Tea Culture

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…

Puer Raw Tea Savoring Aroma, Freshness, and Terroir In the warm March of spring, in the deep forests of Yunnan, new shoots of large-leaf tea plants are sprouting, awaiting their annual rendezvous with tea pickers. For thousands of years, the leaves nurtured in these mountains have been making their way to the outside world, a journey eagerly anticipated by tea enthusiasts far and wide in search of that perfect cup of Puer. Much like the coffee industry, which spans from cultivation to processing, roasting, and extraction, every step in the production of Puer tea – from planting to processing, storage, and brewing – is guided by national standards. We spoke with various participants in the tea industry, including seasoned tea makers from the “State Factory Era,” tea merchants who deal with aged teas and export, native tea producers with a deep affection for pure single-origin teas, and companies striving for full traceability across the supply chain. We learned that finding a good cup of Puer often requires wisdom beyond the established standards. A Leaf, a Universe Zheng Jixiong, a senior engineer in tea manufacturing and a master tea maker of national renown in Puer tea, exudes an aura of scientific…

Tea is a constant presence in Chinese households, no matter where you are, there’s always a warm cup of tea waiting for you.Initially, I thought it was just for health and wellness, but I never imagined the incredible benefits it offers. In short, drinking tea is so rewarding that I can’t imagine my life without it. As a medium for emotional exchange, tea brings people closer and deepens connections. Understanding the significance of this cup of tea makes anywhere feel like home. Knowing about tea provides great conversation starters, allowing you to chat comfortably wherever you go. Tea encapsulates a lifetime of moments into its light and varied flavors, leaving a lingering fragrance in one’s heart. Though silent, tea speaks through its inviting aroma. One loves tea, hence drinks it; one drinks tea, hence loves it. The character of tea resonates with the character of those who drink it. Subtle and fragrant, tea has a lasting aftertaste, calmly engaging with the world without competition or rush. A true lover of tea can maintain rationality and kindness amidst the noise of the world. In the moment of drinking tea, what’s rare is leisure, letting go of distractions, and clarity of mind.…

June brings the scent of summer. As temperatures rise and heat intensifies, what can rescue you from this sultry season is not just icy cold soda – while sweet and refreshing at first, such drinks are actually detrimental to our health. To spend a light and breezy summer, drinking Pu'er tea is an option. Besides choosing the right time and method of consumption, Pu'er tea can also be a "good helper" in other aspects of life. A Cup of Pu'er to Dissipate Heat In traditional thinking, one drinks green tea in summer and Pu'er in winter. However, Pu'er tea is also very suitable for summer consumption and has better health benefits than green tea. In hot summers, the body loses more water and minerals, leading to feelings of thirst and exhaustion. At such times, a cup of Pu'er tea, with its tea polyphenols, amino acids, water-soluble pectin, aromatic substances, etc., can stimulate oral mucosa and promote saliva secretion, thus quenching thirst and refreshing the mouth. The caffeine and other components in Pu'er tea can also help to invigorate and refresh your mind. Selecting the Right Type of Pu'er When choosing between raw and ripe Pu'er, it's best to drink raw…

In the long-standing tea culture, the concept of "welcoming guests with tea, valuing harmony, and prioritizing purity" has always been central, carrying profound humanistic connotations and etiquette norms. Tea tasting is far from simply placing tea leaves in a cup and pouring hot water over them. The requirement for "purity" is an essential part of the process of tea tasting. To truly achieve the realm of tea tasting, one must have a clean environment, clean utensils, pure tea, and pure water. This word "pure" is the fundamental premise and core element of tea tasting. Before welcoming esteemed guests, meticulous preparatory cleaning is particularly critical. Before the guest steps into the tea room, the entire space should undergo a thorough and detailed cleaning. Every piece of tea ware must be ensured to be free of stains and water marks, presenting an immaculate state inside and out. This not only provides a visually clean and tidy impression but also has strict requirements in terms of olfactory experience. Opening windows in advance to ventilate and introduce fresh, pleasant air creates a pure and comfortable atmosphere. During this process, it is not recommended to spray chemical products like air fresheners, as these may interfere…

Learning about tea is both an outer form and a deeper inner cultivation. Tea, bitter in the mouth, yet soothing in the heart. Learning about tea is much the same. Finding one’s own "way of tea" and returning to one's true self is a process. Those who start learning about tea are often confused, with one person espousing their beliefs and another singing a different tune. So the first realm of learning about tea is forming your own opinion. Regardless of what others say, consider it thoughtfully, ponder it, and then make a judgment. You don’t have to lean towards any particular side, but at least you have your own perspective! Once you’ve formed your own viewpoint, you’ll start to develop your own identity and circle, encountering those who share your views and those who don’t. This is when you receive the most significant impact, as conflicting theories and perspectives flood in, from idealist viewpoints to materialistic ideologies. Maintain skepticism about explanations of various viewpoints and distrust of so-called masters, possibly even feeling disheartened! From this point on, you won’t miss any opportunity to learn. You buy books, read them, make friends with fellow tea enthusiasts, and draw closer to…

The long wind has blown through the forest for a thousand years, countless tea trees swaying within it, the tranquil tea fragrance already scattered across thousands of miles. This is Jingmai Mountain, a thousand-year-old ancient tea forest recognized by the whole world. The villages dotted in the forest, like a serendipitous glimpse of utopia. The gray rooftops in clusters, thatch old and tenacious in time. Huge dark green banana leaves poke out, teasing the cherry blossoms that only come in spring. Sunset on the flowers in her hair, embroidery lines on the black skirt connecting centuries of family blessings, large bamboo baskets filled with sweetness, small embroidered sachets holding our whispered secrets. When the mountain moon rises, lanterns light up the skyway, deep blue background mingling with many lights, welcoming every moonlight appearance, saying goodbye to every sunrise, the mountain people as sturdy as rocks live and breathe with Jingmai Mountain, life continues, brilliant like the mountain flowers. Seeing the bond between people and the land is so concrete and clear, from ancient times to modern days, never truly distant. Original article published in the Pu'er Magazine

Liang Sicheng said: For the Chinese, having a courtyard of one’s own means the spirit truly has a place to settle. The Chinese have had a deep affection for courtyards since ancient times. Whether in the halls of power or far from officialdom, there was always a courtyard. A courtyard bears a way of life, a world different from the noise outside. A courtyard is the yearning many people have for their hometowns and homesteads; it hides a beautiful little world in our hearts. Bright flagstones, grey-tiled eaves, scattered flowers and trees, curling smoke from cooking fires, the scent of food wafting over from neighbors, and children playing in the courtyard unaware of the setting sun. Now that we have left the courtyards behind and moved into tall city buildings, we are gradually becoming estranged from the reassuring connection to the earth, gradually forgetting our old dreams of being at one with nature. Time is just right, life is stable. Having a courtyard, returning to nature and oneself, brewing tea and reading books, listening to the wind and rain lying down, has become a pursuit. Many people yearn for a garden of their own, a place where they can be…

During the Qing Dynasty, the local society of the Six Great Tea Mountains was a mix of officials, merchants, indigenous people, and others, all dependent on the tea mountains for their livelihood. These diverse groups were like individual notes that together composed the symphony of Pu'er tea's destiny. Old Yibang Street After the establishment of the Pu'er Prefecture through the replacement of native administration with imperial rule, the barriers between the Six Great Tea Mountains and the outside world were broken down, and an influx of merchants from outside entered the tea mountains. There were conflicts and mutual benefits between these newcomers and the local inhabitants, and over time they gradually blended together, painting a colorful picture of life in the tea mountains. The Qing government formally appointed local officials such as Wu Zhaohu of Yiwu, Cao Dangzai of Yibang, Ba Longfu and La Zha Bian of Bulang. The indigenous people living in the Six Great Tea Mountains at the time were primarily the Woni and Puman tribes, and there were also some local chieftains active between the native officials and the indigenous people. The leaders of the incoming merchants were called presidents, heads, chiefs, or leaders, serving to bridge…

In the world of tea, tea stems, often overlooked as the “green leaf,” actually play an indispensable role, particularly in dark tea. They are not only a source of aroma but also a flavor harmonizer. This article delves into the unique value of tea stems in dark tea and how they influence its aroma and taste, inviting you to appreciate the charm of tea stems.   Tea Stems: The Source of Dark Tea’s “Perfume” Tea stems contain rich aromatic substances. During the production of dark tea, these aromatics release from the stems, blending with the buds and leaves, combining with the active components of the tea to transform into higher-quality fragrances. An appropriate amount of tea stems, like the base notes in perfume, adds depth and layers to the dark tea, making its aroma richer and more lasting. Tea Stems: The Choice “Flavor Enhancer” for Dark Tea Mature tea stems contain more tea polysaccharides, proteins, minerals, and other components than tender leaves. These water-soluble substances dissolve quickly in the tea infusion during brewing, enriching the mouthfeel and making it fuller and smoother. The theanine in tea stems gives dark tea a distinctive freshness, enhancing its overall flavor and turning it…

Tea, this ancient and magical beverage, occupies a unique and significant place in Chinese culinary culture. It is not merely a drink but also a way of life, a cultural legacy, and a spiritual anchor. Chinese culinary culture is extensive and profound, with tea and wine serving as typical representatives that showcase the richness and diversity of Chinese culture while reflecting the multifaceted nature of the Chinese character. "Tea is like a hermit, and wine like a knight." Tea enables people to return to their true selves in tranquility, while wine allows them to release themselves in exuberance. However, whether one drinks wine or tea, they are fundamentally pursuing a state of mind. As the saying goes, "Wine doesn’t intoxicate; it’s the heart that becomes drunk. Tea doesn’t purify; it’s the heart that is clear," referring to a spiritual experience beyond the material realm. Drinking wine often correlates closely with one's emotional fluctuations. In times of joy, wine amplifies the merriment, allowing it to be more freely expressed; when troubled, it serves as a means to drown sorrows, providing temporary respite from worldly troubles in the midst of intoxication. For poets and scholars drinking alone, wine becomes a medium for…

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…

Tea, like an elegant envoy stepping out of the depths of history, has traversed thousands of years and continues to exude its enchanting fragrance under the pens of literati and poets. It is more than just a simple beverage; it is a profound cultural symbol, an expression of deep affection for life and a unique attitude towards it. Before the delicate tea leaves even touch the lips, their lingering aroma already fills the surroundings, as if carrying the sediment of time and ancient wisdom, captivating the heart and soul. In tranquil nights, when all is quiet, only the gentle breeze softly caresses, bringing a hint of coolness. At such moments, humming a melodious ancient tune, one's thoughts can seemingly traverse through the tunnel of time, engaging in a spiritual dialogue with the ancients. Brewing a cup of fragrant tea elevates this tranquility and rustic ambiance to the utmost degree. Tea is not meant for guzzling. To simply raise the cup hastily and drain it is a desecration of its true essence, akin to the crude behavior of a boorish person. Tea should be sipped gently and savored slowly. Each mouthful of tea carries a unique and subtle flavor that lingers…

Tea, the last of the seven essentials for daily life, is also a refined aspect of living.Every daily activity has its own order in life. Only after the basic needs like firewood, rice, oil, salt, and soy sauce are met, does tea come into play. Tea is a spiritual nourishment that comes after satisfying one's physical needs, offering enjoyment beyond the material. It represents our pursuit of a fulfilling life. Drinking tea invigorates us and enhances our quality of life. A bowl of tea refreshes the spirit, dispels fatigue, brings leisure, fosters friendship, and stirs up ripples of beauty in life. A person who enjoys tea naturally harbors a deep love for life, emotions, and existence; here there is the scholarly aroma of inkstones and brushes, the lingering melody of music, and the Zen-like serenity and freedom of classical gardens with their winding paths. Tea brings you tranquility. Slowly boiling water, gently infusing the tea, the aroma fills the air, the leaves unfurl, and the brew deepens, permeating body and soul. With tea by your side every day, soothing your worries and calming your mind, it will be your companion for a long time. In times of frustration and distress,…

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…

The Chinese yearning for natural landscapes is inscribed in our very genes. When climbing mountains, one expresses emotions through them; when seeing water, sentiments are felt within it. Since ancient times, countless literati and poets have poured their true feelings into the vast expanse of nature. Every blade of grass, every tree, every cliff, and every ravine in Wuyi Mountain reveals its beauty in the leisurely flow of wild streams and the grandeur of bell sounds at great heights, standing out in the southeast of China. 01 WUYI MOUNTAIN Jade peaks and emerald covers, blue waters and vermilion mountains Transformed by wind and rain into jade bones, they defy ordinary interpretations. In his fifties, Lu You, serving as the vice magistrate of Jian'ning Prefecture in northern Fujian, was captivated by the wonders of Wuyi Mountain. Here, he brewed tea, enjoyed it, composed poetry, and wrote magnificent verses such as "A Tour of Wuyi Mountain." The Wuyi Mountains, stretching for thousands of miles, are a significant feature in southeastern China. With hundreds of peaks over 1,000 meters high, Wuyi Mountain stands tall, its main peak Huanggang Mountain reaching 2,160.8 meters, rivaling the Five Great Mountains, and known as the "Roof of…

Misty Tanyang Village (Photo by Zheng Haidong) Tanyang Village, a picturesque hamlet nestled beneath Mount Baiyun in Fuan City, has gained international acclaim due to the creation of a particular type of black tea. From the successful trial production of black tea during the Yongzheng and Qianlong eras of the Qing Dynasty to being named Tanyang Gongfu in the first year of the Xianfeng era (1851), Tanyang prospered due to the thriving tea trade and also experienced periods of decline. Since the reform and opening up, Tanyang Village has undergone a vivid revival in the tea industry and poverty alleviation, with the story of "Four Visits to Tanyang" becoming widely known and inspiring. In this new era, the people of Tanyang are writing a legendary chapter of rural revitalization using their unique tea. Today, the name Tanyang transcends the fragrance and beauty of its tea; it represents not only the spirit of the Tanyang people in overcoming poverty but also a sense of nostalgia. The green mountains remain eternal, and the clear waters flow forever; once you've tasted Tanyang Gongfu tea, the memory lingers even after you leave. The Former Residence of Tanyang Tea Merchants Tanyang Gongfu Tea (Photo by…

Living in the moment with ease, life has tea. The material life is developing rapidly, and we are getting more affluent. However, when we specifically arrange to meet up for tea, it feels much more significant; those who join you for tea care more and cherish the moment. Being able to find someone to share a cup of tea with is itself a form of happiness. Drinking tea is one of life’s pleasures. Even if the tea is simple and the meal plain, the warmth brought by the people sitting around you will make that cup of tea warm, sweet, fragrant, and long-lasting. A person who can join you for tea is one who brings calmness to your heart. Only with inner peace and composure can one face the various challenges of life calmly. Finding comfort in despair, regaining confidence in hopelessness, rediscovering oneself in confusion, and seeing light in the cold—all these stem from the inner strength cultivated over cups of shared tea. The more tea you drink, the simpler the life you aspire to becomes. There is nothing more delightful than drinking tea. Brew a pot of fragrant tea, and the distance between people disappears immediately. How many…

In the eleventh year of Chongzhen (1638 AD), in May, Xu Xiake entered Yunnan from Guizhou, marking the final chapter of his life's travels. For him, perhaps the most memorable thing about Yunnan was the availability of excellent tea everywhere he went, "sufficient to console the traveler." In *Xu Xiake's Travel Notes*, he recorded over 80 tea-related events during his journey, nearly 60 of which took place in Yunnan. This reflects the popularity of tea drinking in Ming Dynasty Yunnan. Not long after his Yunnan travels, in the fourteenth year of Chongzhen (1641 AD), Xu Xiake passed away in his hometown Jiangyin. Three years later, Qing troops crossed the pass, and the Ming-Qing dynastic change began, with warfare quickly spreading to Yunnan. From the rebellion of the local chieftain Sha Dingzhou in the second year of Shunzhi (1645 AD) to the Qing forces' pacification of Yunnan in the first year of Kangxi (1662 AD), and finally the suppression of Wu Sangui's rebellion in the twentieth year of Kangxi (1681 AD), the continuous warfare for almost 40 years had long erased the prosperity of tea culture that Xu Xiake had described. It wasn't until the Qianlong era that Pu'er tea from…

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…

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

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.…

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…

I. Initial Impressions and Cultural Significance of Tea As an ancient and mysterious beverage, tea has unfolded like a vibrant tapestry throughout history. It is more than just a simple thirst-quencher; it is a cultural symbol carrying countless emotions and philosophies. From the ancient Silk Road to the studies of literati, from the tables of ordinary people to the tranquil corners of temple meditation halls, tea is everywhere, exuding its unique charm. Throughout history, tea has been closely associated with scholars and poets. They have depicted its flavors through elegant poetry and moving artwork, expressing their love and admiration for tea. In their works, tea is a magical substance that touches the soul, a source of inspiration, and a place for emotional refuge. Tea seems to be a key that opens the door to tranquility and beauty within us, allowing us to find our own oasis amidst the noise of the world. II. Bitterness: The Unique Flavor of Tea and the Challenges of Life (1) The Origin and Expression of Bitterness in Tea When we talk about tea, the subtle bitterness is often the first taste to touch our palate. Different types of tea have varying degrees and expressions of…