Tea Culture

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…

Liu Bao tea continued to be exported overseas through the ancient tea boat route, permeating the lives of consumers in Hong Kong, Macau, and Southeast Asian countries, influencing their daily habits. At the same time, overseas consumer markets also propelled the development of the Liu Bao tea industry through the ancient tea boat route, increasing the production of tea in its place of origin and promoting changes in production processes. A single boat crossing vast oceans, the living and the dead uncertain. When countless Chinese workers embarked on ships bound for Southeast Asia with hope and uncertainty, they wouldn't have imagined that a route for exporting Liu Bao tea would be initiated because of them; nor could they have foreseen that the development, transformation, and impact of the Liu Bao tea industry would be so closely tied to this piece of history over the years. In the past one hundred plus years, Liu Bao tea was continuously exported overseas via the ancient tea boat route's overseas extension, seeping into the lives of consumers in Hong Kong, Macau, and Southeast Asian countries, affecting their daily habits. Simultaneously, overseas consumer markets also pushed back through the ancient tea boat route, boosting the…

The mystery of the raw materials for 99 Yichanghao. 99 Yichanghao is often positioned in the market as: the first large-scale production of Yiwu wild arbor tea by a private tea factory, and it is considered the ancestor of today's pure single-origin teas. (The concept of "wild tea" was popularized by Taiwanese people in earlier years, now we generally call it "ancient tree tea" or "arbor tea.") Prior to this, in the era dominated by the China Tea trademark, state-owned tea factories produced blended products. It's not to say that blending is bad, but after decades, the market remained unchanged, with packaging and raw materials remaining the same, which inevitably became monotonous. In contrast, 99 Yichanghao, with its orange packaging, still appears rustic yet fashionable even today. Regarding the raw materials, it can be definitively stated that the raw materials for 99 Yichanghao were indeed arbor teas. Why? Zou Shouyuan, an eyewitness, told me an unknown story. There was originally a town enterprise called "Yiwu Tea Factory" in Yiwu Township, which mainly produced baked green tea, under the management of the Yiwu Township Enterprise Office. In 1999, due to owing bank loans, the tea factory was unable to pay its…

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.…

Unswayed by the allure of the mundane world, one seeks only simplicity and richness within, performing tasks with a tranquil heart. The tea remains the same, but the temperature of the water and the brewing time vary, resulting in different flavors and textures with each brew. Brew tea with heart, letting it warm you from your teeth down to your stomach, permeating your entire being. Savor it quietly, reflecting slowly. Tea has memory, recording the passage of time in its tightly bound leaves. Encountering a good tea is like meeting someone who catches your eye—it requires a fortunate coincidence, and then you pray for perfect timing, neither too early nor too late. Nothing remains constant. Life is always marked by gains and losses, and even the most wonderful things cannot be held onto forever. Even the most painful experiences eventually fade into the past. All experiences are a form of cultivation. Looking back from a distance, we find that they have made us stronger and more clear-minded. When people come together or part ways, it is due to the ebb and flow of fate. Do not cling to sorrow or joy, do not mourn the past or crave the future.…

Today is May Day, a festival for everyone. No matter your occupation, gender, age, or background, it is the combined efforts of all that have created a prosperous and civilized modern society. Gorky said that labor is the source of all joy and goodness in the world. The flowers of our dreams can only bloom splendidly when watered by labor; any form of hard work undertaken by workers deserves recognition and respect. In many familiar and unfamiliar corners, there are countless figures engaged in diligent work. They shoulder their responsibilities, honor their duties with sweat, repay society with conscience, and adorn the world with their efforts. They have different names and hold various positions. They are teachers, doctors, police officers, sanitation workers… They are conscientious and dedicated, and every effort they make deserves respect and recognition. A salute to all workers – you've worked hard, and happy holidays! As May Day arrives, the air fills with the fragrance of tea. The spring light is warm, and all things flourish. Set aside the busyness, enjoy a moment of tranquility, choose a quiet place, brew a pot of fine tea, and savor its sweetness and freshness. Let a good cup of tea…

The Year of the Dragon has arrived, and many people, after their annual performance reviews, are now faced with the reality of renewing their job responsibility statements. In fact, job responsibility statements are not a modern invention; they date back to the Western Han Dynasty. In the Western Han period, Wang Bao, a native of Zizhong (present-day Ziyang), Sichuan, lived in Chengdu at the home of Yang Hui, a widow. He engaged in a battle of wits with a bearded slave named Bian Liao, writing a document called "Tongyue" for him, initially just to play a prank on the slave who lacked self-awareness. Unintentionally, this act provided the tea world with its first proof that tea was a commodity. This dual achievement was likely unexpected even by Wang Bao himself. Bian Liao demanded that his new master, Wang Bao, clearly specify his duties: "Since it has come to this, you should write down all the tasks I'm expected to do in the contract, just like when Master Yang bought me. Otherwise, I won't do them!" It seems that Bian Liao, perhaps because he couldn't read or knew very little, intended to make things difficult for his new master, whom he…

On cold days, sitting by the window savoring tea, with ample sunlight flooding the tea setting.A tea setting laid out, a corner of the world chosen; three to five close friends, savoring tea and emptying their minds; listening to music and meditating, enjoying every moment. In the midst of a busy life, there's always a chance to relax and enjoy the beauty of life. Meeting up with three to five close friends, savoring tea and emptying our minds, listening to music and meditating, is undoubtedly an excellent way to do so. Decorating one's tea setting with light and warm tones, making tea life less gloomy like a cold winter, bringing a touch of warmth to oneself and those who partake in tea. The Song Dynasty poet Song Qingzhi wrote a piece called “Opening the Furnace Day Essay”: “...paper quilts filled with new down, tea bowls brewing fine spring water. Though it may be just a small space, there's a delightful sense of spring.” It can be seen that during this season, if one could brew a pot of tea at home, even the smallest and simplest of houses would seem to have a warm spring atmosphere. Select a quiet corner,…

With a desire for tea, I rise to brew it. Boiling water in an iron kettle, I slowly pour it over the leaves, and soon the fragrance fills my study, making the surroundings come alive with vibrant energy. The freshly brewed tea is a bit too hot, so I usually wait for it to cool down a bit before drinking, which allows me to better appreciate its subtle flavors. While waiting for the tea to cool, I can quietly admire the beauty of the tea itself. For a long time, I had the habit of drinking the tea immediately after brewing and refilling as needed, without pausing to truly savor it. The rich red tea is poured into a transparent lotus-shaped glass cup, taking on the shape of the vessel. The cup and the tea meet each other, illuminating one another like a lamp in the study, subtly changing the light. Watching the petals of the cup unfold is delightful. Seen against the light, the tea becomes even clearer, and the red color more vibrant. Holding the cup in both hands feels like embracing a liquid warmth. This is akin to Wang Yangming's words: "When you look at this flower,…

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…

As stated in the book "Newly Compiled Yunnan General Gazetteer: Examination of Local Products - Tea," written in the 1940s, "The name Puer tea holds a special place among Chinese teas, far surpassing those from Anhui, Fujian, Zhejiang, and other regions." Puer tea is a gift from heaven and also one of nature's most generous gifts to humanity. It is a purely natural product that has survived the process of natural selection. As time progresses and technology advances, we should have a deeper understanding and appreciation of Puer tea. Puer tea is a solid-state naturally post-fermented tea. Microorganisms and enzymes invisible to the naked eye participate in the fermentation process, producing secondary metabolites with beneficial biological activity. These substances provide functions such as antibacterial, anti-tumor, antioxidant properties, and promote metabolism in the human body. In line with the conventional thinking of most tea-producing areas in China, if we categorize teas by geographical location, color, or production method, Puer tea cannot be grouped together with them. Puer historically served as a distribution center for Puer tea, unlike teas named after their places of origin like Longjing, Huangshan Maofeng, Xinyang Maojian, and Wuyi rock teas. Some people classify raw Puer tea as…

Echo once said: Drinking tea, the first infusion is as bitter as life, the second as sweet as love, and the third as light as a breeze. Chinese people like to compare love to tea—the natural floral fragrance in tea symbolizes the sweetness of love; the bright, clean tea broth represents its purity; and the taste of tea resonates with the enduring nature of love. The coming together of two hearts is like the fusion of tea and water—a brave and sincere union. A long-standing, accumulated emotion is much like a tea broth that invites contemplation. When compared to love, tea takes on an added layer of lingering romance. From meeting, getting to know each other, to staying together, we experience winds and rains. The twists and turns of time turn seasons into memories of spring, summer, autumn, and winter. And some stories are about turning around after many twists and turns, only to find what you were looking for all along. There are countless teas in the world, each with its own charm, and love shares many similarities with tea. Believe that one will drink many types of tea and encounter many kinds of love in their lifetime. Some…

In the river section from Li Bu town in Cangwu County, Guangxi to Fengkai town in Guangdong Province, the tea-laden boats switch to larger sailing vessels. The Tanka people, operating as families or clans, join in with great enthusiasm, leaving indelible marks in the annals of the ancient tea boat route. The blazing sun of mid-June is intense, even as evening approaches, the temperature remains quite high. In a small store next to the cultural playground in Shadi Village, Li Bu Town, Cangwu County, four elderly villagers - Mai Ruiqing, Nie Fuwen, Mai Weixiong, and Mai Xiuxing sit together. These elders are now in their late seventies and eighties; they spent years navigating the waterway between Liubao Town in Cangwu, Guangxi and Jiangkou Town in Fengkai County, Guangdong. They know every detail of this waterway and can even point out where the Jilong Wharf once stood on the riverbank next to the cultural playground before 1950. Nowadays, these elderly men often gather under the eaves of the small store, reminiscing over a pot of cool tea. Unknowingly, they open up memories that have been long forgotten... Unloading at Li Bu and Switching to Larger Boats Li Bu Town is located…

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…

The Song Dynasty, a period of cultural prosperity in Chinese history, was particularly renowned for its advanced tea culture, with the pointing tea method playing a significant role. This article will guide you through the tea culture of the Song Dynasty, exploring the historical origins, technical characteristics, and modern inheritance of pointing tea. I. Historical Background of Song Dynasty Tea Culture The Song Dynasty (960-1279) was a period of remarkable development in culture, economy, and technology in Chinese history. During this time, tea was not only a daily beverage but also a cultural symbol and medium for social interaction. The literati of the Song Dynasty elevated tea drinking to an art form, creating a unique tea culture. II. Origins and Development of the Pointing Tea Method The pointing tea method originated during the Tang Dynasty but saw significant development and refinement in the Song Dynasty. The method involves grinding tea leaves into powder, then brewing them with hot water and stirring until frothy. This method of tea consumption emphasized not only the color, aroma, and taste of the tea but also the ceremonial and aesthetic aspects of the tea-drinking process. III. The Essence of Pointing Tea Techniques The pointing tea…

Cooking fuel, rice, oil, salt, soy sauce, vinegar, and tea—life without tea lacks its full luster. Through summer, spring, winter, and autumn, there's always a perfect season for savoring tea. For example, in winter, one can hide in plain sight among the bustling city or find deeper solace in a cup of tea. In this season, gather with like-minded friends, free from the distractions of gain or the disputes of daily life. As the saying goes, whether your cup is full or empty, why vie? Whether your brew is strong or light, it has its own flavor. Such is the way, all well and good. In winter, boil a pot of Pu'er tea. Reflect on the past and look ahead to the future. Time leaves behind memories and sighs that once troubled our spirits, sleepless nights that once weighed on our hearts, tears that once wet our words. Through mountains and rivers, we learn to hold up the future and let go of the past, seeing the myriad faces of the world with an ordinary heart. Tea shared with a friend warms the heart even in winter. Our souls yearn for tranquility, a chance to slow down. Tea must be…

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…

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 this fast-paced era, everyone seems to be carrying a heavy burden, rushing along the tracks of life. Some hustle for the warmth of their families, some strive for the shores of their dreams, and others struggle in the minutiae of daily life. We are like trains that never rest, day after day, shuttling between two points, while our souls often slumber in fatigue. But don't forget, besides striving, life also has poetry and distance, and there is that unexpected scent of tea that can gently awaken our sleeping souls. Tea, a beverage that has been associated with leisure since ancient times, is not just a way to quench thirst; it is also an attitude towards life, a cherishing of beautiful moments. I remember a casual chat with a friend, who casually said, "Once I've learned the guzheng well, we'll play music and drink tea together, sharing that tranquility and harmony." I laughed, but my heart was stirred. Yes, why wait for some uncertain future moment? Why not let this beauty happen now? So, we decided right then and there to brew a pot of good tea, letting the aroma and laughter intertwine into the most moving melody. In that…

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…

Tea is the soft whisper of time, each leaf unfurling a tale of years gone by. Though silent, it gradually releases the essence of nature and the changing seasons as it embraces boiling water. A good cup of tea is like meeting an old friend again; no words are needed as the tacit understanding and familiarity quietly flow through the rising fragrance of the tea. During a tranquil afternoon, holding a cup of green tea, watch as the emerald leaves swirl and sink in the water, mirroring the ups and downs of life’s journey. At first taste, it may be slightly bitter, but with careful savoring, it becomes refreshing and leaves a lasting aftertaste. Isn’t this just like our lives? We must weather storms to see rainbows and appreciate the sweetness after tasting bitterness. A pot of Pu'er shared with close friends, sitting around a stove, laughing and chatting from dawn till dusk, time silently passes in the aroma of tea, leaving behind a rare sense of tranquility and detachment. Tea is not only an art of living but also a comfort for the soul. It teaches us that no matter how noisy the outside world may be, as long…

Mom's younger sister is middle-aged now, her thick black hair streaked with silver. Her voice, when calling out to her children, is strong and powerful, tinged with the wear and tear of time. Grandma, smiling warmly, like many other women who pick tea, has long since melded into the tea mountains. That tea affair, that long-haired girl drinking tea, who would remember any of it? It only appears in my mind, transformed and shifting, that smile like a spring breeze through the forest. The tea-picking aunt is elderly now, suffering from rheumatism, her hands shaking as she walks alone around the house. Grandpa, who used to make tea, is skin and bones; he no longer has the strength to stand by the large iron wok and stir-fry a pot of handmade tea for his children and grandchildren, much less go out to attend a tea event. This man who loved socializing and kept up appearances, after a serious illness, his face turned the color of tea. He gasped for breath and waved his hand, unwilling to eat meals at the same table as his children and grandchildren. Sometimes, getting out of bed required Dad's help. He took the food cooked…

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…

As human beings, we are higher animals who need to live positively. We realize our values through dedicated work. In the process of achieving self-worth, there will inevitably be periods of confusion, as if we've shifted into "neutral"; at such times, no amount of acceleration will get us moving again. This is something everyone encounters. Although it may seem like a bad thing, it's actually beneficial, especially for those who can quickly recover by adjusting themselves. In such a state, how do you adjust yourself? Some people need to travel to clear their minds; others find solace in quiet reading; some require intense exercise to vent; and still, others can heal themselves simply by indulging in shopping... There's actually another excellent method for self-adjustment: closing your door to quietly enjoy tea. In an extremely peaceful space, you can easily break through your own "bottleneck". Sit cross-legged, gaze out the window, bask slowly in the sunshine, sip a delicate tea, close your eyes slightly, feel the aroma of the tea swirling in the air, let your thoughts fly freely without restraint. In such a personal space, savor the tea's fragrance repeatedly. You can imagine its source, visualize the growth of plants,…