight and dry containers; Oolong tea can be stored at room temperature in double-lidded containers such as tin or iron cans. How should tea be stored? During the process of storing tea, enthusiasts try every possible method to preserve its quality for as long as possible. Today, we will briefly introduce some tea storage methods that may be helpful to you. 1. Refrigerator Storage Place the tea in a container that is both dry and odor-free, then seal it and put it in the refrigerator's chill compartment. If the amount of tea is small and very dry, it can also be directly packaged and sealed using two layers of moisture-resistant film bags before being stored in the refrigerator. 2. Canning Storage Fill a double-lidded tin can with tea, ideally to capacity so there is little air inside, which helps prevent spoilage. Ensure both lids are tightly closed and…

Tea culture has a long history in China, with records of tea dating back to ancient times. Not only that, but there is also a significant emphasis on tea utensils, which are not chosen haphazardly. Even a simple teacup has its own unique considerations. So, how much do you know about Chinese tea culture and the various tea utensils used for brewing? The utensils for brewing tea can be categorized as follows: 1. Yixing clay (purple clay) tea utensils are both elegant and resonant. This type of material has been used for several hundred years and is characterized by a dual-pore structure, giving it strong adsorption capabilities. When used for brewing tea, it enhances the color, aroma, and flavor of the tea. 2. Porcelain and ceramic tea utensils are both delicate and substantial. These utensils are moderately priced and therefore make up a large proportion of all tea utensils. They come in various types such as celadon, fine earthenware, and colored pottery. 3. Artistic tea utensils are both innovative and exquisite. In recent years, the enthusiasm for art pieces has not diminished; instead, it has become increasingly popular. Consequently, artistic tea utensils have emerged and have been well-received. The above…

Puer tea, as a gem in Chinese tea culture, is renowned for its unique fermentation process and aging potential. It is not just a beverage but also an embodiment of culture and art. However, faced with the plethora of Puer teas on the market, how do you choose one that suits you? This article provides a comprehensive guide to selecting Puer tea, helping you find the perfect match. Understanding Basic Knowledge About Puer Tea Before selecting Puer tea, it's essential to understand some basic knowledge about it. Puer tea is divided into two main categories: raw (sheng) and ripe (shou). Raw Puer tea, which has not undergone artificial fermentation, gradually transforms from astringent to sweet over time and has high collection value. Ripe Puer tea, on the other hand, undergoes artificial fermentation and has a mellow taste suitable for immediate consumption. Introduction to Puer Tea Puer tea belongs to the category of dark teas and originates from Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture in Yunnan Province, named after its primary production area in Puer City. The production process of Puer tea is unique, involving withering, fixation, rolling, drying, and natural or artificial fermentation. The quality of Puer tea primarily depends on the…

"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.…

Duyun Maojian tea is a century-old prestigious Chinese brand. Its unique tea-growing environment and production techniques endow it with an elegant appearance characterized by tightly curled strands, silver tips, and a green luster, as well as qualities such as a lasting fresh fragrance and a sweet aftertaste. From winning the gold medal at the Panama World's Fair in 1915 to being listed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2022, Duyun Maojian tea has garnered over 100 awards from international and national competitions over more than a century. Photographed by Zhao Yunchuan To further promote the protection and inheritance of the intangible cultural heritage project "Skills for Producing Duyun Maojian Tea," Duyun City adheres to the protection policy of "prioritizing protection, prioritizing rescue, rational utilization, and development through inheritance." The city upholds the principles of authenticity and integrity in its protection efforts. It continually improves the institutional mechanisms for building a team of representative inheritors of intangible cultural heritage and considers strengthening this team as a critical link and core element in inheriting the skills for producing Duyun Maojian tea. Focusing on skill protection to ensure inheritance In terms of building the inheritor team, Duyun City actively strengthens…

Photography by Donghua Huang China Tea Capital - Anxi Upon entering the China Tea Capital in Anxi, one is greeted by rows of tea shops, the air filled with the aroma of tea, and a dazzling array of teas including Tieguanyin, Dahongpao, Pu'er, Longjing, white tea, dark tea, and more—making it a true "Capital of a Hundred Teas Trade." Anxi, the birthplace of Chinese Oolong tea and the origin of the world-famous Tieguanyin, has leveraged its strengths to develop its tea industry, setting national records for tea plantation area, tea production, and per capita tea income, shedding its title as the "largest state-designated impoverished county." Photography by Guoping Chen However, this major tea-producing county once lacked a large-scale trading market, preventing farmers from directly connecting with domestic and overseas buyers, making it difficult to sell their tea. Photography by Donghua Huang In 2000, with the assistance of the provincial government, Anxi County raised 120 million RMB through auctions and leases, primarily from domestic and overseas sources, to build the China Tea Capital – Anxi National Tea Wholesale Market. After the market was established, transactions became active, and farmers' incomes increased. Photography by Ying Lin On the evening of October 15,…

Aged Pu'er (Shou Pu'er) is widely favored for its mild nature, broad appeal to different groups of drinkers, and health benefits. In regions where the appreciation of Pu'er tea is prevalent, it's common to see people brewing and savoring aged Pu'er casually. However, is there really no technique to brewing aged Pu'er? How should one open a cake of aged Pu'er? Brewing with Steeping or Boiling Compared to many other teas, everyday aged Pu'er is not particularly delicate. There's no need for elaborate techniques when brewing it. If we apply the four elements of tea brewing—tea, water, vessel, and brewer—we mainly need to pay attention to water temperature, brewing vessel, tea-to-water ratio, and steeping time. The most commonly used vessels for brewing aged Pu'er are gaiwans and Yixing clay pots. Let's start with the gaiwan, which can be used for brewing all kinds of teas. When opening a cake of everyday aged Pu'er, we use a gaiwan for our initial tasting. The water temperature for brewing aged Pu'er is typically boiling water, ensuring that each pour is at boiling point. This can be achieved using a widely recognized water heater like the Jigou water heater. The tea-to-water ratio can be…

Basic Introduction to Yongxi HuoqingThe reason high mountains produce fine tea is due to the unique natural ecological environment, which is determined by the biological genetics of the tea plant. Yongxi Huoqing tea belongs to the pearl tea category and is produced in the areas around Feng Pit, Pan Pit, Shijing Pit, and Wantaishan in Yongxi Mountain, 70 kilometers east of Jing County, Anhui Province. The best natural quality teas come from places like Tuanjie Rock and Yinshang Rock in Feng Pit; Jizhao Valley, Orchid Pit, and Fanjing Stone in Pan Pit; and Yingwo Rock in Shijing Pit. The "Jing County Annals" once described: "From Millstone Mountain (now Pan Pit) southward to Yongxi, the area spans more than thirty miles, producing much fine tea as well as Chinese fir." This region features high mountains with dense forests, deep valleys with gushing streams, misty clouds, abundant flowers, and a unique ecological setting. Product CharacteristicsYongxi Huoqing has a unique style and excellent quality. It is tightly compact and solid, with a dark green color that shines and reveals silvery tips. The white down is hidden, yet the silvery sheen is visible. The shape resembles small beads that make a sound when dropped…

"I would rather abstain from alcohol all my life than go a single meal without tea." China’s tea culture has a long and rich history, and drinking tea has always been an essential part of maintaining health. However, there is a right way to drink tea. If you don't do it correctly, you may end up harming your stomach. The Tea Editor will now list some harmful tea-drinking habits that can severely damage your stomach. Let's see if you fall into any of these categories? 1 Habit of Drinking Tea on an Empty Stomach Stomach-Damage Rating: ★★★★★ Drinking tea on an empty stomach is one of the most damaging tea-drinking habits! On an empty stomach, some active compounds in tea can bind with proteins in the stomach, stimulating it and easily causing harm. In addition to stimulating the stomach and intestines, drinking tea on an empty stomach dilutes digestive juices, affecting digestion. Symptoms may include palpitations, dizziness, weakness in the limbs, mental confusion, and nausea. For those who do not regularly drink tea, especially when drinking strong tea on an empty stomach in the morning, these symptoms are more likely to occur. This phenomenon is medically referred to as "tea…