Tea Culture

After the mid-Qing dynasty, Wuzhou became an important commercial port along the Xijiang waterway. Part of the Liubao tea was transported upstream from Jiangkou and Doucheng docks in Guangdong, converging in Wuzhou before being sent to major ports in the Pearl River Delta region, forming a new form of transportation and trade for Liubao tea. In the Liubao tea culture exhibition hall of the Wuzhou Tea Factory, there is a cultural wall reflecting the development journey of the Liubao tea industry, displaying many old photos of the factory in its early days. Recently, Mr. Liu Fusheng revisited the Wuzhou Tea Factory and specifically came to this cultural wall, gently touching one of the photos displayed on it. In this photo, workers at the tea factory are pushing Liubao tea packed in large bamboo baskets to the triangular mouth dock next to the factory using wooden carts. He gazed for a long time before speaking: “After the Liubao tea produced by the Wuzhou Tea Factory was transported to the dock, it would be loaded onto cargo ships waiting there, which then carried it batch by batch down the Xijiang to Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Macau, and even further abroad…” Selling Tea at…

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…

## Abstract: China's Douyun Maojian tea is a high-quality green tea from Douyun City, Guizhou Province, with a widespread origin story. This article analyzes the historical background, cultural connotations, production techniques, taste characteristics, value and benefits, and market development of Douyun Maojian tea to illustrate its history, culture, and modern value. Please bear with any limitations or errors (personal views; April 2024). **Keywords:** China; Tea culture; Douyun Maojian; Historical and cultural aspects; Modern value  *Image source: Network* ### I. Historical Background of Douyun Maojian Tea #### 1.1 Origin and Legends China's Douyun Maojian tea is a high-quality green tea from Douyun City, Guizhou Province, with widely circulated origins and legends. It is said that the legend of Douyun Maojian tea can be traced back to the Tang Dynasty. According to legend, there was a master of tea studies named Lu Yu who discovered a type of tea tree in the Douyun area during his travels in Guizhou. This tea tree grew at higher altitudes, with thick, tender buds that were fine, uniform, and covered in prominent downy hairs. Lu Yu praised this tea highly, considering it of excellent quality. He made tea from these leaves, finding the taste exceptional.…

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…

Tea, a time capsule preserving the essence of spring. A cup of spring tea soothes the mind and moistens the dry throat. For tea lovers, spring is inseparable from such a cup of spring tea. Even if you stay indoors, you can savor the fresh fragrance of myriad landscapes in a cup of tea. Spring is a delightful season for tea enthusiasts, watching the tea leaves gradually unfurl in water, as if drinking the entire spring. Even as summer approaches, tea-related activities continue unabated. For those who love tea, they integrate it into their daily life, enjoying it between three meals, under bright sunlight, and after sunset, all within the gentle flow of time. As April's beauty fades, savor a cup of richly fragrant tea, allowing the serene beauty of time to slowly unfold. As the saying goes, "Sipping tea is not merely drinking; it embodies the refined aspirations of the benevolent." For tea lovers, when holding a cup in hand, sipping slowly and gently, a warm current spreads from the tip of the tongue to the heart. Then, the lingering sweetness arises after the initial hint of bitterness, and the whole body feels rejuvenated. Liking tea is a sentiment…

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…

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…

Life is a rush, and what’s most precious is the joy that comes from within. Tea is a gentle touch of extraordinary in our ordinary days. Though it doesn’t speak, it quietly weaves a web of happiness in its unique way. Taking a sip of fragrant tea slows down the entire world. The lingering aroma not only nourishes the palate but also soothes the restless mind. The magic of tea lies in its rich aromas, which act as nature’s perfumers, gently sweeping away worries and leaving behind tranquility and peace. Theanine, the source of tea’s fresh and sweet taste, enhances the flavor of the tea while acting like a masseuse for the soul, helping us find serenity amidst busyness and restlessness. Brewing tea is a tender conversation with time. Preparing water, selecting tea, and steeping it—each step requires patience and should not be rushed. In “Four Lectures on Taste,” Jiang Xun discusses the aesthetics of life: “If you eat a meal hurriedly, you won’t love your life. But if you prepare and enjoy a meal carefully, you will love your life because you feel that you have spent time and effort on it, that you have prepared for it.” Tea…

As the national drink of China, tea carries a long history and profound cultural heritage. Tea culture not only embodies the Chinese people's love and appreciation for life but also contains rich philosophical thought and wisdom about life. This article will explore the inheritance and development of tea culture, as well as its status and role in modern life. I. Inheritance of Tea Culture 1. Spirit of Tea Ceremony The spirit of tea ceremony is an essential component of tea culture, rooted in Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism. The tea ceremony emphasizes “harmony, tranquility, joy, and truth,” pursuing inner peace and serenity. The spirit of tea ceremony is fully demonstrated in tea art performances and tea gatherings, becoming an important carrier for the inheritance of tea culture. 2. Tea Art Skills Tea art skills include selecting tea, brewing tea, and tasting tea, with strict standards and techniques for each step. Tea artists showcase the charm of tea culture through their exquisite skills, making tea art an important means of inheriting tea culture. 3. Local Tea Customs Unique tea customs are found across China, such as morning tea in Guangdong, gaiwan tea in Sichuan, and Pu'er tea in Yunnan. These local tea…

In ancient China, drinking tea was considered as an art and a kind of enjoyment. Living in a fast pace environment nowadays, it might be quite difficult for us to imagine how our ancestors drank tea. Kebin Feng, a famous scholar during Ming dynasty, proposed the famous “Thirteen Rules”, which describes the thirteen different scenarios most ‘appropriate’ for drinking tea.(Kebin Feng is from Shandong Yidu (today’s Qingzhou). He became a successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations in 1622, later he retired and lived in seclusion during the beginning of Qing dynasty. He is famous for writing and editing the series of books named 'Guang Bai Chuan Xue Hai', 'Jie Cha Jian' is a famous book included in the series. The book has about one thousand words, containing discussions and theories about the production and information about tea.) Here is the 'Thirteen Rules of tea drinking' that he proposed in the book:1. When we're freeThere is an old Chinese poem, 'In spring the flowers blossom, in autumn the moon is at its brightest, in summer there are cool breezes and in winter there is snow. When we have no concerns or worries, then it is the best "season" in life.' All seasons have…

Zhang Ailing once said, “People in their middle age often feel this kind of loneliness, feeling that everyone who opens their eyes relies on them, yet there is not a single person they can rely on.” Being lonely with no one to rely on, yet being strong for others to lean on, is the norm for middle-aged life. In middle age, one may be mature and experienced, but life can still cause pain: worrying when family members are sick, getting angry when children don’t listen, feeling disappointed when mistakes occur at work, or worrying about finances… If one encounters tea in middle age, a thread of tea fragrance and a sense of tranquility can certainly help you set aside daily trivialities and circumvent the complexities before your eyes. In the process of boiling water, brewing tea, raising a cup, and tasting the brew, one can calm their mind. No matter how busy life gets, one can find leisure in a cup of tea. No matter how difficult times become, one can find joy in a cup of tea. Encountering tea in middle age means tea will comfort you. Life is like tea, with its ups and downs, and more often…

One person, one cup of tea, a whole world unto themselves. What is savored is the tea; what becomes tranquil is the heart; what is enlightened is the Zen; what is purified is the soul. Tea, a tender leaf, carries profound cultural significance. It is not merely a beverage to quench thirst but also a spiritual anchor in Chinese life. Zen is a practice, a state of inner peace and composure. The combination of tea and Zen transforms tea into an instrument for cultivation and a means of understanding life. Tea is the spiritual bud of Zen, while Zen is the elevation of tea. The shared pursuit of both is the heart, insight, meditation, and self-cultivation. Meditating and sitting in stillness are like brewing tea, both focused on a single state of being, engaging in dialogue with oneself and one's heart. A cup of tea, a Zen moment, like the interplay of light and shadow on water and mountains, naturally coexist. In modern society, tea and Zen culture remain significant. Amidst the fast-paced lifestyle, people often feel stressed and anxious. Sipping tea can help relax the body and mind, alleviating stress. The root of human suffering lies in the inability…

The terrain in the Menghai tea region is complex, forming small-scale ecosystems where tea trees grow. Through natural hybridization, natural selection, and artificial selection, these ecosystems have given rise to a rich variety of tea tree species with distinct botanical characteristics. Wild tea tree (Photographed by Zuo Lianjiang)The main locations for wild tea trees within the county are Xiding, Mengsong, Meng'a, Bulang Mountain, and Gelande, belonging to the Dali tea species. These trees typically grow singly and scattered throughout mountainous areas at an altitude of around 1,500 meters. Looking at their distribution pattern, it decreases from southwest to northeast. Generally, these trees are tall with upright or semi-spreading postures, small leaves, few veins that are not prominent, flat surfaces, thick and smooth leathery textures, sparse downy hairs on young shoots, long internodes, and serrated leaf margins that are sparse and not obvious. The posterior part of the leaf often lacks serrations, and there are few rounds of leaf sprouting. The quality of tea made from these leaves is generally poor, with a bitter taste and a light color. They have strong resistance. A typical example is the "Tea Tree King" in Bada, which is over 1,700 years old. The cultivated…

White tea, a unique and precious type of tea, is beloved for its delicate taste and rich nutritional value. Originating from China, it carries a long history and cultural heritage. Let's embark on a journey to appreciate white tea and savor its charm and flavors. The history of white tea can be traced back hundreds of years, with a long-standing tradition in regions such as Fujian and Yunnan in China. Initially, white tea was presented as a tribute to royalty due to its rarity and unique quality. Over time, it gradually became part of everyday life, becoming a popular beverage. The production process of white tea is relatively simple yet requires meticulous skill and patience. After picking, the leaves are sun-dried and withered, preserving the natural aroma and nutritional components of the tea. Compared to other teas, the processing of white tea is more natural, without undergoing the steps of fixation or rolling, which allows it to retain higher levels of polyphenols and amino acids. When tasting white tea, one can experience its distinctive flavor and aroma. The infusion has a light yellow color, clear and bright, giving a refreshing feeling. In terms of taste, white tea is characterized by…

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…

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…

For over a century, Liubao tea has been continuously exported through the ancient tea ship route into Southeast Asia, deeply integrating into the daily lives of local Chinese communities. The September monsoon breezes across the west coast of the Malay Peninsula, adding a cool touch to Malacca's evenings. In front of Wu Kunlun's house, in a simple tea pavilion, more than a dozen tea enthusiasts gather around, savoring the fragrant aroma of Liubao tea, chatting and enjoying each other's company in a harmonious atmosphere. These tea gatherings have continued for over a decade, with most participants being avid fans of Liubao tea. Over the years, they've formed bonds over their shared love for tea, spending time together tasting, discussing, and purchasing tea, with Liubao tea always being the central topic of conversation. For many Southeast Asian tea enthusiasts, the cup of tea holds not just the rich and aromatic Liubao tea but also encapsulates the diverse social dynamics and sentiments of their homeland. Because Liubao tea, through its export along the ancient tea ship route in Southeast Asia, has witnessed the region's changes over more than a century and become deeply ingrained in the daily lives of local Chinese communities.…

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…

The Song Dynasty was a time of abundant brick tea (also known as "tuán chá" or "piàn chá"). Regarding the production techniques of this period's brick teas, apart from the main processes recorded in "Beiyuan Bielu" for tribute teas (picking, sorting, steaming, pressing, grinding, shaping, drying), there was also the "gao you shou mian" technique, which involved adding a paste-like substance to the surface of the brick tea. Although this technique has been widely discussed by Song literati, detailed records of its specific operations are scarce, leading to a lack of systematic research on it within academia. Academic interpretations of "gao you shou mian" have largely focused on Su Shi's poem, "To know the purity of heart is good, not new with paste on the surface," interpreting it primarily as the act of applying paste to the surface of brick tea, with some suggesting it was a method of tea fraud. There are few discussions in academia about the formation of "gao you shou mian," though some trace it back to the Tang Dynasty, but their arguments are not particularly persuasive. The selection of materials for the paste is widely mentioned to include fragrant pastes, rice paste, and occasionally tea…

Tea is not merely a beverage, but also a way of life and a sanctuary for the soul. When we lift a cup of fragrant tea to our lips and savor it gently, we are not only tasting the flavor of the tea, but also feeling the warmth of life and understanding the wisdom of existence. Drinking tea is an appreciation of its beauty and an artistic expression of life. It is a medium of etiquette that elevates life through tea and a lifestyle that cultivates the self through tea. To each person, tea holds different meanings. From the daily necessities of firewood, rice, oil, salt, soy sauce, vinegar, and tea, representing the ordinary and practical aspects of life, to the poetic symbols of music, chess, calligraphy, painting, poetry, wine, and tea, there is a depth of meaning. In times of thirst and heat, tea is a timely balm, refreshing body and soul. And when we slow down, taking time to enjoy tea in a leisurely manner, feeling the tranquility around us, that is the essence of life. It's important to know that the life you yearn for can be found in tea. A simple life is made pure by…

For Chinese, seven essentials to begin the day with is ‘firewood, rice, salt, oil, sauce, vinegar, and tea’. One can imagine the kind of importance it holds in China. How do people in China drink tea? Usually, we prefer to have their tea with friends and family. It is a refreshing experience for us to calm the minds. We have small teapots (usually 3 inches long) and tiny cups in which we consume tea. The Just correct amount of tea leaves, enough to cover the pot is put in. Some hot water is poured onto the tea leaves. This is generally done to show the guests that the flavors of the tea are now ‘open'. After allowing tea to brew for a minute, the host fills a small jug (gaiwan) with the entire contents of the teapot. The tea from the jug is poured into tiny tea cups and guests are asked to pick the cups. They are now asked to relish the aroma, flavor, and taste of the tea in order to tranquilize their senses. Having authentic tea with the Chinese people and exploring the culture is a major tourist attraction in China. What teas do Chinese people drink? With modern day creation such…

Since I started drinking tea, I've developed a kind of dependence on it. It's like an addiction that I can't let go of. The word "addiction" generally leaves a bad impression, as in alcohol addiction, smoking addiction, or internet addiction. I love tea, and each person may have their own specific reasons for doing so: the lightness of the tea, its sweetness, its bitterness, its gentleness, or its aftertaste... In the hearts of tea lovers, tea is more than just tea; it's akin to the multifaceted nature of life, depicting different states for different people. Our connection with tea is inexplicable. Among thousands of varieties, those who love tea will have their preferences, but this affection and understanding of tea come from within. Cherish a fine cup of tea, waiting for a kindred spirit. Whenever someone talks about a good cup of tea, my eyes light up, and I don’t miss any opportunity to taste it. In the eyes of tea enthusiasts, every type of tea has its supreme quality, and which one you prefer depends on personal taste and the mood at the moment of tasting. Different teas bring different feelings and understandings at different times. The love for…

Abstract: Through a long historical development, Xinyang Maojian Tea has become a brilliant highlight in Chinese tea culture due to its unique origin and exquisite production techniques. This article analyzes the historical origins, cultural connotations, quality characteristics, production processes, market trends, inheritance, and innovation of Xinyang Maojian Tea, thereby elucidating its history, culture, and modern value. Please note that this is one author's perspective, and errors are inevitable; your indulgence is kindly requested (one person's opinion; April 2024). Keywords: China; Tea Culture; Xinyang Maojian; Historical and Cultural; Modern Value I. Historical Origins of Xinyang Maojian Tea 1.1 Origin and Legends Xinyang Maojian Tea is a type of green tea produced in the Xinyang region of Henan Province, China. There are several stories about the origin and legends of Xinyang Maojian Tea: 1. Legend One: It is said that during the reign of Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty, a tea farmer accidentally fell into a pile of tea leaves while picking them. When he climbed up in fright, he found that his sweat had covered the tea leaves. After roasting these leaves, he discovered that they were bright green in color and delicious, becoming the prototype of Xinyang Maojian Tea.…

In the season of Great Heat, the scorching sun seems to intoxicate all living things with its endless fervor. Tea is like an elegant hermit who finds a tranquil haven amidst the hustle and bustle, dancing to a melodious rhythm alongside life. Tea is a touch of coolness in the midst of Great Heat, unhurried and unrushed, seeping into every soul that yearns for peace with its unique warmth. On a sweaty afternoon, brew a pot of good tea and watch as the emerald leaves tumble and settle in the water, ultimately finding calm, just like the ups and downs of life culminating in tranquility. This tea not only quenches thirst but also soothes the heart, offering us a glimpse of clarity and profound understanding of life amidst our busyness and restlessness. Life is like the weather during Great Heat, sometimes burning hot, sometimes oppressively stifling. And tea is the harmonizer, allowing us to feel coolness amidst the heat and find comfort in the midst of oppression. Every sip of tea is a taste of life and a reflection on existence. It teaches us that no matter how tumultuous the outside world may be, we must maintain inner tranquility and…