Tea Culture

When you make an appointment with tea, there’s no need to rack your brains for words or get entangled in complex thoughts. Simply silently brew a pot and watch the leaves unfurl... All its experiences are fused into the spreading fragrance and clear tea broth. Though it doesn’t speak, you can understand. Your story, unspoken, seems to be understood by it as well. The life of tea is rich and varied. All things have spirits, and tea transforms all its hardships into fragrance and sweetness, then generously offers them up to the tea drinker. Holding a cup of fine tea, one can perceive joy by simply calming down. Brew yourself a pot of tea. The process of brewing is the most mindful moment, free from ripples and thoughts, only the tranquility of being alone with yourself. Closing your eyes, you can hear the chirping of cicadas and birds. Sipping the warm and fragrant tea, the roaring turns into a gentle breeze in the valley, and the clamor becomes jubilation in the forest. The disturbances in your heart retreat. Once you create distance from these nuisances, it's like finding gaps in a tightly wound ball of string; the solution is not…

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…

Many tea merchants viewed Jiangkou in Guangdong and Doucheng as key nodes on the ancient Tea Ship Route, setting up transshipment points to transfer Liubao tea for onward transportation. Summer in Guangdong is punctuated by sudden downpours. In Doucheng Town, Duancheng County, Yunfu City, a heavy rainstorm dispersed the heat of the afternoon. Deng Zhi brewed a cup of Liubao tea at home and began recounting past tales to his guests. Deng Zhi's grandfather and uncle ran Tongfa Long Trading House in Doucheng and Yingji Tea Shop in Liubao Town, Guangxi, respectively. One was responsible for production, the other for sales, controlling the family's tea business until the 1950s. At its peak, other tea merchants would entrust them with the storage and transportation of Liubao tea. When speaking of his family's former glory, Deng Zhi couldn't help but light up. Over 60 years have passed since the main branch of the Tongfa Long Trading House in Doucheng changed hands, rebuilt into a new shop. The Doucheng wharf has also undergone significant changes, but the memories linger in the elderly man's mind... Establishing a Transshipment Point in Jiangkou The Hejiang River, 433 kilometers long, flows through Fengkai County, Zhaoqing City, Guangdong…

The formation and development history of tea culture is very long. By the time of King Wu's campaign against the Shang, tea was already being presented as tribute. In the late period of the primitive commune, tea became an item for trade. During the Warring States period, there was a certain scale of tea production. The ancient anthology "The Book of Songs" from the Pre-Qin period has records about tea. In the Han dynasty, tea became a special nourishment for Buddhist "zazen" meditation. In the Wei, Jin, and Southern and Northern dynasties, the custom of drinking tea had emerged. In the Sui dynasty, tea drinking became widespread among the general populace. During the Tang dynasty, the tea industry flourished; tea became something that "no household could do without daily," tea houses, tea banquets, and tea parties appeared, and the practice of offering tea to guests was promoted. In the Song dynasty, the custom of tea competition became popular, along with tribute tea and imperial tea gifts. In the Qing dynasty, storytelling entered tea houses, and the foreign trade of tea developed. Tea culture was conceived and born alongside the emergence of commodity economy and urban culture. Throughout its history, tea…

Production of Sichuan black tea began in Yibin during the spring and summer of 1951. However, at that time, only rough black tea could be produced locally, which then had to be transported to the Chongqing Tea Factory for refinement before being exported to the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe, increasing costs. Therefore, in March 1952, the Southwest Regional Company of the China Tea Corporation dispatched 36 technical staff and workers from Chongqing to Yibin to establish a refined tea factory. The site chosen for the Yibin Tea Factory was located at the Nan'an Shangdu Port, facilitating the loading of tea onto ships for freight. During construction, 20 acres of land were allocated by the Yibin Special Administrative Region, along with the purchase of one warehouse from the Bao Yuantong Company and one building from the Dian Dong Company (a Yunnan-based business that opened a branch in Yibin during the Republican era and later became state-owned). These facilities were renovated to serve as workshops, warehouses, offices, and temporary dormitories. Initially, the Southwest Regional Company of the China Tea Corporation invested 66,500 yuan, and due to limited funds, bamboo fences were used as walls around the factory. Before the official sign…

Originating from China and enjoyed globally, tea is not only a universal beverage but also a "Chinese calling card" that carries history and culture. What elegance does Chinese life imbue in its tea drinking customs? How does tea culture influence us? On International Tea Day, let's delve into the world of Chinese tea together. As a drink, tea gained popularity during the Tang Dynasty and thrived in the Song Dynasty, becoming widespread by the Ming and Qing dynasties. The Tang Dynasty was a critical period for the formation of Chinese tea culture, most notably marked by the publication of "The Classic of Tea" by Lu Yu, the "Tea Sage," which is also the world's first specialized work on tea. From the Tang Dynasty onwards, tea transcended its initial functional and practical uses, such as quenching thirst and boosting alertness, to become more integrated into daily life and artistic expression. What did ancient tea tasting look like? We can find answers in artifacts. This set of Tang Sancai (three-color glazed) tea ware unearthed from a Tang tomb in Gongyi dates back to the sixth year of Emperor Wenzong's Taihe era. The figurine, wearing a narrow-sleeved, round-necked long robe, sits on a…

During the War of Resistance against Japan, the central region was occupied. This period of history is a heavy topic for our nation, but for Yunnan, it did indeed receive more attention during that time, with a high density of intellectuals and skilled craftsmen coming to Yunnan, leaving behind many legacies. And Dianhong is among these legacies, a very brilliant gem. Father of Dianhong - Feng Shaoqiu Feng Shaoqiu is known as the father of Dianhong. Those of us who have truly studied and delved into tea appreciation have a different feeling about Feng Shaoqiu. He was a true master. Among the tea makers of his generation, in terms of how to shape the quality of fresh leaves and varieties, and the precise and delicate handling of tea, Feng Shaoqiu was the top person. His combination of theory and practice, his integration of knowledge and action, was at a very high level. Of course, this might be a subjective expression, so let's talk about an objective standard. △Feng Shaoqiu, image source from the Internet When Feng Shaoqiu later went to Shanghai to conduct export inspections, he had a nickname – "Feng Nose." Because with a sniff of a tea, he…

The Glorious Journey of "A Tree" Green Big Tree 99 From the comprehensive cancellation of the unified purchase and sales policy in 1993, to the full implementation of the Pu'er tea national standard in 2008, during these 15 years, the Pu'er tea market entered a new era of diverse voices and perspectives. The dominant position of "China Tea" had changed with the times, and new theories were constantly being proposed. Amidst the transition between old and new systems, there might have been some dark chaos, but it was during this "darkness before dawn" that custom-made teas sparked a prairie fire, ultimately igniting a new era for Pu'er tea. Like the protagonist of today's story, "Green Big Tree", after it, custom-made teas ushered Pu'er tea into a world of diverse blooms, especially from the late 1990s to 2004, it was practically the domain of factory custom-made teas. Peacock, White Vegetable, Red Ribbon series, Yiwu Zhengshan Collection, Green Big Tree, 7262, and more, too numerous to list, after washing away the leaden hues of time and standing the test of the market, these products commanded high prices, with prices easily reaching several thousand yuan per cake, or tens of thousands, even hundreds…

Everything has its destiny, and so does tea. My life is intertwined with tea, a bond of fate between me and it. A pot of hot tea, a set of tea ware, a pouch of tea leaves. All my beautiful moments in life originate from tea. Drinking tea involves a sense of affinity and wisdom; to find kinship with tea is a blessing. As Bai Luomei said, "Tea has its own destiny, pots have their own cause and effect, and passersby have their own commitments. Everything in the world has its own faith and mission." All meetings in the world are due to past dispersals, and all partings are for the sake of finding one's final destination. When the tea brews its first bubbling and the stove fire turns red, every cup of tea we encounter in our lives is pure, beautiful, and compassionate in its own way. A tea lover always carries tea in their heart, thus tea is always present in their life, wherever they go, they yearn for a whiff of its fragrance. A tea lover's affection and obsession with tea have long transcended the mundane, becoming an inevitable part of their destiny. Su Dongpo said, "Fine…

Pu'er Tea Historical and Tribute Tea Zhou Dynasty The history of Pu'er tea is very long; as early as over 3,000 years ago during the period of King Wu's campaign against the state of Shang, the ancient tea-growing people, the Pu people, had already presented tea to King Wu of Zhou. At that time, however, it was not yet known as Pu'er tea. The Bangwei transitional ancient tea tree is a living fossil left behind by the ancient Pu people's cultivation and domestication of tea plants. Han Dynasty According to "The Records of the Grand Historian: The Western Regions," "The Kunming tribes have no leaders and are good at raiding and robbing, often killing and plundering Han envoys, making communication impossible. However, it is heard that to the west, some thousand miles away, there is an elephant-riding country called Dianyue, which traders from Shu sometimes reach." According to "The Annals of Xishuangbanna Prefecture," "In the 12th year of Yongping in the Eastern Han Dynasty (69 AD), Yongchang Commandery was established, and the region of Xishuangbanna fell under its jurisdiction." Jin Dynasty According to "The Records of Huayang Kingdom: Southern Regions," written by Chang Qum of the Jin dynasty, "Within Yongchang…

In the world of tea, the saying "store new tea, drink aged tea" has been passed down. This viewpoint has sparked much thought and discussion among tea enthusiasts: is this saying reliable? Let's delve deeper together to uncover its mysteries. I. Storing New Tea: Infusing Expectation into Time For teas that can be stored long-term, such as Pu'er, Fu tea, and white tea, storing new tea is a choice made by many tea lovers. New tea, like a young and inexperienced youth, is full of vitality but may lack depth in flavor, not yet having reached its optimal tasting period. However, it is precisely this rawness and immaturity that holds infinite potential and possibilities. A key reason for storing new tea is the anticipation that it will improve with age. Over time, these leaves undergo remarkable chemical changes, with their components interacting to enrich and deepen their flavors. After a period of aging, new tea can develop captivating qualities of warmth, smoothness, silkiness, richness, clarity, sweetness, and body. Storing new tea also brings potential economic benefits. As time passes, high-quality aged teas often increase in value on the market. For those with discerning eyes and a knack for collecting, storing…

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…

Tea, this ancient and magical beverage, carries boundless charm and depth. Through my affinity with tea, I gradually grew to love drinking it after initially being involved in its production. Over time, this became a habit that I could not easily part with, nurturing a unique sentiment towards tea. Within the plain cup of tea lies an aroma that seems to penetrate one's very core; its distinctive fragrance threads its way into the depths of one's soul. On quiet nights, gently brewing a cup of tea, I watch as the transparent liquid transforms into an amber hue, observing the dried, curled leaves slowly unfurl in the water as if reborn, gradually becoming plump and smooth, revealing a fresh green hue once again. This process evokes a sense of rebirth, a revival and awakening of emotions. I have a particular fondness for tea. In my eyes, the subtle shade of fresh green is far more charming than the bustling, colorful world. I appreciate the gentle sensation, temporarily stepping away from the noisy crowd, walking briskly, confident and carefree. Bathing alone in sunlight or sitting quietly under moonlight, unbound, self-reliant, and without restraint, my thoughts take flight like wings, soaring higher and…

In life, there are ups and downs, and storms follow, but what we seek is nothing more than inner peace and tranquility. A small courtyard home lacks the complexity of gongs, drums, and fine dining, but it has the simplicity of a meal. It does not boast of grand halls, yet it offers the joy of having a humble abode and courtyard. Sunlight through a flower in clear weather, a painting under the rain; not thinking about the future nor dwelling on the past, but being present and cherishing the moment. In this small courtyard, objects create a serene landscape: a pond as a stream to linger by, a rock as a mountain to gaze upon from afar, and flowers and grass as fields to roam one's eyes over. All year round, it provides a temporary escape from the world. In this courtyard, one can bask in the morning sun and bathe in the evening moonlight, accompanied by books and tea, amidst the company of fish and birds. Hiding away here, focusing on oneself, watching the sunlight filter through branches and dance on the water. Resting in this courtyard, reading and drinking tea, living a simple and comfortable life. Planting…

Shi Dabin (1573–1648), also known as Shi Dabing, with the style name Shaoshan, was from Wuyuan, Huizhou. After finishing his private school education at the age of 13, Shi Dabin began making Yixing clay teapots. At that time, Gong Chun, a renowned master of Yixing ware, was already an octogenarian. In a certain year, month, and day, Gong Chun met Shi Dabin, recognizing his potential and took him under his wing to mentor him personally, eventually becoming his last disciple. After several years of apprenticeship, Shi Dabin inherited and mastered Gong Chun’s method of pot-making by hand modeling. He conducted extensive research on clay mixture preparation, forming techniques, design, and engraving for Yixing ware. He developed his own method of making pots using the "body-building" technique of patting and shaping. He not only expanded the variety and ornamental forms of Yixing clay teapots but also established a highly sophisticated technical system still used by the Yixing industry today, involving clay slabs and inlaying. He carefully selected various shades of Yixing clay to create a style that is ancient and majestic. Shi Dabin was extremely serious about his work; whenever he was unsatisfied with a piece, he would destroy it without…

Talking about a cup of Puer tea that has "traveled the world" The Yunnan Xiaguan Tea Factory Foreign Trade Co., Ltd. is located on the 25th floor of the South Asia Style First City in Kunming. From here, one can faintly see the Cao Hai Lake and the surrounding mountains through the floor-to-ceiling windows. On the other side of the window is Tang Yiping's office, a room filled with tea and sunshine. As a veteran who held leadership positions at China Native Produce and Animal By-Products Yunnan Tea Import and Export Corporation and Yunnan Tea Garden Group for many years, Tang Yiping has seen many old and mid-aged teas and can still vaguely recall their original appearances. "The classic old teas that are still around today were all made under strict standards at every step from raw material collection to production. At that time, there was no concept of 'aging brings better aroma.' The old teas we have now are miracles that occurred during long periods of storage and have stood the test of history and time," says Tang Yiping. During our interview with Tang Yiping, he brought out several old teas to share with everyone. Talking about the wonders…

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…

As the moon rises above the willows, the Qixi Festival arrives once more, with the Milky Way gently pouring down and starlight shimmering, illuminating a millennia-old love story.On this romantic night, tea is not just a beverage; it becomes a bridge connecting hearts, much like the magpie bridge in the ancient legend of the Cowherd and the Weaving Maid, allowing love to flow endlessly. White tea, elegant and refined, grows on mist-enveloped mountain peaks, drawing the essence of heaven and earth, carrying the spirit of the ages. It is not as fresh as green tea or as rich as black tea, but it has its own serenity and composure, much like the purest form of love—no need for grand words, only quiet companionship through the ordinary days, growing stronger with time. On the Qixi night, brew a pot of aged white tea, and in its amber-colored infusion lies the tenderness of time and the aroma of years gone by. Taking a sip, one can almost hear the gentle footsteps of time, leaving a subtle aftertaste in the mouth, much like the unspoken understanding and harmony between lovers. White tea tells its own story of how "companionship is the longest confession…

In the midst of our complex daily lives, tea, this ancient beverage, quietly weaves into our existence with its unique charm, imbuing it with sentiment and philosophy.Whether it's the busy office worker, the student immersed in books, or the traveler seeking solace for their soul, a good pot of tea always adds an indescribable flavor to life, almost without trying. The freshness of green tea is like the first ray of morning sunlight, awakening dormant vitality; The rock-like fragrance and floral aroma of Dahongpao, bold yet delicate, is like an old friend full of stories; The soothing sweetness of aged white tea gently comforts weariness, allowing the soul a moment of rest; The bright red hue and warmth of black tea are like a charcoal fire on a winter day, warming every corner. As for raw Pu'er and ripe Pu'er, the former is wild and unrefined while the latter is smooth and gentle, each telling tales of time within the world of tea. Tea is not just a dance on the palate, but also a dialogue of the soul. Each tea gathering is a collision and fusion of different souls. Tea enthusiasts come together with their individual preferences—lovers of green…

China is the birthplace of tea, and most Chinese people love it, from the imperial court to ordinary citizens. The ancient Chinese imperial court's fondness for tea drinking and tea culture led to the establishment of a tribute tea system that has lasted for thousands of years, exerting a profound and lasting influence on China's tea production and tea cultural heritage. ### Concept of Tribute Tea What is tribute tea? According to the dictionary, "tribute" can mean: 1. The act of paying tribute or presenting items by vassal states or subjects to their sovereign or the imperial court. 2. The items presented as tribute. 3. The recommendation of talented individuals. 4. The tax system during the Xia Dynasty. 5. To present something. 6. A surname. Therefore, tribute tea refers to tea offered as a gift by vassal states or subjects to the emperor or the imperial court. Tea falls under the category of local tribute, which consists of local specialties or regional products. There are primarily two types of local tribute: regular tribute with set quotas and miscellaneous tribute for the royal family's needs at any time. The principle of "tribute according to the land" dictates that "the tribute should…

Driving for a little over an hour from Quanzhou, Fujian, you arrive at Xiping Town, Anxi County—the birthplace of Tieguanyin. Xiping was once known as Qipeng, named after the mythical great roc said to have rested here. After passing through the town, we entered the winding mountain roads, our car like a fish swimming upstream into a sea of green. Looking out the window, tea fields stretched as far as the eye could see, terraced hills and sprawling plots in various shapes and sizes. Upon entering Nanyan Village, the air was filled with a fresh, invigorating tea fragrance. Taking a deep breath, every nerve and cell relaxed. When we arrived at Taishanlou, the annual Nanyan Tieguanyin Tea King Competition was entering its final round. The villagers held their breath, intently watching the courtyard. In the center stood a large tea table, about four to five meters long, on which ten white porcelain lidded jars were lined up horizontally, each corresponding to a numbered sample from 1 to 10. Staff took samples from the jars, weighing them according to standard procedures before placing them into the jars. Facing each jar, three white porcelain tea cups were arranged in a vertical row,…

Abstract: The historical origins and legends of white tea not only reflect its rich cultural heritage but also the aspirations for a better life. In modern society, white tea continues to be favored by consumers for its unique taste and health benefits. As public interest in healthy living increases, the market prospects for white tea will become even more promising. At the same time, we should delve deeper into the cultural essence of white tea and preserve and promote the charm of this traditional tea. This article discusses the history, techniques, market, and future outlook of Chinese white tea through an analysis of its origin and history, production techniques and characteristics, distribution, benefits and health effects, brands and market, issues, and prospects. (Level of expertise is limited, errors are inevitable; personal opinion; April 2024). I. Origin and Historical Culture of White Tea 1.1 Historical Origins and Legends of White Tea As one of China's traditional teas, the historical origins of white tea can be traced back to ancient times. According to historical records, white tea had already gained prominence during the Tang Dynasty, becoming a tribute to the imperial court. Numerous legends about the origin of white tea have been…

In summer, sunlight like golden silk drapes over the earth, and all things bask in this intense sunlight, as if telling the story of life.In this season full of vitality, a cup of clear tea seems to open another door to life, leading us into a tranquil and beautiful world. The emerald green tea leaves flutter up and down in the cup, as if a group of little fairies dancing. The aroma of the tea lingers at the tip of the nose, refreshing the mind and soothing the soul, as if all fatigue is dispelled by this fragrant freshness. Sitting on the balcony at home, holding a cup of tea, enjoying the rare peaceful moments. The elegant tea aroma intertwines with the summer sunshine, as if wrapping you in a cool cloak. You close your eyes, feeling the tea aroma dance on your tongue, like a summer breeze brushing against your cheeks, bringing a hint of coolness. At this moment, you seem cut off from the world, all worries dissipating like smoke. Or perhaps you meet up with a few good friends on a park bench, sipping tea while chatting about life. The black tea in your hand emits a…

Settle down, hold a fragrant cup of tea, and watch as the blue sprout and jade stamen unfold, branches stretch and leaves spread in myriad postures. In this world, when we have our fill of food and drink, we should take the time to slowly savor our tea and let its wisdom-infused fragrance seep into our lives. As time flows and centuries pass, how many people have managed to turn tumultuous times into tranquil waters, and how many have transformed the muddled and chaotic world into one of purity and clarity? What life truly is, is drinking tea and having heartfelt conversations. We are gradually leading more affluent lives. After meals, we brew ourselves a cup of tea and spend more time making friends. Our consumption philosophy is slowly changing, as we return to the essence of life, pursuing our own inner utopia, and paying for quality and aesthetics. An increasing number of people have clear aesthetic positions, seeking out their true selves in life. More and more people are finding like-minded companions who share similar values, aesthetics, and consumption philosophies, to enjoy life together. When it comes to drinking tea, the focus is on personal experience, not following the…