Tea Culture

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…

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…

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…

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,…

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…

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 true manifestation of nature. Within every Chinese heart lies a whiff of tea fragrance. This magical leaf has nourished our civilization for thousands of years and imbued us with a gentle, jade-like national character. In the collective taste memory and emotional reliance of the Chinese people, tea remains warm and beautiful. For in a cup of tea, there always exists our utopia, the best way to get close to nature. “Our most intimate contact with the natural environment occurs when we eat it.” British historian Philip Fernando-Armesto wrote this in his book Eating: How Food Transformed Us and Our Human and Global History. If we extend this statement to Pu'er tea, especially ancient tree tea, it couldn’t be more fitting. Industrial civilization and urbanization have distanced us from nature, but only tea retains its true essence, presenting the authenticity of nature amidst steel, concrete, glass, and car exhaust. The Lancang River water, trickling down from the snow-capped peaks, fuses with the land where humans and nature coexist harmoniously in Yunnan, giving birth to this miraculous and delightful leaf. Millions of years ago, nature's magic hand allowed tea trees to thrive along the middle and lower reaches of…

Abstract: The origin and development of ancient tea culture is an integral part of Chinese tea culture, carrying rich historical connotations and cultural significance, adding a vibrant stroke to the spiritual homeland of the Chinese nation. At the same time, ancient tea culture provides valuable insights for the development of modern tea culture, allowing us to appreciate the profoundness of traditional Chinese culture while savoring the aroma of tea. This article analyzes the historical origins, characteristics of varieties, cultivation techniques, cultural aesthetics, application development, and communication of Chinese tea, illustrating its millennium heritage and contemporary appeal. (Note: Written from a personal perspective; April 2024.) Keywords: Chinese tea; heritage; charm I. Historical Origins of Chinese Tea 1.1 Origin and Development of Ancient Tea Culture The origins of Chinese tea culture can be traced back thousands of years, with its deep historical roots and unique cultural essence forming an important component of the Chinese national spirit. Historical records show that tea was used as a beverage as early as the era of Shen Nong, reaching its peak during the Tang Dynasty. Lu Yu's "Classic of Tea," written during the Tang Dynasty, is the earliest, most complete, and most comprehensive treatise on tea,…

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…

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 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…

Incorporated into Daily Life Singapore's Guangzhen Tea Shop has been in business for over 80 years, consistently trading in Liubao tea. Soon after opening, workers doing manual labor, such as construction, began purchasing Liubao tea from the shop. Gradually, the group of female workers, primarily Cantonese Chinese, became the main consumers of Guangzhen Tea Shop, according to its manager, Liu Xiufeng, who said, "In the past, much of our Liubao tea was sold to the 'Red Turbans.' Even now, their descendants remain our customers." Purchase contract for Liubao tea signed in 1973 between Guanghui Feng Tea Shop in Malaysia and the Guangxi Branch Company of the China National Native Products and Animal By-Products Import and Export Corporation in Wuzhou. Liubao tea samples sent from Hong Kong to Liang Ruisheng Tea and Cigarette Shop in Ipoh, Malaysia, in 1971. Entering the 20th century, the development of Southeast Asia entered a new phase, with rapid advancements in urban and port construction. Ports in cities like Singapore, Penang, Kuala Lumpur, and Jakarta developed at an increasingly faster pace, and many Chinese workers participated in these developments. The second wave of Chinese workers moving to Southeast Asia starting in the 1920s brought large numbers…

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…

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 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…

A pot of tea, the leaves dancing in water, indifferent to joy or sorrow, not competing for morning or night, not sighing at the passage of time. When we drink tea together, we don’t talk about worldly worries. In this cup of tea, there are countless causes and effects, but we need not delve deeply into them. It seems that everything is predestined, accumulated over lifetimes; all we need to do is pick up our teacups. Our meeting in this life, whether it be during autumn’s ripening or spring’s budding. I brew the tea, you come to drink it, and we talk about how the city’s neon lights, no matter how splendid, can never surpass the simple pleasure of trimming a lampwick during leisure time. It is this moment of tranquility that makes us cherish the present time and life, as if in a cycle, like the tea’s cycle of rebirth. The tea in the cup changes from light to dark, floating and sinking, gathering and dispersing. During each tea-drinking session, my heart calmly accepts these changes, brewing with care and drinking with mindfulness. Drinking tea with friends who love tea involves savoring it slowly until it’s fully appreciated. It…

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…

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…

Along with the rise and fall of Liubao tea industry, the ancient tea ship route has gone through phases of formation, prosperity, dormancy, revival, and decline, leaving a splendid chapter in China's tea transportation history. The ancient route is vast and time has passed slowly. The development of the Liubao tea industry has undergone changes over several hundred years, and the tea ship route has also gone through a long journey from its formation to prosperity, dormancy, revival, and decline. Today, the Liubao tea industry is experiencing a comprehensive revival, but the ancient tea ship route mostly remains as traces of the past. However, there is no doubt that in the course of history, this ancient route, which coexisted with Liubao tea, has written a unique and splendid chapter in China's tea transportation history. The name "Tea Pavilion" can be seen on a map of Cangwu from the 32nd year of the Kangxi era (1693) of the Qing dynasty. 1. The "Annals of Cangwu County" compiled during the Tongzhi era of the Qing dynasty contains records about Liubao tea. 2. On the attached map of Cangwu County in the "Annals of Cangwu County" compiled during the Tongzhi era of the…

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…

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…

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,…

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.…

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.…