Tea Culture

China is the birthplace of tea, and most Chinese people love it, from the imperial court to ordinary citizens. The ancient Chinese imperial court's fondness for tea drinking and tea culture led to the establishment of a tribute tea system that has lasted for thousands of years, exerting a profound and lasting influence on China's tea production and tea cultural heritage. ### Concept of Tribute Tea What is tribute tea? According to the dictionary, "tribute" can mean: 1. The act of paying tribute or presenting items by vassal states or subjects to their sovereign or the imperial court. 2. The items presented as tribute. 3. The recommendation of talented individuals. 4. The tax system during the Xia Dynasty. 5. To present something. 6. A surname. Therefore, tribute tea refers to tea offered as a gift by vassal states or subjects to the emperor or the imperial court. Tea falls under the category of local tribute, which consists of local specialties or regional products. There are primarily two types of local tribute: regular tribute with set quotas and miscellaneous tribute for the royal family's needs at any time. The principle of "tribute according to the land" dictates that "the tribute should…

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…

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,…

Do you like tea? Do you know the difference between Indian tea and our own? When it comes to India's national drink, it has to be tea. For many Indians, a day should start with a cup of Indian chai (masala chai), and this is not the end; they may buy several more cups from small shops and tea stalls throughout the day. Indian chai is typically made by combining tea leaves, milk, sugar, ginger root, cardamom, and cloves among other spices. However, tea is not native to India, tracing its roots back to Chinese tea. The history of Indian tea is quite short. In fact, just sixty or seventy years ago in India, most people had never tasted tea, let alone chai. Let’s delve into the specific history of Indian tea. It is claimed that as far back as ancient India, tea trees grew wild in the northeastern state of Assam. During the 12th century, the Jingpo tribe (a cross-border ethnic group mainly distributed in Yunnan Province in China, and also in India and Myanmar) and several other indigenous groups frequently drank wild tea. They would pack roasted dried tea leaves into bamboo tubes and then smoke them. To…

Changes in Manufacturing Processes The increased demand for Liubao tea abroad has boosted its exports, strengthened the Liubao tea industry, and driven continuous improvements in its manufacturing processes. According to "A Brief Record of Guangxi's Special Products," historically, early Liubao tea was made from fresh leaves through a process that included killing the green, initial kneading, heap fermentation, secondary kneading, and drying. This, however, was only the preliminary processing. As the overseas market expanded and Liubao tea needed to be transported by ship along the ancient tea route, local tea makers developed a refined processing technique. This involved using the coarsely processed green tea as raw material, sorting it, blending it according to different grades, heap fermenting it, and then steaming and compressing it multiple times. This traditional refined technology not only facilitated transportation but also allowed the tea to age well over time, making it suitable for shipping. According to "Guangxi Agricultural Communications," this technique had become the standard refined process for Liubao tea by the 1930s. Traditional tea utensils used by Singaporean Chinese families for drinking Liubao tea However, during the war years and into the late 1940s, the quality of Liubao tea produced in Wuzhou plummeted. A…

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, 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…

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…

Tea, as an integral part of traditional Chinese culture, has been endowed with rich cultural connotations and a variety of elegant names since ancient times. In ancient texts, there are numerous names for tea, but "tea" is the most formal term. Before the mid-Tang Dynasty, the character for "tea" was typically written as "tú," which had multiple meanings, one of which referred to tea leaves. With the flourishing of tea production and the popularization of tea-drinking habits, the frequency of using the name for tea gradually increased. To more clearly express the meaning of tea, folk writers simplified the character "tú," removing one stroke, forming the familiar "tea" character we know today. In the poetry and writings of ancient literati, tea has various nicknames, which not only reflect its diversity but also demonstrate the ancients' love and pursuit of tea culture. Here are some of the nicknames for tea found in ancient poetry: 1. Tú (Tear) "Tú" is the most commonly used character to represent tea in ancient times, first appearing in the Book of Songs. Scholars have differing opinions on whether "tú" refers specifically to tea. Xu Shen, in his "Etymological Dictionary" from the Eastern Han Dynasty, mentions: "Tú,…

The Dragon Boat Festival, also known as the Duanwu Festival, is one of China's traditional festivals, held annually on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month. Alongside eating rice dumplings (zongzi) and dragon boat racing, tea tasting is an integral part of the festival. On this day filled with traditional culture, the fragrance of tea adds a unique charm to the festivities. On the day of the Dragon Boat Festival, households prepare tea to share with family and friends. People use exquisite tea sets to brew fine tea, savoring its flavors carefully. The aroma of the tea is soothing and refreshing, seemingly dispelling the heat and irritability of summer. Moreover, tea tasting is a social activity where people exchange feelings and share life experiences, strengthening friendships and bonds. In addition to family gatherings, various tea cultural activities are held during the Dragon Boat Festival period. These include tea art performances and tea ceremony demonstrations, showcasing the exquisite skills of tea art and spreading the essence of tea culture. Audiences can learn more about tea knowledge and cultural connotations while enjoying these performances. The relationship between the Dragon Boat Festival and tea goes beyond drinking; it's also about cultural heritage.…

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…

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

## 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.…

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

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,…

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.…

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!

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…

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…

Driving for a little over an hour from Quanzhou, Fujian, you arrive at Xiping Town, Anxi County—the birthplace of Tieguanyin. Xiping was once known as Qipeng, named after the mythical great roc said to have rested here. After passing through the town, we entered the winding mountain roads, our car like a fish swimming upstream into a sea of green. Looking out the window, tea fields stretched as far as the eye could see, terraced hills and sprawling plots in various shapes and sizes. Upon entering Nanyan Village, the air was filled with a fresh, invigorating tea fragrance. Taking a deep breath, every nerve and cell relaxed. When we arrived at Taishanlou, the annual Nanyan Tieguanyin Tea King Competition was entering its final round. The villagers held their breath, intently watching the courtyard. In the center stood a large tea table, about four to five meters long, on which ten white porcelain lidded jars were lined up horizontally, each corresponding to a numbered sample from 1 to 10. Staff took samples from the jars, weighing them according to standard procedures before placing them into the jars. Facing each jar, three white porcelain tea cups were arranged in a vertical row,…

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 fact Aside from the commonly enjoyed "Laba Porridge," there is another Laba beverage in the tea world—the "Laba Tea." Have you heard of it? What’s in Laba Tea? Laba Tea, also known as Eight-Treasure Tea, has origins dating back to the Tang Dynasty, making it a famous tea with over 1,400 years of history. It is said that during the prosperous Tang period on the Silk Road, merchants would commonly brew a tea soup using dried fruits from various regions along with tea leaves, which served as an early form of Laba Tea for quenching thirst. Laba Tea typically consists of eight components, including tea leaves, red dates, goji berries, walnut kernels, longan, sesame seeds, raisins, and chrysanthemum flowers, among others. Additional ingredients can be added according to personal preference. How to Brew Laba Tea? The only requirement for drinking Laba Tea is to use a lidded bowl, as most of the tea ingredients are dried fruits. After pouring boiling water over them, the ingredients need to be stewed with steam to achieve the best taste, making a lidded bowl the perfect choice. Place the eight ingredients into a lidded bowl and rinse with boiling water, causing the ingredients…

Zhao Lingzhi was a renowned poet from the late Northern Song to early Southern Song dynasties, known for his profound literary accomplishments and calligraphic talent. His work, The Tea Grant Postscript, is housed in the Tokyo National Museum in Japan, making it a precious cultural heritage. Overview of the Work The Tea Grant Postscript is a work of running script, consisting of fifty-seven characters spread across nine lines. This calligraphy piece showcases Zhao Lingzhi's unique artistic style through its straightforward yet lively brushwork and composition. It subtly reflects the elegance of Dongpo's style while also demonstrating the author's concise literary expression. Content of the Work The Tea Grant Postscript is a letter that touches on the tea-granting system of the Song Dynasty, which was a form of etiquette between monarch and minister. In the letter, Zhao Lingzhi mentions that due to continuous heavy rain, he received greetings and pears and chestnuts as gifts from the other party, for which he expresses gratitude. He also notes that he was fortunate enough to receive tea from the emperor and wishes to offer one cake of it to his esteemed benefactor. The phrase "I hope you cherish this time" in the letter conveys…

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…