Tea Culture

In early winter 2018, we held a tea gathering in front of the Mogao Caves, titled "Glimmering Light - A Visionary Experience." The tea practitioners scooped up the sand from Mogao and placed it into a glass hourglass. As the hourglass was turned over, the tea ceremony began. Water was poured, tea liquor extracted, served, and sipped. We did not invite many people; just a few tea lovers who had traveled far to sit with us in the desert. The transparent glass frames held tea notes, with sand and wind swirling outside, and the corners of the tea practitioners' robes and their footsteps. The tea wasn't scalding hot, but it still warmed us. Thinking about this tea, I returned again. Yangguan – Flickering Fires in the Wind I've been to Yangguan several times, each time bringing tea and a pot of wine. Zhao Wen carried her zither, saying she would play "Three Stanzas of Yangguan" there. On a clear winter day, the wooden walkway on the Gobi Desert was empty. The brown-red Gobi was protected by the boardwalk, the sandy and gravel ground layered deep and shallow, extending all the way to the horizon. Within these layers, air currents made…

Tea is an ancient and mysterious beverage that carries thousands of years of cultural heritage of the Chinese nation. For many, drinking tea is not just a daily habit but also a way to seek inner peace. In this fast-paced modern society, we are often preoccupied with the minutiae of work and life, leaving little time for a moment’s respite. However, when we lift a cup of tea and savor its flavors, we seem to transcend time and space, returning to a tranquil world. Drinking tea is a pleasure. The moment boiling water meets the leaves, the aroma fills the air, captivating us. The leaves tumble and unfurl in the water, as if narrating an ancient story. We can sense the nuances of the tea – its bitterness, sweetness, and richness – all unique tastes bestowed by nature. Each sip brings different sensations, offering a brief respite from our busy lives. Drinking tea doesn’t require expertise. For most people, the taste and fragrance of tea are paramount. There’s no need to be a tea connoisseur or understand every type’s characteristics and benefits. All one needs is to choose a tea that suits their preference and savor it with intention. The…

Abstract: Lushan Cloud and Mist Tea, a treasure of Chinese tea culture, is steeped in mystery and romance in its origins and legends. This article analyzes its historical roots, environment and characteristics, production methods and identification, cultural significance and symbolism, market status and development, as well as personal experiences and reflections, to illustrate the natural beauty and cultural heritage embodied in Lushan Cloud and Mist Tea. Please bear with any limitations or errors (personal views; April 2024). Keywords: China; tea culture; Lushan Cloud and Mist; historical and cultural significance; value I. Historical Origins of Lushan Cloud and Mist Tea 1.1 Origins and Legends Lushan Cloud and Mist Tea, a gem of Chinese tea culture, has origins and legends filled with mystery and romance. According to historical records, the history of Lushan Cloud and Mist Tea can be traced back to the Han Dynasty, when tea farmers were already picking tea leaves amidst the misty mountains of Lushan. The legends surrounding its origin are widely circulated, adding an aura of legend to Lushan Cloud and Mist Tea. According to legend, Lushan Cloud and Mist Tea was created by a monk named Huiyuan. While practicing in Lushan, Monk Huiyuan discovered that the…

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…

Tea, a miraculous beverage from the ancient East, is like an invisible yet delicate and resilient thread woven deeply into the fabric of Chinese life, becoming an indispensable part of daily routines. It is more than just a liquid to quench thirst; it is a unique and profound cultural symbol, a vivid embodiment of elegant and refined living aesthetics. Tea grows in the embrace of nature, quietly sprouting among green mountains and clear waters. Drawing nourishment from the earth, basking in sunlight and dew, it absorbs the essence of heaven and earth, embodying the flavor of nature. Each leaf is a gift from nature, carrying the scent of the forest and the stories of the seasons. Then, through the skilled hands of craftsmen and the refinement of fire, the tea undergoes processes such as fixation, rolling, and roasting, blending the aroma and essence bestowed by nature with the craftsmanship of humanity. Tea is also a significant carrier of cultural heritage. Throughout China's millennia-long history, tea culture has been passed down through generations. Within a cup of light tea broth lies the spirit of etiquette, harmony, and restraint that characterizes the Chinese nation. Tea rituals showcase respect and humility between people;…

In the fragrant world of Fujian, white tea captivates countless tea enthusiasts with its unique charm. Yet, for aficionados of white tea, there is often a lingering question: Is loose leaf better, or compressed tea? This question becomes more profound as one delves deeper into the appreciation of white tea. Should one seek the natural purity of loose leaves, or the rich intensity of compressed tea? Let's embark on this exploration together to find answers. I. The Original Form of White Tea: Loose Leaf The production process of white tea is simple yet sophisticated. Without undergoing fixation, rolling, or kneading, fresh leaves are directly withered and then dried before being sealed for storage. Loose leaf white tea retains the most natural state of the tea, scattered and arranged in a natural manner, like an effortless creation of nature. Tea lovers often say that loose white tea embodies the true essence of white tea, with each leaf radiating its original vitality. Among high-quality white teas such as Silver Needle, premium, and first-grade Bai Mudan (commonly known as Peony King, Premium Bai Mudan, or High Grade Peony), the loose leaf form is more common. This is not only because they have high…

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

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

Abstract: The historical background and development of yellow tea is a legendary epic. From its origins in the Tang Dynasty to its prosperity during the Ming and Qing dynasties, and on to modern innovation and development, yellow tea has won the affection and respect of people with its unique quality and taste. This article analyzes the history, techniques, characteristics, distribution areas, values, brands and markets, challenges, and prospects of Chinese yellow tea, providing an overview of its past, present, and future. (Disclaimer: personal opinion; April 2024.) Keywords: China; tea culture; yellow tea; history; market outlook I. Historical Origins of Chinese Yellow Tea 1.1 Historical Background and Development The historical background and development of yellow tea are extensive, with its rich cultural heritage and unique production techniques giving it a significant place in Chinese tea culture. According to historical records, the earliest traces of yellow tea date back to the Tang Dynasty, with accounts of its production and consumption. However, it was during the Ming and Qing dynasties that yellow tea truly gained prominence. At that time, the production techniques became more refined, and the quality improved, making it a tribute tea for the imperial court and highly favored by royalty.…

White tea, a unique and charming variety of tea, holds an important place in the tea world due to its distinctive qualities and characteristics. The production process of white tea appears simple but requires high technical expertise. Without stir-frying or kneading, it is merely withered under sunlight or indoors, then gently dried over a low heat, preserving the most authentic state of the tea leaves. This is why white tea typically presents as grayish green, covered with fine white down, appearing elegant like silver adorned in simplicity. Freshly made white tea has a refreshing taste and a clear, fresh aroma, with a scent reminiscent of soy milk that is intoxicating, and its liquor is light yellow and bright, as clear as the first ray of morning sunshine. However, as time passes, white tea embarks on a magical journey of transformation. During the "one-year tea" stage, it has the characteristics of a slightly fermented tea, with a slightly cool nature, much like a young and vibrant teenager. By the "three-year medicine" phase, the white tea has undergone subtle changes. Properly stored white tea loses its youthful freshness, the color of its liquor deepens, its aroma becomes more mellow, and its taste…

Tea leaves gently unfurl, settling into the porcelain cup, and in an instant, the world within the cup comes alive. Each leaf carries the breath of the mountains and the nourishment of dew, slowly unfolding in the water as if narrating a poetic chapter of life. And I wish to become that listening ear, savoring not just its taste but also its sound—the gentle stream of water from the pot, whispers of nature, and the hymn of life. As the ancients said: “Water has three stages of boiling.” Each stage is a natural symphony. At the first boil, fine bubbles resemble fish eyes, with a soft rustling like the wind through the forest; at the second boil, the water sounds grow clearer, like a clear spring flowing over stones, which is the perfect time for brewing tea; by the third boil, it roars like the surge of rivers and seas, stirring the heart and soul, almost as if one can hear the resonance of their own heartbeat. On rainy days, sipping tea adds another layer of ambiance. The pitter-patter of rain outside intertwines with the gurgling of water in the pot, creating a soothing melody. Steam fills the room, dispelling…

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…

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…

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

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…

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…

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.…

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…

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,…

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…

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

Sitting idle over tea on the weekend, feeling a simple satisfaction. Perhaps this is what our predecessors referred to as the clear richness in life. Feelings of happiness, pure joy, and tranquility—savoring a cup of tea purely for its taste. Smell the aroma, take a sip, and feel the tea flowing down your throat into your body. Relax your eyes, your mouth, your ears, your nose, and let your whole being unwind, so you can truly appreciate the flavor of the water and the fragrance of the tea leaves. You might even sense the sunlight, air, and soil that nurtured them. A single cup of tea can bring such contentment. Approach each moment with this contented heart, slow down, clear your mind, relax while drinking tea, and live mindfully. In this moment, the tea reflects your own heart, and what you imbibe is your own experience and perception of life. This is simple, yet real. Tea is an invitation to the surprises of life, and life is a series of beautiful tea gatherings. Through the omnipresent presence of tea in life, find peace within. Slow your breathing and let today's happiness begin with a cup of 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…

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…